OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
An investigation of the work challenges faced by solid waste pickers in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng South Africa
Mpinane Flory Senekane 1 Nondumiso Portia Mngomezulu 1
1,2 Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 02, Pg. 11-24, 2024
Abstract: The management of waste faces numerous challenges because of the growing population and economy in South Africa. As a result, waste facilities such as landfill sites are overburdened, and municipalities need to move up the waste management hierarchy. Informal waste pickers (IWPs) play a vital role in this regard as they divert waste away from landfills through recycling. However, they work in isolation from municipalities’ waste management systems, under harsh conditions and without proper tools. Recent increases in municipal solid waste have been significant and have detrimental effects on the environment and public health, requiring municipalities to move up the waste management hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, landfill). In South Africa, informal waste collection is a crucial component of municipalities’ waste management systems. This study aims to investigate the work challenges faced by solid waste pickers in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng (CEMM), South Africa. To achieve this aim, the objective was to understand the problems that they encountered as they collected solid waste recyclables to sell to recycling companies. The study was conducted in Germiston (Simmer and Jack Landfill) and Springs (Rietfontein Landfill site) in the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, focusing on landfill waste pickers. The study had a sample of 283 IWPs. This study employed a descriptive cross- sectional design and quantitative methods. A sample size of 283 was drawn from a total population of an estimate of five hundred fifty (n=550). Data were collected using self- administered, structured closed-ended questionnaires. Data was analysed by using SPSS computer software version 27. The study revealed that waste pickers face social, financial and lack of support challenges when performing their daily activities. There was no association between the location of waste pickers and their opinions on integration and the results can be generalised for the population of waste pickers in the City of Ekurhuleni. The study revealed that waste pickers need support from municipalities as they face critical challenges that affect their health, livelihood, and their recycling efficiencies. These critical challenges affect their health, livelihood, and their recycling support efficiencies. We recommend the establishment of municipal by-laws that protect solid waste pickers from the afore mentioned challenges, the CEMM should review the solid waste management by-laws that will include protection of solid waste pickers by communities who should at the same time embrace the role they play in protecting human health and the environment. The Gauteng Provincial Government should come up with strategies that will help make waste pickers feel wanted.
Keywords: illegal dumping, landfill sites, recycling, solid waste management, waste pickers
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The Significance of Bioethics Committees in Enhancing the Regulation of Human Germline Enhancement Technologies in South Africa
Nothando Shandu 1, Beatrice Okyere-Manu 2
1,2 School of Religion Philosophy and Classics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 03, Pg. 25-32, 2024
Abstract: The advancement of technology that allows human genome modification has received significant attention lately. This is due to the ethical concerns that arise from such advancements, which call for establishing bioethics committees to implement recommendations for regulating human germline enhancement technologies. Bioethics committees are most suitable for this task due to their ability to foster public debates and encourage discussions on relevant issues. Although South Africa has seen increased research committees established over the years, the country has yet to establish bioethics committees to promote ethical regulation of germline enhancement technologies nationally. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the paper explores how bioethics committees could contribute to regulating human germline enhancement technologies in South Africa.
Using the normative ethical theory of consequentialism, the paper suggests that including independent experts like religious and community leaders in the current national bioethics committees defined by UNESCO would be advantageous in the South African context as this would ensure that the recommendations generated would be a true reflection of the salient values of the rainbow nation.
Keywords: Bioethics Committees, Enhancement Technology, Genetic Modification, Human Genome, Human Germline
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Green Hydrogen: Understanding Techno-Economic Viability for Industries
Neha Makol 1, Puja Gupta 2, Meenakshi Mital 3, Matt Syal 4
1 Research scholar, Department of Resource Management & Design Application, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, Sikandra Road, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
2,3 Professor, Department of Resource Management & Design Application, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, Sikandra Road, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India.
