https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/810 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:45:54 GMT 2026-04-15T13:45:54Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4330 Title: Evaluating the effectiveness of section 24G of the National Environmental Management Act (107 OF 1998) as an environmental protection tool, using the Western Cape Provincial Government as a case-study, South Africa Authors: Malithi, Asiphe Abstract: Section 24G of the NEMA allows for the rectification of unauthorised commencement or continuation of a listed activity conducted in the absence of an EIA. Such rectification is done through the issuance of retrospective environmental authorisation. However, despite section 24G being promulgated in the interests of environmental protection, it has been associated with negative environmental effects. Both the private sector and governmental departments have misused section 24G as a means of securing quicker and cost-effective authorisation once the development has commenced. Such adverse effects have overshadowed the beneficial effects and legal motivation behind section 24G, with most interested and affected parties criticising the provisions as undermining the main environmental principles contained in section 2 of the NEMA. At present, there seems to be minimal literature that incorporates the positive effects of section 24G regarding commencements of development. The lack of such incorporation hinders the effective amendment or development of section 24G to properly address its shortcomings. The study focused on providing a balanced, unbiased representation of section 24G, while highlighting both the adverse and beneficial effects associated with the provisions. This was done to evaluate the true effectiveness of section 24G. Such a balanced representation of section 24G is important for future development of section 24G. The research study adopted a qualitative approach, using the Western Cape Provincial Government as a case-study. The study made use of purposive sampling. The data collection process included obtaining a sample of ten (10) section 24G applications from the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning to determine whether the granting of each retrospective authorisation was beneficial or detrimental to the environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the DEADP personnel and private environmental consultants. The findings of the research indicated that section 24G is overall beneficial to the environment and is effective as an environmental protection tool. The findings further indicated that section 24G does not promote the deliberate ignorance of the traditional environmental authorisation process. The study, however, noted that the section 24G process is not consistent with the principle of cooperative governance as outlined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The inconsistency is due to lack of consultation by the DEADP with other Departments that administer Environmental Authorisations prior to the granting of retrospective authorisation. Such lack of cooperative governance hinders the overall effectiveness of section 24G. Based on the data collected and presented on the study, it was concluded that section 24G is an effective environmental protection tool. However, the section 24G process needs to adopt the Constitutional principle of cooperative governance and consult with other relevant National and Provincial Departments to enhance the effectiveness of the provisions. Description: Thesis (Master of Environmental Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4330 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4286 Title: An assessment of the monitoring aspect of the environmental impact assessment procedure in Cape Town, South Africa Authors: Swanepoel, Robin Benjamin Abstract: This thesis assesses the monitoring aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure in Cape Town, South Africa. EIA is a tool used within sustainable development to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate potential impacts of proposed developments. This study argues that for EIAs in South Africa to contribute effectively to sustainable development, they must be underpinned by a holistic “cradle to grave” approach (DEAT, 2004c: 4–10). Currently, this is not the case, as Cashmore et al. (2004) argued that the EIA process is “relatively inefficient at ensuring: impacts were minimized; irreversible impacts were avoided; and sustainable development was facilitated.” These concerns are echoed by Jay et al. (2007) and Devuyst (2000: 68–72). With the establishment of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA), only registered environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) are mandated to conduct the EIA process; however, no such mandate exists for post-EIA activities1 . The EIA process is seldom undertaken outside the pre-feasibility or feasibility phase, creating an administrative hurdle for project progression. However, Schmidt et al. (2008) noted that the subsequent engineering design phase often results in EIA-approved designs evolving and developing post-environmental authorization (EA), potentially invalidating or rendering inapplicable many originally predicted environmental impacts. Conversely, design changes may introduce "new" environmental impacts. Upon construction commencement, the responsibility for ensuring adherence and compliance with the environmental management programme (EMPr) and environmental authorization falls to either the environmental control officer (ECO) and/or the environmental auditor. Ironically, the ECO's roles and responsibilities are undefined, while the environmental auditor is merely required to possess environmental auditing experience. Both roles remain unregulated within the broader South African environmental management industry. Consequently, quality control of post-EIA related work remains unchecked, and current post-EIA learnings do not iteratively inform future EIA processes. To assess the monitoring aspects of the post-EIA procedure in South Africa, Phase Two and Phase Three of the proposed Plankenbrug Main Outfall Sewer and Associated Works development in the Western Cape were used as an illustrative case study. A qualitative research design was adopted, supplemented by surveys, focus groups2 , and in-depth face-to face interviews with various industry stakeholders. Primary data collected from interviewees and research participants was augmented with secondary data sourced from various documentary and archival materials. This study revealed that the EIA regime in South Africa is not fully effective due to several procedural shortcomings