5.8.3 Co-ordination of the WMOs

The DEA has already given consideration to the institutional arrangements for the co-ordination of the WMOs, and it has planned for a three tiered co-ordination body, in the form of:

• a National Waste Forum (responsible for the annual work plan giving effect to legislation and policy, capacity building, waste management strategies, waste information management, provincial reports and annual waste indaba);
• Provincial Waste Fora (responsible for addressing challenges, gaps and achievements with respect to the Waste Act, as well as policy, capacity building, provision of waste services, waste minimization and recycling, pollution, waste information special projects, municipal reports) and
• District Waste Fora (same as provincial role). 

It is evident that the mandates of these fora are very broad; especially the provincial and district waste fora, and further guidance will be required regarding the mandate of each forum. There may also be a need to consider the membership of the fora, as the provincial and district fora appear not to make provision for industries’ involvement. The latter are only included at a national level as non-standing members. The issues for further consideration therefore include the mandates of the fora and consideration of the need for standing-membership for industry. The levels at which industry should be presented should also be considered.