North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Ofentse Rabaji, was recently recognised by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for being a trailblazer and innovative entrepreneur. 

In 2020 Ofentse proved how one man’s waste can be another man’s treasure by making face masks for the less fortunate, using scrap cotton fabric. He also sold these masks to members of the public and used the proceeds to purchase essential goods for the underprivileged in the Potchefstroom area. 

“To be recognised by the NYDA is such a privilege. It goes to show that all my efforts are being noticed,” he says. 

The 28-year-old holds a master’s degree in environmental management and says his qualification definitely had an impact on the mask project and his waste management and environmental education and awareness business, ReFentse Environmental Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

His master’s thesis focused on waste burning in Sharpeville, Vereeniging. He did waste characterisation, finding out how much paper, glass, and food waste is discarded at illegal dumping sites in Sharpeville. 

He discovered that most of the waste content was non-biodegradable plastic and textile. Textile waste contributes to environmental degradation as it takes between 25 and 50 years to decompose.

Ofentse’s qualification has also given him opportunities within the higher education sector.  He recently spoke at an NWU National Science Week seminar about open waste burning management, climate and health. 

The NWU applauds Ofentse for using his degree to give back to the community and saving the environment.

NWU alumnus Ofentse Rabaji is putting his degree to good use.