Towards improved waste management services by local government – A waste governance perspective

Abstract

In terms of the South African Constitution (Act 108of 1996), waste management service delivery is a local government function. The Constitution further gives every person the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Local government is therefore obliged to provide waste management services to realise this right of society in their area of jurisdiction. Failing waste management services is, however, a reality in South Africa in 2008. The magnitude of the problem is emphasized by newspaper headlines including: “SA’s Rubbish Capital: Big stink continues as piles of garbage dumped in streets hit crisis levels” (Pretoria News, 13 May 08); “Next Crisis: Collapse of sewage system” (Pretoria News, 20 March 08); “Stinking state of SA’s Waters” (Sunday Times, 23 March 08); “Waste Companies dump death on our doorstep” (Sunday Times, 2December ’08)