MNO3704 Assessment 6 Semester 2 2025 Question 1 [10] Identify the challenges that are faced, by not only local government, but also households with regards to waste management in South Africa with specific reference to the article

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Table of Contents

SECTION B: HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES .................................. 3
Question 1 [10] Identify the challenges that are faced, by not only local government, but also
households with regards to waste management in South Africa with specific reference to the article.
................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Question 2 [10] Explain, with reference to the article, what the implications of these challenges are
or how they contribute to greater environmental issues in South Africa. ............................................. 6
Question 3 [10] Many of the respondents in the study have raised their concerns about dumping and
landfill sites in and around their communities. Explain the general conditions required for the safe
disposal of waste on a landfill with respect to the security of a waste landfill site. .............................. 9
Question 4 [10] It is evident from the article that waste management in South Africa presents many
challenges in terms of the effects on the environment and on society as a whole. Despite the
increased awareness regarding the reduction of waste in communities, the degree of waste
generation has continued to grow. Make some recommendations to industry that can be taken into
account to promote waste minimisation.............................................................................................. 11
SECTION C: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA ....................................................... 15
Question 5 [10] Using the article by Langerman et al. (2023), ‘South Africa’s electricity disaster is an
air quality disaster, too,’ critically evaluate how the ongoing electricity crisis contributes to air
pollution in South Africa and discuss the broader environmental, health, and policy implications.
Your answer should integrate evidence and demonstrate analytical and evaluative thinking............ 15
Question 6 [6] Explain how businesses can ensure that they adhere to applicable legislation to
minimise the pollution they cause with specific reference to this article and the effect on air quality.
.............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Question 7 [10] It is anticipated that the continuing energy crisis and energy supply levels will have
an impact on the economy and the normal functioning of business and household operations over
the long run. Based on this assumption, advise on a few options that can be utilised to meet energy
demands of households in an energy-efficient manner. ...................................................................... 22
Question 8 [4] Langerman et al. (2023) explain that South Africa’s loadshedding crisis has created
several forms of pollution beyond electricity shortages themselves. Identify and discuss four types of
pollution associated with loadshedding and briefly explain how each arises. ..................................... 25
SECTION D: LIST OF REFERENCES .......................................................................................................... 28




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SECTION B: HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND
CHALLENGES

Question 1 [10] Identify the challenges that are faced, by not only local
government, but also households with regards to waste management in South
Africa with specific reference to the article.

Waste management is a growing environmental challenge in South Africa, especially
in rural and remote areas where municipalities struggle to provide effective services.
The article by Viljoen et al. (2021) on the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape
highlights the complex challenges experienced by both local government and
households. These challenges stem from inadequate infrastructure, poor service
delivery, socio-economic inequalities, and limited public awareness. Addressing these
issues is critical for sustainable waste management and community health (UNISA,
2025).

2. Challenges Faced by Local Government (Municipalities)

2.1 Financial and Resource Constraints

Local municipalities face significant financial and capacity limitations that hinder
their ability to manage waste effectively. Many lack adequate funding to invest in
proper infrastructure, such as collection vehicles, landfill maintenance, and recycling
facilities. Viljoen et al. (2021) note that rural municipalities like Hantam often depend
on outdated equipment and have limited access to treatment centres, making proper
waste disposal difficult. The absence of financial resources results in irregular waste
collection and accumulation of refuse in public spaces.

2.2 Inefficient Waste Collection and Service Delivery

Municipalities struggle to maintain consistent waste collection schedules due to
logistical difficulties and poor management systems. Waste collection services are
often unreliable, with reports of missed households and infrequent collections.
The municipality does not always provide essential items like refuse bags,
contributing to illegal dumping and uncollected household waste (Viljoen et al., 2021).




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