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Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613955227123712 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | James, Buhle Nikitha |
| author2 | Williams, Samantha |
| author_browse | James, Buhle Nikitha Williams, Samantha |
| author_facet | Williams, Samantha James, Buhle Nikitha |
| author_sort | James, Buhle Nikitha |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136089 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:44:21.913Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136089 Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town James, Buhle Nikitha Williams, Samantha Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership. Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. James, B. N. 2026. Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/8e81ce5a-8e97-4363-a7ee-0b6a3487100e In South Africa, waste management remains one of the most pressing urban challenges, particularly in low-income communities where service delivery often falls short of expectations. This study argues that waste management practices in Delft South are shaped by uneven municipal service provision, socio-spatial living conditions, and limited community inclusion, resulting in persistent informal disposal practices and low recycling participation. To examine this, the study explores the structural, social, and behavioural factors influencing waste management at household and community levels through a qualitative case study of Delft South, Cape Town, involving sixty-five participants interviewed within an interpretivist research paradigm. According to the study, residents of Blikkiesdorp (an informal settlement in Delft South) are compelled to rely on informal waste disposal methods due to inconsistent or absent municipal waste services, while households in Delft South (Suburban) benefit from relatively stable collection services. Both communities face distinct challenges. Blikkiesdorp struggles with overcrowding, a shortage of bins, and inadequate waste collection, whereas Delft South (Suburban) deals with cramped rental conditions and poor sanitation. Despite these differences, illegal dumping is a significant issue in both areas. The study reveals that only 8% of respondents consistently separate recyclables, indicating very low participation in recycling efforts. Additionally, it highlights the negative impacts of inadequate waste management on the environment and public health, including pest infestations, blocked drainage systems, and respiratory risks associated with unmanaged waste. The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (2008) and the National Waste Management Strategy (2011) exemplify South Africa's legislative and policy frameworks that underscore these findings. They illuminate the disparity between policy objectives and the on-the-ground realities in low-income communities. These frameworks advocate for more decentralized waste management approaches, which can bridge service delivery gaps, recognize the contributions of informal waste collectors, and enhance community engagement. Successfully managing waste in low-income communities requires not only investment in infrastructure but also a shift in behaviours, community empowerment, and the inclusion of marginalized groups in policy implementation. This study contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding environmental justice and urban sustainability. Masters 2026-04-22T08:46:45Z 2026-04-22T08:46:45Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136089 en Stellenbosch University 161 pages : ill. application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | James, Buhle Nikitha Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title | Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title_full | Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title_short | Evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements: A case study of Delft South, Cape Town |
| title_sort | evaluating waste management practices in informal settlements a case study of delft south cape town |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136089 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jamesbuhlenikitha evaluatingwastemanagementpracticesininformalsettlementsacasestudyofdelftsouthcapetown |