- The Mi-Change voucher system, implemented by MES Cape Town, has seen a record 96.4% redemption rate by street people, with 25 045 vouchers redeemed since August last year.
- The system’s success has led to a significant impact on the lives of those in need, but also poses a financial strain on MES, prompting the organization to explore new income streams, such as e-waste collection and recycling.
- MES is partnering with Cape E-waste to collect electronic waste, hosting an E-Waste Day on Wednesday 11 September, and encouraging community support to address the growing e-waste crisis in South Africa and support local economic growth and job creation.
Of the Mi-Change vouchers that were sold to the public in
the northern suburbs in the past seven months from January to July, an average
of 96,4% were redeemed by street people at MES (Mould Empower Serve) Cape Town,
a record amount since the implementation of the voucher system.
Over the past year, since August last year to July, a total
of 33 161 vouchers were
sold, with a peak of 4 484 vouchers redeemed in the cold month of July alone.
These vouchers can be redeemed by street people for a meal, clothes, a bed or a
shower.
“The community’s engagement led to 25 045 vouchers being redeemed, significantly
impacting the lives of those in need,” says Franita
Knudsen, fundraiser and marketer of MES Cape Town.
“This marks a record high since the system’s implementation,
underscoring the effectiveness of this innovative approach to provide
assistance. We’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in our
community’s journey towards responsible giving and impactful support, thanks to
the generosity and commitment of our community members, she says.
Durbanville safe space
“Since the opening of the Durbanville Safe Space in New
Street in April, the 30 bed-overnight facility was full every night and this
further contributes to our success,” said Knudsen.
“Street people must sleep in a safe space to be able to take
part in our programmes. We now have a much faster turnover of street people
progressing from the Change Readiness programme to the next step, the Work
Readiness programme, at which stage they are being moved to MES Bellville,
making space for new ones.”
Although they are thrilled with the success of the Mi-Change
voucher system, the higher demand has put a financial strain on them, she says.
Not only was there a need to appoint another social worker
at MES Durbanville recently, for whom a stock room to be converted into an
office, but six caretakers and a manager at the safe space were also appointed,
all of whose salaries MES has had to pay.
Cover basic costs
To grow its income, MES has been partnering with Cape
E-waste to collect any electronic waste to cover some of their basic costs.
A special E-Waste Day is being presented next Wednesday (11
September), in which people can bring any electronic waste, from broken washing
machines and tumble dryers to microwaves.
“We hope to collect a
bakkie load full of electronic waste” said Knudsen.
“A new tendency is also that small-business entrepreneurs
regularly visit our depots to purchase e-waste parts to support their
businesses and families.”
At the E-Waste Day next Wednesday MES Durbanville will
accept larger items such as old domestic appliances. Electronic waste includes
anything that operates with a plug or a battery, such as laptops, chargers,
phones, monitors, copiers, cables and vapes.
“We ensure that all harmful e-waste is disposed of
responsibly, and we receive disposal certificates from our partnering company,
underscoring our commitment to environmental safety.”
READ MORE: MES having remarkable success with homeless as E-waste changes their lives
Threat
“In South Africa e-waste is growing five times faster than
the recycling rate,” said Knudsen. “With 2,6 million tons of e-waste generated
annually, this poses a severe threat to our environment and public health.
“Given the scale of the e-waste crisis, legislative action
is urgently needed. Our initiative aims to contribute to the solution by
demonstrating that responsible e-waste management is both achievable and
beneficial for the environment and community.
“Community support is vital for the success of our e-waste
recycling initiative. A robust social-media campaign has significantly boosted
our efforts. We engage with small businesses, schools and churches, encouraging
them to participate. We suggest that businesses place e-waste boxes in their
offices for employees to drop off their e-waste conveniently.
“Community involvement is essential, and we rely on it to
spread the word and encourage others to join the cause. Supporting MES, rather
than larger e-waste companies, ensures rebates from recycled materials directly
benefit our initiatives.”
Corporate involvement
“Community members can share information about our
initiative, advocate for corporate involvement, and encourage responsible
e-waste disposal through MES,” Knudsen said. “Together, we can build a
sustainable system that addresses environmental concerns while supporting local
economic growth and job creation.
“The Mi-Change voucher system is really working, but the
increase in street people visiting us demands us to start new enterprises to
grow our income.”
Electronic waste can also be dropped off at MES Durbanville
in Queen Street from Mondays to Saturdays from 08:00 to 16:00 and on Sundays
from 12:00 to 16:00.
Awareness for the Mi-Change voucher system will also be
created by Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in the build up to World Homeless Day
on 10 October.
The voucher system, which are currently only operational in
Cape Town and Johannesburg, will also be expanded to Gqeberha soon.
Contact Franita Knudsen at cptfundraising@mes.org.za or 082 4407 055 for more information on supporting this social
enterprise. Visit www.michange.org for more information about the Mi-Change
voucher system and where to buy them.
