+27662594903 UNISAPRO
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
PUB2606 OCTOBER /NOVEMBER SEMESTER 2 2025
DUE DATE 31 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1
Identify and discuss various methods by which executive institutions can
perform their enforcement function.
The enforcement of environmental legislation is a central aspect of effective
environmental governance. While laws and policies provide a framework for
sustainability, compliance cannot be assumed. Executive institutions, including
government departments, regulatory authorities, and specialised agencies, are tasked
with ensuring that individuals, businesses, and communities adhere to environmental
standards. Effective enforcement deters non-compliance and ensures the protection
of natural resources, public health, and ecological integrity (Jordan & Lenschow,
2010).
1.1 Monitoring and Inspections
Monitoring and inspections are fundamental tools for enforcement. Executive
institutions carry out inspections of industries, municipalities, and natural resource
users to verify compliance with environmental standards. For example, in South Africa,
the “Green Scorpions” unit of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the
Environment (DFFE) conducts field inspections to detect illegal waste disposal,
pollution of rivers, and unlawful wildlife activities (DFFE, 2023). Regular monitoring
allows authorities to identify violations early and implement corrective actions.
1.2 Licensing and Permitting Systems
Licensing and permitting are preventive enforcement mechanisms that control
access to environmental resources. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are
required before projects with potential ecological impacts can proceed. Permits, such
as water-use licenses under the National Water Act 36 of 1998, regulate activities to
ensure sustainability and compliance with environmental norms (Van Wyk, 2018).
Revoking or conditioning licences is a strong enforcement tool, as seen in cases where
mining companies had to halt operations due to non-compliance with water-use
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
permits in the Vaal River catchment area (WWF-SA, 2022).
1.3 Administrative Penalties and Fines
Administrative enforcement involves imposing fines or penalties on offenders. This
method acts both as a deterrent and as a corrective measure. For example,
companies exceeding emission limits can be fined under the Carbon Tax Act 15 of
2019, creating economic incentives to comply with environmental regulations while
funding rehabilitation initiatives (National Treasury, 2019). Administrative sanctions are
often faster and more cost-effective than legal proceedings.
1.4 Criminal Prosecution
In cases of severe or repeated violations, executive institutions can refer offenders for
criminal prosecution. Environmental crimes such as illegal poaching, dumping of
hazardous waste, or acid mine drainage can result in court action. For instance,
prosecutions of mining companies for acid mine drainage in Gauteng have reinforced
accountability and demonstrated that environmental breaches are treated with the
seriousness they deserve (Department of Water Affairs, 2021).
1.5 Public Participation and Whistleblowing
Public involvement is another effective enforcement tool. Executive institutions often
encourage communities to report violations through hotlines, reporting platforms, or
partnerships with NGOs. For example, SANParks relies on community reporting to
combat poaching in Kruger National Park (Leader-Williams et al., 2016). This
approach extends enforcement capacity and fosters a culture of environmental
stewardship.
1.6 Environmental Education and Awareness
Finally, environmental education and awareness campaigns serve as preventive
enforcement by informing citizens and businesses about their responsibilities. The
DFFE has conducted awareness programmes on sustainable fishing and responsible
waste management, which indirectly improve compliance without relying solely on
punitive measures (DFFE, 2023). Education helps stakeholders internalise
environmental norms and reduces future violations.
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
PUB2606 OCTOBER /NOVEMBER SEMESTER 2 2025
DUE DATE 31 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1
Identify and discuss various methods by which executive institutions can
perform their enforcement function.
The enforcement of environmental legislation is a central aspect of effective
environmental governance. While laws and policies provide a framework for
sustainability, compliance cannot be assumed. Executive institutions, including
government departments, regulatory authorities, and specialised agencies, are tasked
with ensuring that individuals, businesses, and communities adhere to environmental
standards. Effective enforcement deters non-compliance and ensures the protection
of natural resources, public health, and ecological integrity (Jordan & Lenschow,
2010).
1.1 Monitoring and Inspections
Monitoring and inspections are fundamental tools for enforcement. Executive
institutions carry out inspections of industries, municipalities, and natural resource
users to verify compliance with environmental standards. For example, in South Africa,
the “Green Scorpions” unit of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the
Environment (DFFE) conducts field inspections to detect illegal waste disposal,
pollution of rivers, and unlawful wildlife activities (DFFE, 2023). Regular monitoring
allows authorities to identify violations early and implement corrective actions.
1.2 Licensing and Permitting Systems
Licensing and permitting are preventive enforcement mechanisms that control
access to environmental resources. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are
required before projects with potential ecological impacts can proceed. Permits, such
as water-use licenses under the National Water Act 36 of 1998, regulate activities to
ensure sustainability and compliance with environmental norms (Van Wyk, 2018).
Revoking or conditioning licences is a strong enforcement tool, as seen in cases where
mining companies had to halt operations due to non-compliance with water-use
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
permits in the Vaal River catchment area (WWF-SA, 2022).
1.3 Administrative Penalties and Fines
Administrative enforcement involves imposing fines or penalties on offenders. This
method acts both as a deterrent and as a corrective measure. For example,
companies exceeding emission limits can be fined under the Carbon Tax Act 15 of
2019, creating economic incentives to comply with environmental regulations while
funding rehabilitation initiatives (National Treasury, 2019). Administrative sanctions are
often faster and more cost-effective than legal proceedings.
1.4 Criminal Prosecution
In cases of severe or repeated violations, executive institutions can refer offenders for
criminal prosecution. Environmental crimes such as illegal poaching, dumping of
hazardous waste, or acid mine drainage can result in court action. For instance,
prosecutions of mining companies for acid mine drainage in Gauteng have reinforced
accountability and demonstrated that environmental breaches are treated with the
seriousness they deserve (Department of Water Affairs, 2021).
1.5 Public Participation and Whistleblowing
Public involvement is another effective enforcement tool. Executive institutions often
encourage communities to report violations through hotlines, reporting platforms, or
partnerships with NGOs. For example, SANParks relies on community reporting to
combat poaching in Kruger National Park (Leader-Williams et al., 2016). This
approach extends enforcement capacity and fosters a culture of environmental
stewardship.
1.6 Environmental Education and Awareness
Finally, environmental education and awareness campaigns serve as preventive
enforcement by informing citizens and businesses about their responsibilities. The
DFFE has conducted awareness programmes on sustainable fishing and responsible
waste management, which indirectly improve compliance without relying solely on
punitive measures (DFFE, 2023). Education helps stakeholders internalise
environmental norms and reduces future violations.
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
