Since the gold diggings opened in 1887, Johannesburg became a magnet for the poor and disaffected over the African continent. The South African district encompassing Johannesburg is given the Sotho language name Gauteng which means “place of gold”. Drought, disasters, and war over the African continent have fueled the source of cheap labor for the mines. In the traditional scenario, desperate men left their villages and families behind, trekking by whatever means available to Johannesburg seeking work. Today that trend continues. Johannesburg is a melting pot for people groups spanning the continent.
The mining infrastructure served as an economic base to build Johannesburg into a modern city. Driving along the highway one sees major corporation facilities from high tech to major manufacturing. All of this enterprise can not keep up with the demand for employment. Joburg holds the extremes from the super rich to the very poor. Security is a major concern in all areas. Half of the crime in South Africa occurs in Joburg. Fences around neighborhoods and around individual homes are capped with high voltage wires. Often a combination of barbed wire plus electric wires is used. An atmosphere of constant fear and concern is evidenced by people with means defending their property, life, and possessions against attack by the desperate.
The ANC has failed to deliver on promises. The current government is self-centered with ministers taking more than giving. Six out of ten workers who can’t find jobs now will likely never find one. What is Gods plan? Is there a way to stem the tide of desperation? On Wednesday October 12, members of our team had an interview meeting with Mr. Jimmy Furstenburg who is now managing director of CEP - Clean Energy Projects. Jimmy is a member of the Methodist Church and a business leader. He takes his role seriously as a member of society, blessed to be a blessing.
Jimmy obtained a double volume copy of the Purpose Driven Church, and Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. After reading it cover-to-cover Jimmy felt compelled to exercise the concept of “every member a minister”. He wanted to do something real and tangible to make a difference. Jimmy got in touch with a woman from the town of Mamelodi who was trained in the operation of clean burning incinerators that produce electricity. Together they formed a business venture following a model that will not only feed much needed electric power to the grid, but will create jobs, enhance education, and promote the church.
The raw fuel used for energy production is the waste that would otherwise clutter the townships. The waste materials are however broadly distributed. Collection and sale of trash at centers will provide useful work and some income for those who otherwise have no job. Schools used as collection points will provide an incentive for students to earn some income and also to attend school. The local churches as well may serve as collection centers. The churches can reach out and engage with the community through hosting this community based enterprise. In John 6:12 Jesus said after feeding a multitude: “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted”. The collection of waste for clean energy production is certainly in the spirit of this passage. We are trusted to become good stewards of the earth.
Once collected, the waste materials require sorting into categories for use. The necessary activities involving pick-up from collection centers, waste sorting, and operating of the incinerator-generators opens new full-time jobs in the townships.
Jimmy has pledged that 20% of profit from the enterprise will go directly back into the local community to make improvements. The impact is described as win-win-win for the schools, churches, and the community. Imagine the impact if more people asked God to reveal a plan, then became passionate and used their creativity, talents, and abilities to advance God’s kingdom and the well being of society. This example of one man multiplied by the number of available and ernest people over the African continent could make real positive change.
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