Older reclaimers work without toilets or running water at Free State landfill
Health-e News Older reclaimers work without toilets or running water at Free State landfill At 58, Tankiso Khamadi continues to collect recyclable waste at the Nyakallong landfill in the Free State despite struggling with respiratory problems and being treated for tuberculosis (TB) last year. Khamadi is among a group of mostly older reclaimers who say they work at the landfill without running…
In South Africa's Free State, older waste collectors continue their work at the Nyakallong landfill despite lacking basic amenities like toilets, running water, and security. Many face respiratory issues and tuberculosis, forcing them to use inhalers and bring their own drinking water. With an average weekly income of R300 to R600, these reclaimers supplement their social grants of R2600 or R370 to make ends meet.
The Matjhabeng Municipality has been urged to address the health and safety hazards in the landfill, as elderly workers like 58-year-old Tankiso Khamadi struggle to survive on their meager earnings.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
