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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Xolisiwe Sinalo Grangxabe & Thabang Maphanga & Benett Siyabonga Madonsela & Babalwa Gqomfa & Takalani Terry Phungela & Karabo Concelia Malakane & Kgabo Humphrey Thamaga & Daniel Angwenyi, 2023. "The Escalation of Informal Settlement and the High Levels of Illegal Dumping Post-Apartheid: Systematic Review," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:14:y:2023:i:3:p:38-:d:1237076
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Saul, 2001. "Cry for the beloved country: the post‐apartheid denouement," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(89), pages 429-460.
    2. Faranak Miraftab, 2004. "Neoliberalism and casualization of public sector services: the case of waste collection services in Cape Town, South Africa," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(4), pages 874-892, December.
    3. Sylvain Guyot, 2005. "Political dimensions of environmental conflicts in Kosi Bay, South Africa: significance of the new post-apartheid governance system," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(3), pages 441-458.
    4. Bill Freund, 2001. "Brown and Green in Durban: The Evolution of Environmental Policy in a Post‐Apartheid City," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(4), pages 717-739, December.
    5. Jacoba M. M. Viljoen & Catherina J. Schenck & Liza Volschenk & Phillip F. Blaauw & Lizette Grobler, 2021. "Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, May.
    6. Ivan Turok & Jackie Borel-Saladin, 2016. "Backyard shacks, informality and the urban housing crisis in South Africa: stopgap or prototype solution?," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(4), pages 384-409, June.
    7. Adeleye Ayoade Adeniran & Winston Shakantu, 2022. "The Health and Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste Disposal in South African Townships: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-11, January.
    8. Joseph Awoamim Yacim & Mafhungo Musefuwa & Benita Zulch, 2022. "The Environmental Implications Of Informal Settlements On The Denizens Of Msholozi, South Africa," AfRES 2022-059, African Real Estate Society (AfRES).
    9. Navarro Ferronato & Vincenzo Torretta, 2019. "Waste Mismanagement in Developing Countries: A Review of Global Issues," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-28, March.
    10. Ichinose, Daisuke & Yamamoto, Masashi, 2011. "On the relationship between the provision of waste management service and illegal dumping," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 79-93, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Benett Siyabonga Madonsela & Machete Machete & Karabo Shale, 2024. "Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Solid Waste Management in Bushbuckridge Rural Communities, South Africa," Waste, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Botle Maluleka & Phoka C. Rathebe & Busisiwe Shezi, 2025. "Illegal Dumping Sites in Bloemfontein, South Africa: Respiratory Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Community Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Yamkela Jakeni & Thabang Maphanga & Benett Siyabonga Madonsela & Karabo Concelia Malakane, 2024. "Identification of Illegal Dumping and Community Views in Informal Settlements, Cape Town: South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-17, February.

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