Enactus UKZN - Rehabilitating Offenders and Saving the Environment

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Every day, ordinary wooden pallets are used to stock, store and move goods. A group of entrepreneurial and civic-minded UKZN students have come up with an ingenious way of upcycling discarded wooden pallets while  rehabilitating ex-offenders. 

Enactus UKZN Project Manager Ms Zusiphe Nako, a BA Legal Studies and Criminology student, said the Pallet Project offers rehabilitated ex-offenders with dormant carpentry skills a new lease on life. ‘These rehabilitated offenders use their crafting skills as a livelihood strategy and a method to dissuade them from further criminal activities,’ said Nako.

Sevontein Correctional Centre, a medium security prison in Pietermaritzburg, uses carpentry to rehabilitate inmates. But they encounter problems when trying to integrate back into society. ‘When rehabilitated offenders are released, many struggle to exercise the skills gained due to financial limitations, equipment and resource limitations and the negative social stigma attached to them which in turn affects their employability,’ she said.

Enactus students have recruited Mr Siyabonga Ntuli from Mawelewele, Klaarwater in Durban into the Pallet Project. Ntuli is a rehabilitated offender and carpenter with the determination to rise above his circumstances and a drive to be a successful entrepreneur and productive member of society.

Ntuli’s initial foray into entrepreneurship was through an informal chicken business, but working with wood is his forte. ‘Enactus UKZN’s Pallet Project intervention began to change things for Siyabonga,’ said a pleased Nako.

Enactus approached Heart Eco, specialists in reclaimed board and timber located in Pinetown, to assist with this innovative project. A local carpenter and employee at Heart Eco, Mr Siphamandla Ngcobo ran a pallet workshop for Ntuli to ensure he creates high quality products suitable for discerning customers.

While the Pallet Project is in its infancy, Ntuli is already working on a sample product range of outdoor seating, tables, chicken crates and vertical gardens to kick-start his carpentry business. The products will be available for viewing and purchasing on online platforms including Instagram, Facebook and a website for Ntuli’s carpentry business.

Redundant pallets are collected from local businesses – 32 pallets have already been secured from AirSprings Supply Company. ‘Any wooden pallets that cannot be returned or re-used for production pose a big problem for many warehouses, shipping companies and other businesses,’ said Nako.

‘Recycling old wooden pallets prevents them from being disposed in landfill sites, in turn preventing more trees from being cut and milled to produce more pallets. This philosophy of utilising what we have is a great way to reduce our impact on the environment.

‘Most wooden pallets can be reused and repaired multiple times, aside from a small proportion designed for single use. Pallets that cannot be reused can be upcycled into a range of wood-based pallet products. The whole process itself is extremely environmentally and financially beneficial,’ she said.

Once off the ground, the Pallet Project aims to involve deserving and willing young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them an opportunity to participate in business and carpentry workshops. ‘For many of these young individuals, these workshops will be their chance to break the cycle of poverty,’ said Nako.

Nako acknowledged fellow Enactus members who contributed to the implementation of the project.

If you would like to get involved or know more about this project and other projects, contact Enactus UKZN General Secretary, Siphesihle Sekeleni on: ssekeleni.enactusukzn@gmail.com or like/follow these social media accounts:

• Facebook: Enactus-UKZN
• Instagram: @EnactusUKZN
• Twitter: @EnactusUKZN
  

*Established in 1975 in the USA, Enactus brings together a community of students, academics and business leaders who are committed to harnessing entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied