About

Winnie is a visionary leader and a beacon of empowerment, driven by a deep passion for transforming lives and communities. Her mission is to inspire individuals to design their lives as purpose-driven masterpieces, fostering growth, reflection, and transformation far beyond traditional skills training. Winnie empowers individuals to take charge of their lives, guiding them to navigate life with intention and purpose. From achieving life-work balance to nurturing healthy relationships, Winnie helps learners build the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life. She is deeply committed to dismantling limiting beliefs and guiding individuals to recognize their inner worth, teaching them to overcome self-doubt and embrace their potential as resilient, capable individuals. Winnie’s passion for upcycling drives her to train and mentor communities on transforming waste into valuable, marketable products. By teaching technical skills and business strategies, she enables aspiring entrepreneurs to create sustainable livelihoods. Winnie’s vision extends to fostering pride, self-sufficiency, and a new perspective on waste, inspiring communities to see beauty and opportunity in what others discard. Her work is a heartfelt journey of empowerment, creating lasting change one life at a time.

Bongi’s journey with Upcycle began in 2015, sparked by her meeting with Winnie, the CEO, while sewing bags from upcycled jeans for a mutual friend. With a background in basic sewing and crafts, Bongi eagerly joined the team, finding a new purpose in upcycling. Although she once dreamed of becoming a nurse, she discovered fulfillment in sewing, teaching, and empowering others. Shy at first, Bongi blossomed through her role, growing in confidence and communication. Now head of the sewing center, she mentors and trains her team, oversees daily operations, and leads by example by also sewing and contributing to the work herself. She ensures the quality of the products and even travels to rural areas to teach communities upcycling skills. Originally from Zimbabwe, Bongi is deeply moved by the pollution she sees when visiting home, especially plastic bottles choking rivers. This devastation fuels her passion to help people understand the harmful effects of pollution and teach them to adopt a new mindset towards waste.  She is proud to be part of Upcycle transforming waste into value and inspiring others to see the impact of small actions for a cleaner, healthier world.

May embodies an infectious blend of positive energy and ambition, dedicating his life to the stewardship of our planet Earth. As a staunch advocate for zero waste, May envisions a future where zero waste shops are ubiquitous. His guiding principle, “We don’t want a few people doing it perfectly, we want millions of people doing it imperfectly,” underscores his belief in collective action over individual perfection. With a deep-rooted passion for the planet’s abundant life, encompassing trees, animals, and people etc, May views Earth as a singular, precious resource that demands collective responsibility. His curiosity and inquisitiveness drive him to explore every avenue for environmental and sustainability efforts, and he is unwavering in his commitment to making a meaningful impact on preserving the planet for future generations. May Maoko is our M&M of community trainers. No, May is no rapper, but he does have a way with words. May’s words map a clear way of incorporating the elements of design thinking in the training of diverse groups of people in a variety of communities that are active in creating new valuable upcycled products from waste.

Mark is like a steady river—his quiet demeanor might initially seem distant, but beneath the surface, there’s a constant flow of ideas and purpose. Passionate about environmental conservation in a unique way, Mark isn’t drawn to traditional nature protection; instead, he’s captivated by the challenge of transforming waste through technology. As a child, Mark dreamed of joining special forces, but life took him on a different path—from working on ships to studying environmental health. When he finally discovered his passion for waste management and the circular economy, he found his true calling. Inspired by visionaries like Edison and Tesla, Mark envisions Upcycle as a global leader in sustainable innovation. His goal is to help companies see value in discarded materials, repurposing them into resources that benefit both business and planet. Though reserved, Mark’s inventive mind is always in motion, working towards a cleaner, more resourceful world.
 

 Amanda’s journey with Upcycle began during the lockdown when Upcycle needed a team to fulfil a large order for fabric facemasks. Bongi, who was assembling the team, reached out to Amanda because of her sewing experience, which she had gained in school. Although Amanda did not own a sewing machine, Upcycle provided the equipment, and she joined other women in sewing at a communal location. After the lockdown, Amanda continued working on a project basis, creating laptop bags for Upcycle. Having been a nanny, the family she worked for moved overseas, Amanda found herself searching for a new role to generate an income. August 2023, Upcycle offered her a full-time position sewing backpacks, laptop bags, and various other products from banner material, denim, and other upcycled fabrics. Amanda is continuously honing her skills in working with diverse textiles and creating innovative designs. She is passionate about sewing, creativity, and learning, and she loves working at Upcycle. Amanda has also joined the training team, teaching upcycling skills in rural communities, and cherishes the opportunity to share the knowledge she has gained. She dreams of one day opening her own centre where she can teach everything, she has learned at Upcycle.

