+27 69 645 8339

Lulama, meaning "recover" in Zulu, is an innovative Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) enabling community-driven social impact through localised, small-scale recycling of waste plastic, paper and glass. 
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WHAT WE DO

Enabling Entrepreneurs

We operate at the intersection of empowerment and environmental conservation, providing skills development to build a critical mass of qualified entrepreneurs active in micro recycling at source. Through our initiatives, we are creating effective and sustainable business skills and practices that drive upliftment, collaboration and exchange. 

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goals and objectives

Small-scale recycling. BIG impact.

By supporting and enabling our operators and their teams we drive the upliftment of both individuals and the communities in which they operate. 
  • Economic Growth

    We empower our operators through training, facilitating the development of successful businesses by providing access to essential tools and certifications. It's how we ensure our entrepreneurs create opportunities for themselves and the people who work for them. 
  • Community Responsibility

    We create impact in our communities by expanding opportunities for waste collectors, so they can earn income on their own terms. By building their partnerships with our operators, they are working together for mutual benefit and sustainable growth. 
  • Environmental Change

    To create a circular economy, we actively seek opportunities to collect, monetise and recycle plastic, paper and glass. Through these efforts, we contribute to economic sustainability, community cleanliness and the creation of a safer environment for everyone.
How we create impact

OUR SOLUTIONS

We believe that entrepreneurship and sustainability go hand in hand. That's why we deploy Micro Recycling Pods (MRPs) as a solution that enables our entrepreneurs. These innovative Pods serve as catalysts for local economic growth by giving our operators the opportunity to establish their own recycling businesses - and with buy-back agreements already in place, it's a win-win.

With a cluster of FOUR Pods already operating in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact these have in communities, creating jobs and promoting environmental stewardship simultaneously. Pods alone however do not guarantee the success of our operators, so our main focus is to provide ongoing support across four pillars.
Pillar one: supporting our operators

Training and Upskilling

Our core mission revolves around the development of local entrepreneurs and their teams. To achieve this, we have developed structured training programmes that cater to the unique needs of these individuals which also ensure that our initiatives directly impact the growth and success of their businesses. 
pillar two: the hardware

Improving our Pods

To optimise our operators' working conditions we assist them on an ongoing basis to improve their work conditions, find solutions for water and electricity supply as well as security measures and to ensure they have the skills to use technology for improved communication. In addition, we work with them to expand their recyclable items collection to boost their revenue and environmental impact.
pillar three: social impact

Community Work and Education

As the needs of each community differ, we create tailored education programmes for every area in which we work. Collaborating with local organisations and stakeholders, community-specific initiatives are developed to foster sustainable practices and empower individuals to contribute positively to their environment.
pillar four: measuring success

Monitoring and Evaluation

Our Monitoring and Evaluation process drives success across Lulama's key areas. Under Economic Growth, we measure all the business basics as well as the sustainability. For Community Engagement, we assess our success in building a culture of learning and empowerment. And under Environmental Responsibility, we scrutinize our impact in the community and more.
CONTACT the Team

Deidre Oelofse

Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities

Phone: 083 450 6347

Email: dee@lulama.earth
Meet the Team

Our Technology Partner

Ocean Plastic Technologies

At the core of our mission is the strategic placement of micro recycling pods within the communities in which we actively participate. These pods are operated by dedicated local teams tasked with the collection, sorting and cleaning of waste. Equipped with cutting-edge processes and equipment, these pods ensure efficient processing of waste plastic, culminating in the sale of recycled materials. All our pods are sourced from our strategic partner, Ocean Plastic Technologies.
be part of our impact

How YOU can Help

Lulama already has four entrepreneurs operating their own micro recycling businesses but there are countless more aspiring business people that would jump at the opportunity and communities that would benefit from our circular economy initiatives.
To expand our reach and provide more young, ambitious individuals with business opportunities, we require additional funding. Your support will help us scale our efforts and will directly impact the lives of local entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Your generosity will empower these individuals with the skills and resources they need to succeed, while also improving the infrastructure that supports their endeavors.
Get in Touch

Let's Chat

If you have any queries or want to reach us, simply fill out the form below and we will  get in touch with you. 
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Lulama

Unit 55, Acacia Business Park, 73 Nguni Way, Waterfall, 3620, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

+27 69 645 8339

dee@lulama.earth

Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm, Sat & Sun: closed