From nurse to eco-warrior, Ercy Ngcobo has found a new calling in recycling, proving that age is no barrier to making lasting change.
In the quiet suburb of Randburg lives a woman whose story is anything but ordinary. At 94 years old, Ercy Ngcobo is not only a retired nurse but a determined environmentalist. Her passion for healing has extended beyond people, and now she’s healing the earth, one plastic bag at a time.
Ngcobo was born in 1930 in the village of Valdezia, though her ID says 1931 due to a clerical error. She is one of 12 siblings and speaks warmly of her close-knit family. Her early life was marked by a deep sense of service, leading her to a long and fulfilling career in nursing. She trained at Elim Hospital, did midwifery at McCords Hospital, worked at Edendale Hospital, and furthered her studies in eye care and primary healthcare.
“I’ve always loved helping people,” she said. “Now, I feel I’m doing the same for the earth.”
Her journey into environmental activism began in her later years. Watching documentaries about pollution and animals suffering in the oceans moved her deeply. This love for nature and healing led her to start recycling plastic bags and turning them into useful items.
“I used to crochet with yarn, then thought, why not use plastic instead? That way, people don’t throw it away, and it becomes something useful,” she explained.
She began collecting plastic shopping bags, cutting them into strips, and rolling them by colour. Then, using her crochet hook, she crafted bathroom mats, necklaces, hats, and more. Her colourful pieces are as beautiful as they are meaningful.
“I think I can crochet anything, depending on the demand,” she chuckled.
Ercy Ngcobo.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Family, friends, and even strangers now bring her plastic bags and sometimes request specific colours. Her creations have become more than household items, they’ve sparked important conversations.
“There are people who don’t take it seriously,” she said. “But my family supports me, and I see some change among them. I only wish more people could know how to help the earth too.
“Youth are the future. They should learn to protect the environment, and teach others too. Schools must include this in their lessons. Every small act counts.”
Ngcobo’s work recently received national attention when she was nominated for an AFRICA Earth Award. The awards celebrates people who care deeply for the earth, and act on that passion. “Being nominated at my age… I never expected this,” she said, with a smile. “It makes me feel seen and appreciated. It tells me that even the small things I do with my hands and heart matter.”
Anthea Thyssen-Ambursley, the host and founder of the AfriCAN EARTHizens Awards, discovered Ngcobo’s work after coming across one of her handmade mats and was immediately inspired. Through the AfriCAN EARTHizens Honouree Awards, she hopes to share Ngcobo’s story with the world.
When asked what keeps her going, Ngcobo answered simply: “It’s the purpose. I still find healing in what I do, only now, I’m healing the earth.”
Her advice to anyone who wants to help the environment, but doesn’t know where to start, is to begin with what you have. “Ask your friends and family to save plastic bags. Start small. Every step counts.”
Ercy Ngcobo is living proof that age is no barrier to change. Her hands may be old, but her spirit is young. Her legacy reminds us all that we should love the earth, protect it, and leave it better than we found it.
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