 Gabi’s role at Upcycle is a perfect blend of her willingness for making a difference and her love for hands-on creativity. From her beginnings sewing drawstring bags from t-shirt sleeves at home, Gabi’s journey has expanded into a diverse array of upcycling projects, including debranding overalls, crafting masks, crocheting, creating teddy bears and cutting glass. Gabi, now working as a saleslady at Zero Waste Shop, previously crafted beautiful products from waste materials, deeply understands the importance of providing a market for handmade items. Gabi enjoys interacting with customers, helping them discover the unique treasures the shop offers. Her understanding makes her particularly adept at guiding people to find exactly what they need. Gabi feels a strong sense of purpose working at the shop, knowing she’s contributing to a wonderful cause by keeping items out of landfills and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Her loyalty to upcycling involvement is commendable and has been honed through years of self-taught skills and practical experience. 
 

   Ancha is the embodiment of resilience, kindness, and creativity. Despite any challenges life throws her way, she approaches each day with unwavering positivity and a radiant smile. Her journey with Upcycle began on January 9, 2023, when a walk past the shop sparked her curiosity about the innovative mission happening inside. Volunteering passionately for four months, her hard work and enthusiasm earned her a learnership position, allowing her to grow her skills while earning an income. Ancha’s natural creativity shines in everything she does, bringing her video and photography expertise to the team. Her dedication for teamwork and training makes her an indispensable part of the Upcycle family. Beautiful inside and out, Ancha rises above her circumstances with grace, finding joy in meaningful work and forging lasting connections with like-minded individuals.  She cherishes her role at Upcycle for its variety and the self-discovery it fosters, appreciating the opportunity to work with kindred spirits who share a vision for a better world. Being part of Upcycle not only aligns with her values but also offers her a sense of belonging, making her feel integral to a meaningful cause.

 Ipileng is a passionate, hands-on worker at Upcycle. Since joining Upcycle in May 2024, Ipileng’s days have transformed from unproductive and bored at home to a fulfilling journey of creativity and purpose. Embracing each task with joy, he works on various projects like cutting and washing banners to repurposes glass into beautiful, functional products. He loves working with his hands and takes immense pride in seeing the final products, especially when they exceed his own expectations. Ipileng’s skills in glass cutting and sanding have grown impressively, and he handles each bottle’s unique challenge with precision. Recently introduced to the laser cutter, he’s excited of developing this skill and the intricate possibilities it opens for him. Ipileng finds deep fulfilment in developing new skills and contributing to a cleaner environment. He loves the sense of purpose and camaraderie that comes from working alongside a supportive team. He can’t wait to pass on his skills, teaching his community the magic of upcycling and inspiring them to see the beauty in reuse.

 Nomsa, a domestic worker with a deep-rooted passion for sewing, discovered Upcycle through her employer and was immediately excited by the chance to enhance her sewing skills. She joined Upcycle about two years ago, starting with just two days a week. Nomsa thrives on working on a variety of projects, constantly developing her skills, allowing her to master various techniques, including perfecting zipper insertion and other more difficult techniques. Nomsa cherishes every moment she spends sewing at Upcycle, finding the experience incredibly rewarding as it allows her to sew, something she treasures deeply, especially since she doesn’t have her own sewing machine at home. She works on a diverse array of products made from a wide range of different fabrics as well as plastic/billboard material, food packaging etc. She produces pencil cases, purses, a variety of bags, mattress covers, dog beds etc, all aimed at reducing waste. Nomsa appreciates the supportive environment at Upcycle, particularly being part of a team that values and integrates her creative ideas. Nomsa has leadership qualities and is capable of working on her own; she often suggests innovative methods.

 Vumani is a gentle, friendly soul with a remarkable range of talents. His journey with Upcycle began through the YES Youth Learnership program, engaging in an internship focused on developing practical skills and work readiness. Known for his helpfulness and skill, Vumani quickly excelled at tasks like debranding and repurposing glass bottles, developing a deep respect for the value of materials and recognizing that nothing is truly waste—every item holds the potential for a new purpose.  Beyond Upcycle, he runs his own events business, Amakhamba Wethu Entertainment, specializing in parties, weddings, baby showers, and other gatherings. His creativity shines in projects like drawing signs and fixing furniture, and he’s always eager to lend a hand. This experience at Upcycle has strengthened his appreciation for the principles of the circular economy, allowing him to contribute to giving discarded items a second life.  Vumani finds joy not only in the hands-on work and skill development but also in the supportive, collaborative atmosphere at Upcycle. He values the impact he makes through his work and the sense of community it fosters.

