A Hout Bay youngster’s moment in the spotlight

A Hangberg youngster who recently featured in a music video is among many children benefiting from a Hout Bay recycling initiative. The programme rewards community members for helping keep their neighbourhoods clean.

The organisation recently celebrated Adam Daniels (10) after he appeared in the official music video for Gangsta. The 2024 release is by American neo-soul group Free Nationals, featuring rappers A$AP Rocky and Anderson .Paak. Director François Rousselet helmed the video, which has amassed more than 4,7 million views on YouTube.

About JunkSTARS

Jessie Chester founded JunkSTARS as a non-profit organisation (NPO) in 2020. The name stands for Support, Trash, Alter, Refashion, Swop Shop. It encourages recycling while helping families access essential items through a points-based rewards system.

How the Swop Shop works

The initiative accepts plastic, cans and paper. Staff weigh the recyclables when participants bring them in. Recyclers earn points based on the amount collected. They can exchange those points for non-perishable food, toiletries, clothing, toys, books, games and baby products.

Finding the Swop Shop

A shipping container near the entrance of Hout Bay Harbour houses the Swop Shop, opposite the Look Out Restaurant. The City of Cape Town donated the container in 2021. Community art project Intle Art later decorated it.

Growing community participation

Committee member Debbie Soll said between 15 and 20 children and adults visit the Swop Shop every Tuesday. The shop opens from 14:00 until 16:00. Over 300 people participate in the programme at various times throughout the year.

“We have many regular recyclers who clean up in their community and collect the PET. They can then shop for items that help their families,” she said.

Most participants come from the Hangberg community, although the programme is open to anyone.

Keeping plastic out of the ocean

JunkSTARS collects between 600 kg and 1 000 kg of plastic each month. The organisation hands sorted recyclable material to the Imizamo Yethu Recycling Co-operative. The co-operative channels it into the formal recycling sector. JunkSTARS’ partnership with the Blue Bay 2030 campaign supports this work further. The campaign aims to achieve Blue Flag Marina status for Hout Bay Harbour by 2030. It also works to keep plastic out of the ocean and away from landfills.

“That is a lot of plastic going into the formal recycling sector and not finding its way into the ocean,” Soll said.

Adam: a familiar face at the Swop Shop

Adam has been involved with JunkSTARS for approximately six years. His father, Mervyn Daniels, also helped the organisation sort recycling during its early years.

Soll described Adam as one of the programme’s familiar faces. He brings enthusiasm and energy to the Swop Shop.

“Adam is always enthusiastic, very persuasive and chatty. He is a real character.”

Beyond recycling: building opportunity

For JunkSTARS, Adam’s achievement reflects the potential of young participants. The organisation’s goal extends beyond recycling. It aims to create opportunities for children and families while encouraging environmental responsibility within the community.

• Residents who want to join can visit JunkSTARS in Hout Bay Harbour. Staff accept recycling throughout the week. For more information, contact the organisation at info@junkstars.org

ALSO READ: Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay secure vehicle to boost daily operations