Browsing by Author "Hector, Michael Carl"

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    Exploring Ecological Modernisation in an African Context: The Case of South Africa's E-waste Sector
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Hector, Michael Carl; Lambrechts, Derica; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the application of ecological modernisation (EM) in the context of an emerging African economy, South Africa. Much like other states in the global South, the South African government has become enamoured with the prospects of bridging the gap between the economy, environment and society. This gap can however be bridged through the achievement of sustainable development. However, as argued in this study, there have been various approaches to the achievement of sustainability. One such approach has been the use of EM as a pathway to sustainable development, which sees the market and technological innovation as being key to the achievement of sustainable and green economies. As argued by this study, the use of EM as a pathway to sustainable development is often found within states that have adopted neoliberal and capitalist ideologies. This study therefore argues that South Africa’s neoliberal macroeconomic policy shift in the post-apartheid years have created an enabling environment for the adoption of EM as an approach to environmental management. The result of this has been the adoption of EM principles within environmental management policies such as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the Waste Act. South Africa is unique in its use of EM, as environmental policy in the country highlights the importance of social and environmental justice concerns. Although the inclusion of social and environmental justice concerns has been important aspects of South Africa’s environmental management policy, these concerns have not been translated into practice. As such, it has been argued that what is evident in the case of South Africa is the application of weak sustainability and weak ecological modernisation. The purpose of this study is therefore to build on existing knowledge regarding ecological modernisation in South Africa. This study argues that the presence of strong EM in environmental policy is not enough and for EM to be considered effective, the realisation of environmental policy imperatives needs to be considered as part of the process. In its assessment of EM in South Africa, this study makes use of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the management of electronic waste (e-waste) in South Africa. It is argued by this study that in the management of e-waste in South Africa, the implementation of the EPR needs to prioritise social and environmental justice concerns – paramount to the management of waste being the inclusion of waste pickers in decision-making and practice.