What started with one man and a single bakkie in Boksburg has become a powerful force for change in Gauteng and the Northern Cape. Silas Phasha, founder of Boki Trading Enterprise, has spent nearly two decades proving that recycling isn’t just about waste — it’s about impact. Silas has built a thriving business that now employs around 100 people and operates across Gauteng and the Northern Cape.
What began as a means to help locals find somewhere to sell their recyclables has grown into a powerful circular economy engine. Today, Boki Trading collects hundreds of tons of recyclables each year, with glass at the centre of it all.
“Glass is clean, pure, and 100% recyclable – over and over again,” says Silas. “It’s one of the most sustainable materials out there. If we recycle it properly, it keeps our country clean and our economy moving.”
Silas has made it his mission to help his community see the value in waste.
He’s worked across neighbourhoods, helping reduce litter while providing locals with the opportunity to earn income from what others throw away. Through recycling, families are putting food on the table, sending children to school, and walking a little taller.
His long-standing partnership with The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has helped him expand his reach and impact. TGRC initially provided scales and bags to lower his start-up costs. More recently, their transport subsidy has enabled him to reach new areas, collect larger volumes, and create more jobs.
“TGRC’s support has made a big difference. Without it, we wouldn’t be reaching these volumes,” says Silas.
For him, the true reward is personal. “Boki now supports ten of my relatives, including my son – who has formal qualifications but chose to stay and work in recycling. That means the world to me.”
Silas’s message is clear: glass recycling is about more than just income – it’s about dignity, pride, and environmental responsibility.
Join Silas and thousands of South Africans who are transforming waste into jobs, cleaner communities, and a greener future. Whether you want to start your own glass recycling business or simply help make a difference, TGRC is here to support you every step of the way. Visit www.tgrc.co.za or WhatsApp 073 809 8467 today – because together, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa.
The post From Boksburg to Kuruman: How glass recycling built a legacy for Silas Phasha and his community first appeared on The Glass Recycling Company.
