Limitation of waste management policy as a social inclusivity tool: case study of Lamontville Township South Africa

Background: South Africa emerged from apartheid in 1994 as a nation divided by race and class. The apartheid laws enforced separate development, which disadvantaged the black African population; especially the Xhosa people in... [ view full abstract ]

Background: South Africa emerged from apartheid in 1994 as a nation divided by race and class. The apartheid laws enforced separate development, which disadvantaged the black African population; especially the Xhosa people in rural Eastern Cape and the Zulu people in KwaZulu-Natal province. The democratically elected government inherited a country marked by social and economic inequalities, which had been enforced by the apartheid regime. A notable spatial variability in South Africa remains the difference in level of basic service provision between the former white suburbs and the black townships. The most visible scar of poor service delivery in townships are informal household waste dumps. Justification of the research: The main causes of the continuing waste problems in South African townships are high population growth and urbanisation rates, compounded by a lack of enforcement of environmental legislation. The transition to democracy demolished laws that restricted free movement between urban and rural areas resulting in large-scale urbanisation. This coincided with the integration of black South Africans into the national economy. The changes in their consumption patterns further accelerated the generation of waste. To remediate the household waste problem, a policy framework was adopted focusing on achieving environmental and social justice while promoting economic development in deprived regions. The policy aims to create sustainable and inclusive cities. Its implications and effectiveness have not been examined in township areas.  Aim: The aim of this paper is, therefore, to analyse the effectiveness of the implementation of the waste policy framework from the perspective of the township residents. Methods/approach: Fieldwork was undertaken in Lamontville Township (2016/2017), an urban community on the periphery of eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.  To understand perspectives and experiences of the local community, the research adopted field observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Eighty five women and men were involved in focus group discussions.  Findings/results: The research suggests that the government lacks the capacity to handle waste in Lamontville. Within the township waste collection is prioritized in areas where residents are contributing towards local taxes. Additionally, the Xhosa people, recent immigrants in KwaZulu-Natal, are positioned in the periphery of the townships with limited waste collection services.  Consequently Xhosa people live in waste infested areas and are labelled as ‘dirty’ by the Zulu people, which has hindered the integration of the immigrants.  Conclusion: A different form of discrimination has developed where people are excluded from service provisions based on class and ethnicity. The policy framework designed to counteract the ills of apartheid has not been evenly implemented and therefore has not achieved social inclusion.  The policy further divides society increasing the inequalities and tension between different communities.  

Key words: waste policy, ethnicity, social inclusion, service provision