The Escalation of Informal Settlement and the High Levels of Illegal Dumping Post-Apartheid: Systematic Review

Xolisiwe Sinalo Grangxabe (), Thabang Maphanga, Benett Siyabonga Madonsela (), Babalwa Gqomfa, Takalani Terry Phungela, Karabo Concelia Malakane, Kgabo Humphrey Thamaga and Daniel Angwenyi
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Xolisiwe Sinalo Grangxabe: Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Corner of Hanover and Tennant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Thabang Maphanga: Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Corner of Hanover and Tennant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Benett Siyabonga Madonsela: Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Corner of Hanover and Tennant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Babalwa Gqomfa: Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Corner of Hanover and Tennant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Takalani Terry Phungela: Department of Water and Sanitation, 35 Brown Street, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Karabo Concelia Malakane: Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Kgabo Humphrey Thamaga: Department of GIS and Remote Sensing, University of Fort Hare Alice Campus, Ring Road, Fort Beaufort 5700, South Africa
Daniel Angwenyi: Department of Geography, Kisii University, Kisii Town P.O. Box 408-40200, Kenya

Challenges, 2023, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Illegal disposal of solid waste is a significant issue in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas. Because of unprecedented urbanization, these areas are crowded, putting pressure on the already inadequate municipal services such as waste management. As municipalities fail to provide adequate and effective waste management services, the expansion and proliferation of informal settlements contribute to the problem of illegal dumping. Apartheid spatial planning produced environmentally unsustainable cities characterized by glaring disparities in municipal resource allocation, disturbingly inefficient transportation systems, and widespread urban insecurity. Therefore, this study examines how the expansion of informal settlement at an unprecedented rate contributes to illegal dumping post-apartheid by conducting a systematic review. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search from 1994 to 2023 was conducted in the field of waste management. The review focuses on three key aspects: (1) factors that contribute to illegal dumping in townships; (2) waste management laws during apartheid and post apartheid; and (3) waste collection system in townships and spatial planning. South Africa’s inequality is a major contributor to environmental degradation. The situation was exacerbated by efforts to prevent urban migration and forcefully remove black people from cities; apartheid ideology justified the dormitory-like nature of urban townships. In the South African context, the literature reveals that there is a research gap in the application of technologies and effective waste management plans to keep up with the growing number of informal settlements. Furthermore, despite progressive environmental policies, implementation has been ineffective. This study offers valuable evidence on the spatial and temporal dynamics of informal settlements, addressing both the location and time aspects. A robust government-led Community Participation in Solid Waste Management program is required immediately.

Keywords: collection system; poor service delivery; waste generation; waste management; inequalities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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