  Astrid, a volunteer at the Upcycle Shop, brings her organizational skills and passion for sustainable product development to the team. She plays a vital role in promoting the shop’s zero-waste items on social media, helping to reach a wider audience. Her journey with Upcycle began when a Facebook post about a leather slipper-making workshop caught her eye. As an upcycler and crafter, Astrid felt a natural connection to Upcycle’s mission of reducing waste and upskilling individuals in South Africa, values that align closely with her own. After attending the workshop, she eagerly began volunteering, sorting fabrics and supporting shop operations.
Astrid’s love for weaving inspired her next contribution: establishing weaving classes at Upcycle. She went to great lengths to connect with the right people to restore the looms and secure experienced weaving instructors. Driven by her commitment to reducing waste, Astrid envisions a centre where branded t-shirts and fabric scraps could be upcycled into woven art. This initiative empowers participants with valuable skills, enabling them to earn an income while contributing to sustainable craftsmanship in the community.

  Rita is a beacon of generosity, compassion, and dedication. A highly experienced HR professional with a career spanning decade in the mining industry, Rita’s expertise and leadership have left an indelible mark. Born and raised in Johannesburg, she has now retired and returned to her hometown, but her days are far from idle. Retirement, for Rita, is an opportunity to give back to the community in ways she always dreamed of.  She dedicates her time to various causes close to her heart: volunteering with Rotary to address pressing community needs, working with the homeless and mentally challenged, teaching children to read at Sandspruit, and contributing wherever she can make a difference. A natural problem-solver, Rita connected with Upcycle through a friend and immediately fell in love with its mission. What began as a desire to help in the shop quickly evolved into a vital role as she recognized the organization’s need for HR systems. Drawing on her extensive experience, Rita established critical policies and procedures, bringing structure and professionalism to support Upcycle’s growth. A proud mother and grandmother, Rita cherishes her two children, their spouses, and her young granddaughters. Rita’s life exemplifies purpose and passion, showing how retirement can open doors to meaningful contributions and deeper connections.

 Bongani Masimula is a quiet force at Upcycle, known for his insight and determination. He doesn’t impose his wisdom but is the go-to person when advice is needed. Always helpful, Bongani goes out of his way to assist, taking on tasks with care and dedication. His strength lies in his ability to follow through, bringing order and systems to even chaotic situations.  At Upcycle, where waste materials constantly flow in, Bongani took the initiative to organize the workspace, naming sections and ensuring materials are easy to locate. His methodical approach has been key to keeping operations smooth and efficient.  Starting as a volunteer, Bongani was offered a learnership in March 2024. His hands-on role includes organizing, cleaning, and upcycling materials. He’s mastered cutting and polishing glass bottles, transforming waste into refined, beautiful items that showcase the magic of upcycling.  Beyond Upcycle, Bongani dreams of starting a carwash business to uplift his community. He also helps in meaningful ways, like house-sitting for estate agents on Sundays.  Grounded by the values of his family in Tweefontuin, Bongani thrives in the camaraderie of his team. His journey is a testament to hard work and a quiet determination to improve his life and community.

 Lin’s career journey is a tapestry woven with creativity, business expertise, and a profound passion for teaching. Educated at a private girls’ school in Zimbabwe, Lin’s sewing skills were nurtured by strict nuns, sparking a lifelong love for crafting. After studying at Johannesburg Art School and Rosebank Commercial College, she began her career in advertising before co-founding a successful textile business with her husband. Lin then expanded her expertise by developing sewing courses at an NGO, running her own dressmaking business, and serving as the Administrator of a Wilderness School. Since April 2023, Lin has embraced teaching sewing at Upcycle, offering courses in elementary, intermediate, and dressmaking skills. Teaching is more than a job for Lin—it’s a passion. She delights in watching her students grow, sharing her wisdom with warmth and dedication. She describes the satisfaction of seeing her knowledge transfer to her students as incredibly fulfilling, saying, “I absolutely love it!” Lin’s enduring connections with students reflect her commitment to mentorship, while her passion for sewing keeps her energized and vibrant. Her journey is one of creativity, resilience, and a dedication to empowering others.