Turning Trash into Treasure: The Inspiring Journey of Simbarashe Dube

By Sympathy Sibanda 

When I met Simbarashe Dube,affectionately known as Simba,he was just 27 years old yet his outlook on life and dedication to the protection of the earth was unshakeable as if he had lived before. His knowledge and advocacy towards climate protection,to me only compared to Greta Thurnberg,the Swedish activist. With a smile plastered on his face,he related his story which shows that without everyone’s input we cannot mitigate against the earth’s destruction. 

Simbabrashe Dube lives in the vibrant city of Chipata, nestled in Zambia’s Eastern Province, lives a young man who has turned his passion for the environment into a movement of hope and transformation.With inert zeal and determination,he started his journey with humility and has made impact not only in his country but in other countries like the neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe . At just 28 years old, he is proof that change begins with one determined heart.

Simbarashe’s journey began in the classrooms of Mpezeni Park School and later at Chipata Secondary School, where he first discovered his love for environmental advocacy. While his peers were focused on typical teenage interests, he found himself captivated by the pressing issue of climate change. He volunteered as a school facilitator, teaching fellow students about sustainability and environmental preservation.

But it wasn’t until years later, as he observed the slow decline of his community’s natural beauty choked by growing piles of plastic waste that Simbabrashe knew he had to do more.

“People love to litter. I saw how my community was filled with a lot of plastics everywhere and I became incensed.Instead of just watching our environment degrade, I decided to take action,” he recalls.

He founded a youth community group called Kwayedza (meaning kwacha in Nyanja), with a mission to advocate for environmental sustainability and promote responsible waste disposal. With little more than creativity and an unwavering vision, he began collecting discarded plastic and turning it into something remarkable: furniture. He used unique designs that were eye-catching and derived from the waste he collected from the community.

What started as a personal project soon drew the attention of his entire community and even international audiences in South Africa, where his work received recognition. His upcycled furniture became more than just functional items; they were symbols of what innovation, resilience, and passion could achieve.They would go into the community and pick up plastics,plastic bottles,bottles and many more which they used as raw materials.

As Kwayedza gained momentum, Simbarashe brought other young people on board. Together, they expanded their efforts to produce handmade jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets crafted from waste materials. These products not only generated income to fund their campaigns but also opened the eyes of their community to the potential of the circular economy.

“We’re not just picking up trash,” Simbarashe says. “We’re changing mindsets and building a culture of sustainability.”

Yet, the journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Like many grassroots initiatives, Kwayedza faces two major challenges:

1. Lack of financial support to scale up and expand their initiatives.
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3. No permanent workspace, limiting their ability to operate effectively and safely.
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Despite these challenges, Simbarashe continues to dream big. His ultimate vision is to build an eco-friendly youth resource center in Chipata;an inclusive space where young people can gather, share skills, learn from each other, and build sustainable businesses together. More than just a training ground, this center would serve as a safe haven, a job creator, and a beacon of innovation in environmental stewardship.

His message to fellow youth and community leaders is clear:

“Don’t wait for change to come from outside. Sometimes, all it takes is a small idea, a bit of creativity, and the courage to start.”

I was left with humility talking to this young man who has become a role model for other youths. While he works with minimal budgets,he does not despair but continues to inspire other youths ,creating employment for them,and cleaning the environment.

From the dusty streets of Chipata to international recognition, Simbarashe Dube is a testament to what one person can achieve with heart, humility, and a vision for a greener world.