Problem

Small-scale scrap metal collecters (skarrelaars) play an essential role in the informal economic sector. Most turn to skarreling due to unemployment. They work in harsh conditions, with little protection, just to afford essential food.

Insight

The residents of Salt River have fostered close relationships with Skarrelaars, allowing them to search for scraps in their bins on collection day, and even offering them something to eat or drink. This is a testament to the deeply-rooted reliability and closeknit nature of the Salt River community as a whole.

Solution

“Skarrel Soemal” is a campaign that honors the Skarreling nature of Skarrelaars, and informs the average consumer about their contribution to the economy as informal traders. The campaign encourages communities to consider Skarrelaars who are just trying to make a living. The campaign is complete with a handcrafted typeface, made from recycled cans,
reflecting the role of Skarrelaars in the circular economy and the need for community involvement and protection over them and their trade.

*Skarrelaars: one of the various names scrap collectors call themselves. It can mean
“scrounging around” or “struggling but doing something about it”.
Skarreling: resourcefully searching for and collecting scrap or reusable items as a
means of survival and self-employment.