Clean Trade Project

Clean Trade is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) in Graaff-Reinet, addressing two of the town’s biggest challenges at the same time: environmental pollution and hunger. Destitute residents are encouraged to collect trash and trade this for basic food items, toiletries and pre-loved clothing, fostering dignity and responsibility.

We (Elaine Stanley and Tia-Mari Jacobs) shared a dream: to make our town a little cleaner and to feed people in need. The idea came from a very dear friend whom we lost tragically in 2021. After a cup of coffee on a stoep, we decided to bring her idea to life.

We had no background in community development, no funding, and no clear path forward. Only determination and heart. We sat on the idea for a few years, planning, doing research and more planning…

Eventually in September 2024, Clean Trade was born!

In 18 months of trading, from October 2024 to March 2026, the Clean Trade Project achieved the following:

• 111 286 kg of recyclable materials were processed (excluding non-recyclable waste).
• This is more than 100 tons of rubbish which has not gone into landfill.
• Plastic bottles make up 45 tons of this recycling.
• 6 210 families bought food with the tokens received for their waste, with many returning regularly.
• Of those served, 59% were female, 41% male and 100% are unemployed individuals who benefited.
• Every trader received enough food for at least one meal, but most of them purchased groceries sufficient for several meals.

The need is massive!

This charity has achieved a 9 Star rating on the Helpmore Trust Index, meeting 9 out of 10 trust criteria, including NPO registration, financial transparency, and independent governance.