In the bustling landscape of Waterfall City, where innovation meets nature, the dedication of individuals and collaborative partnerships are key to its ongoing success. A shining example of this synergy is Siya Mchunu from KMB Environmental – a company working hand-in-hand with Waterfall City’s sustainability team – who recently completed his first gruelling Comrades Marathon. His achievement is a testament to personal grit and the strong, supportive bond between KMB Environmental and Waterfall City.
“It was a brutal race,” Siya recounted with a smile, “Though I enjoyed it. It was my first one, and I will run again. As long as I live, I will run.” Siya’s path to Comrades glory was paved with intense discipline. Every morning, before work, he pounded the very pavements he and his KMB Environmental team help maintain, running a whopping 17km from his home in Lyndhurst to Mall of Africa and back again. As a member of the Pirates Running Club, he enjoys a unified presence during training runs, but on race day, it’s a solo journey. “You implement your training, but now you are running your own race.”
This year’s Comrades was the downhill race, a notoriously deceptive challenge. “Although it was the downhill run, there were still so many hills,” Siya laughed. “And they were severe – the uphill was really hard.” He, however, did concur with seasoned runners that the downhill route can be more challenging, admitting, “You don’t realise how tough it is to run downhill for more than 2km.” Siya’s rigorous training held him in good stead until the 70km mark, where hamstring problems threatened to derail his dream. “I was regretting the run and thinking, why am I doing this to myself? But I kept going, and when I ran over the finish line, I almost shed tears.”
Siya’s Comrades dream faced an even bigger hurdle at the beginning of his training when he was hijacked and lost his running kit, personal belongings and mode of transportation. Despite this setback, Siya remained undeterred and continued training in old second-hand shoes. As a gesture of appreciation for his dedication and perseverance, KMB Environmental stepped up to sponsor him for the event. “Thanks to KMB, they came to my aid. They paid for my Comrades entrance fee, transportation costs and even bought me new kit and tackies,” Siya shared, his gratitude evident.
Kevin Butts, the founder of KMB Environmental, explains that supporting Siya was never a question. “I want to ensure that we create a happy working environment. We pride ourselves on this, and it is one of the most notable aspects of our company culture. We want the best for our employees, both in and out of work.” Siya’s appreciation for Kevin’s support is immense: “I have run out of words to express my appreciation for Kevin. I still can’t thank him enough.” Kevin was monitoring Siya along the route. “I was watching from the comfort of my own home,” laughs Kevin. Siya tried to persuade him to run too, but Kevin remained unswayed.
Established in 2024, KMB Environmental has quickly forged a strong working relationship with Waterfall City, actively assisting with its ambitious sustainability initiatives. “I work closely with the Waterfall City Management Company and Attacq, and we have similar ideas on the direction the city should take and how we can get it there,” Kevin states, highlighting the shared vision for a greener, more sustainable urban environment.
A key focus of KMB’s work is the maintenance and environmental rehabilitation of the city’s vital wetlands. “We identify invasive plant species and areas of erosion and then implement measures to bring back the environment from its damaged state to what it should be like,” Kevin explains. This involves carefully reintroducing indigenous plants, consistently monitoring plant and animal species, and diligently logging all data. This crucial information allows Waterfall City to effectively maintain its water-use licenses, demonstrating a commitment to responsible environmental management.
Siya, as the on-site manager for KMB Environmental at Waterfall City, is at the forefront of these efforts. He oversees and assists with all on-site teams and various tasks, including litter picking, essential paving maintenance, and expert paving repair. KMB Environmental is also innovating for the future of the city. “We are hoping to introduce eco-aggregate paving to parts of the city,” Kevin reveals. These innovative pavers are crafted from previously unrecycled items, processed into a fine aggregate and then mixed with traditional concrete. This initiative not only diverts waste from landfills but can support in further reducing Waterfall City’s ecological footprint.
Siya’s passion for his work and pride in his team are evident. “We are the people that help to make the city look beautiful. We take care of the city. And every morning on my run, I keep checking the city’s paving. If I see a problem, that’s where I will direct my guys to that day,” he laughs, showcasing his hands-on dedication to ensuring Waterfall City remains a beautifully maintained and sustainable environment for all.
