BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Green Land Bags has created at least 45 jobs by producing eco-friendly bags.
This aligns with an announcement by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, who stated that plastic bags would be banned on January 31, 2025. However, it remains to be seen whether the ban will take effect, as the matter is still under review by Parliament, according to Khubuta Member of Parliament Masiphula Mamba. Mamba, who chairs the Parliament Select Committee investigating the plastic ban, confirmed that discussions are ongoing.
Speaking about Green Land Bags, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ezekiel Malenya, stated that they currently have machines capable of producing around 10 million bags per month at their Matsapha site. He also mentioned plans to import additional machines in the future, which would increase production capacity to approximately 65 to 70 million bags.
Malenya emphasized that their goal is not only to supply the local market but also to expand internationally. They plan to export most of their products, which would positively contribute to the country’s economy. Once all the additional machines are installed, the company is expected to create more jobs for Emaswati. Malenya stated that they would operate in two shifts.
Each shift will have 65 workers, bringing the total number of employees to 130. In addition to direct employees, Malenya highlighted that the company would also engage agents and distributors to sell their products in urban areas and other communities. These agents and distributors will, in turn, employ their own workers, creating further employment opportunities linked to Green Land Bags.