inherent in the EIA process, which diminish its contribution to achieving the ideals of sustainable development. Finally, the study concludes that without a “cradle to grave” approach, a holistic view of impacts assessed throughout the development lifecycle will not be achieved, hindering effective mitigation. Description: Thesis (Master of Environmental Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4286 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4272 Title: Im/proper solid waste disposal practices at a University in the Western Cape, South Africa Authors: Nongoma, Anani Abstract: Background: Improper solid waste disposal practices have become a growing concern not only in communities but also in different higher education institutions such as the university under study. Responding to this and other related challenges, South Africa is taking giant strides toward sustainable waste management through several policy formulations and the promulgations of rules and regulations. This study aims to examine factors contributing to im/proper solid waste disposal practices at a University in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methodology: The research used the pragmatism paradigm. This paradigm was selected since the research adopted a mixed research approach, using both the qualitative and quantitative research method. Primary data was collected through participant observation, structured interviews, and questionnaires and this was enriched with secondary data in the form of scholarly literature and various policy documents. The sample method utilized was the stratified technique because the sample was divided into group/faculties. Findings: The findings of this research highlight the necessity for higher education institutions (HEIs) to adopt comprehensive solid waste management policies that align with national regulations and sustainability goals. Moreover, the findings highlight the need for both students and staff to implement educational programs and awareness campaigns that enhance environmental knowledge and foster a culture of proper waste disposal practices within the campus community. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of proper solid waste disposal practices in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reveals that most students and staff engage in improper waste disposal practices, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions to address infrastructural inadequacies and underlying attitudes towards waste disposal and management in general. A holistic approach integrating education, improved facilities, and community engagement is essential for fostering sustainable waste disposal practices. The study also emphasizes the critical role of attitudes and education in fostering responsible waste disposal behaviours. It suggests that HEIs adopt comprehensive solid waste management policies that align with national regulations and sustainability goals. Contribution: This study has the potential to contribute to theory, policy, and practice in terms of framework for proper solid waste disposal practices at a higher education institution and in terms of the Municipal Solid Waste. The study will contribute to making awareness of the 3 Rs of solid waste management in higher education which can directly contribute to the reduction of indiscriminate solid waste both in higher education institutions and also back in our society which in turn will reduce solid waste that reach landfill sites that are filing at an alarming rate. Description: Thesis (Master of Environmental Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4272 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4270 Title: An analysis of climate change science communication in post-apartheid South Africa over the period 1996 to 2016 Authors: Mulaudzi, Rendani Abstract: Climate change is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. It is well documented that the issue has been garnering significant attention in news media across the United States and Europe. In Africa, the most vulnerable continent, news media coverage of climate change is underrepresented. The understanding of news media representation of climate change science, particularly objective facts, is therefore of particular importance. This study explored the portrayal of three objective facts about climate change science (observed climate trends, climate change impacts and climate projections) in three leading South African broadsheet newspapers between 1996 and 2016. In addition, the study examined the manner in which the United Nations climate change conferences or Conference of the Parties (COP) events influence newspaper coverage of climate change science. The study further interrogated the effects of news media on newspaper readers’ opinion. This study provided an understanding of South African news media reporting on climate change science by bridging the existing knowledge gap in the literature. The study conducted a quantitative content analysis of 266 news articles from the City Press, The Sunday Independent, and Sunday Times. In order to explain public opinion about climate change science in the press, this study conducted a questionnaire survey among active readers of the Sunday broadsheet newspapers from a rural community in Limpopo, South Africa. The findings showed that newspaper attention devoted to objective facts remained low between 1996 and 2016, but their proportion rose slightly between 2006 and 2007. The analysis further revealed that political agenda had taken precedence over scientific agenda. The results have shown that South African newspapers were highly dependent on news agencies from the Global North. COP events coverage was at the highest peak in 2011, however, the study asserted that the focusing events did not strongly shape portrayal of objective facts in the press. The findings suggested that the dearth of scientific agenda in news articles had a major impact on newspaper readers’ opinion on climate change. The results also showed that there has been newspaper reader scepticism on climate change projections. This research provided useful insights on how objective facts on climate change science are portrayed in news articles across the major broadsheets in South Africa. The conclusion of this study was that there was a considerable disconnect between the scientific agenda on climate change and print media. The study recommended the development of a guidebook to bridge the gap between climate change science and newsrooms and highlighted key areas for future research. Description: (DPhil (Environmental Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4270 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z