4 Professor, School of Planning, Design & Construction, Human Ecology Building, Michigan State University
552 W. Circle Drive, Rm 213, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Volume 17, Issue 02, Pg. 33-42, 2024
Abstract: Green hydrogen is being touted as the ultimate decarbonisation tool. It is the most versatile fuel and can be used for multiple applications but has a strong use case in hard to abate sectors including refineries, fertilisers, cement and steel. But the commercial viability of the fuel is still uncertain. There is still a hesitation among the market to deploy and scale it which can be attributed to its high cost. Renewable power accounts for more than 85% of the cost of green hydrogen and high cost of renewable power generation and transmission makes it financially unattractive in comparison to grey hydrogen. Technology viability of green hydrogen market is also still evolving. Technology like Alkaline electrolysers are cheaper in comparison but not as efficient as other technologies including proton exchange membrane and solid oxide electrolysers. Notwithstanding, the market is extremely hopeful about the prospects of green hydrogen, but this paper concludes that current policy initiatives are inadequate to make a material change. There is a need for more concerted support from the government in the form of capital subsidies, waivers in grid charges for renewable power, strong R&D boost and demand side measures like mandatory purchase obligation on refineries to help the green hydrogen market take off. This paper evaluates techno-commercial viability, policy framework and global developments related to green hydrogen to understand its status of adoption.
Keywords: Electrolysers, green hydrogen, refineries, technological viability, policy and regulatory framework
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The Impact of Trade Agreements on Women’s Participation in Trade in Africa: A Landscape Analysis
Edwick Murungu
African Leadership University, Rwanda.
Volume 17, Issue 02, Pg. 43-52, 2024
Abstract: The African continent, rich in resources and cultural diversity, has been experiencing pivotal changes in its international trade dynamics. As trade agreements burgeon, promising an interconnected economic future, there lies an under-analyzed aspect – the empowerment and participation of women in these newly forged trading paradigms. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how trade agreements influence and shape women’s engagement in trade across the diverse nations of Africa. One can only mention trade in Africa if discussing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It stands as a beacon of hope for reshaping intra-African trade. This monumental agreement, encompassing a majority of African nations, could redirect the trade currents. Central to this investigation is how agreements like AfCFTA can be channelled to fortify women’s economic roles.
Simplified trade regimes, the removal of stringent trade barriers, and an emphasis on diversified exports can collectively serve as gateways for women’s heightened participation in commercial activities. However, the impact of such agreements extends far beyond the conventional contours of trade. They have the latent power to cultivate women’s entrepreneurial spirits, usher in waves of female-centric job opportunities, and instigate programs that uplift the skill sets of women in trade. The positive ripples of these changes can be transformative, marking a dual victory for both gender equity and the broader macroeconomic growth of the region. However, this promising trajectory has hurdles. Despite the optimistic dawn of new agreements, African women continue grappling with challenges that hinder their ascent in the trade sector. At the heart of these challenges lies financial accessibility. The quest for financial resources, credit facilities, and expansion capital still needs to be discovered for many women-led enterprises. Coupled with this are the shadows of gender-specific barriers: cultural norms, biases, and overtly discriminatory practices that function as gatekeepers, often preventing women from venturing into numerous economic sectors.
The digital age, with its plethora of opportunities, unfortunately, introduces its disparities. There is a stark digital divide that’s discernible across Africa. Technological gaps, marked by insufficient infrastructure and lack of digital literacy, hinder many women from harnessing the fruits of e-commerce and online trading, especially in remote regions, or need consistent developmental initiatives. Understanding these complexities, our study is not merely diagnostic but prescriptive.
This Study introduces an array of policy recommendations tailored to address the multifarious challenges enumerated. These policy suggestions range from enhancing digital literacy programs for women and fortifying micro-financing structures to launching awareness campaigns to combat deep-rooted gender biases. Every recommendation is underscored by a singular vision: ensuring inclusivity, diminishing gender disparities, and accentuating the prominence of women in Africa’s trading future. To wrap up, the evolving narrative of international trade in Africa is teeming with potential. However, to translate this potential into tangible growth, this study seeks to ensure that every segment of society, especially women, is integrally involved. It is not just about economic numbers but crafting an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
Keywords: AfCFTA, Digital divide, Gender equity, Trade agreements, Women’s participation
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