About Us
Founded with love
Founded on 14 February 2013, The Sweethearts Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation transforming recyclable waste into life-changing mobility. What began as a simple community...
initiative has grown into a nationally operating circular economy model, active across all nine provinces and supported by volunteers, schools, corporates and partners across the country.
We believe that when communities come together, small actions can create extraordinary impact.
Since our founding, the Foundation has grown steadily and responsibly.
We currently:
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Operate in all 9 South African provinces
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Recycle approximately 20 tonnes of material annually
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Support 20 to 30 beneficiaries each year
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Have supported more than 600 beneficiaries since 2013
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Add 20 to 30 new collection points annually
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Welcome 100 to 200 new volunteers each year
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Our growth is guided by sustainability, accountability, and measurable impact.
Our Journey
Vision
A South Africa where every person with a disability has the mobility, independence, and dignity they deserve.
Mission
We transform everyday waste into life-changing mobility. By mobilising communities and partners across South Africa, we convert recyclable materials into professionally prescribed wheelchairs that restore independence, dignity, and opportunity.
Our Model
The Sweethearts Foundation operates a structured circular economy model that converts recyclable waste into life-changing mobility.
Community Collection
Individuals, schools, businesses and volunteers collect recyclable materials through our Bottle Tops, Bread Tags, Soda Tabs and Takeaway Lids initiative.
Responsible Recycling
Our Logistics Partners transport collected materials from registered Collection Points to accredited Recycling Partners, where they are processed and converted into funding.
Direct Allocation
Funds generated are allocated directly toward the provision of customised wheelchairs for beneficiaries on our national wheelchair waiting list.
Professional Assessment
Each beneficiary is assessed by a qualified occupational therapist through our Mobility partners. Wheelchairs are clinically prescribed and manufactured according to individual needs.
Measurable Mobility
The result is not just a wheelchair delivery, but restored independence, dignity and long term mobility, while diverting significant volumes of recyclable waste from landfill and reducing environmental impact.
Governance, Accountability & Sustainability
The Sweethearts Foundation operates with a clear commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and responsible growth. We are a registered Non-Profit Organisation and approved Public Benefit Organisation in South Africa. Our governance framework supports both regulatory compliance and measurable impact.
B-BBEE
Our model is built on accountability at every level.
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Funds generated through recycling are allocated directly to approved mobility partners
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Every wheelchair is prescribed through a professional clinical assessment
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Partnerships across logistics, recycling, and mobility provision are formalised and monitored
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Financial management and reporting processes support responsible stewardship
As an Exempt Micro Enterprise, The Sweethearts Foundation holds Level 2 B-BBEE status with 125% procurement recognition, supporting corporate supplier development and ESG alignment.
We recognise that environmental sustainability and social impact are interconnected. By diverting recyclable materials from landfill and converting them into mobility solutions, we operate within a practical circular economy model that delivers both environmental protection and measurable social upliftment.
Our growth remains guided by integrity, compliance, and long-term sustainability.