1.2 Approach and methodology

The development of the NWMS has been guided by a consultative process4, including public participation and consultation with relevant national and provincial departments. Involving stakeholders in the process has been more than merely a legislative requirement, since crucial aspects of waste management, such as waste separation and recycling, are performed by households, businesses and organisations outside of government.

Developing the strategy followed a consultative process in four phases shown in the table below.

Table 2: Phases for developing the NWMS

PHASE ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS

INCEPTION PHASE

March - June 2009
  • Review of previous policies & drafting of NWMS framework.
  • Establishment of Project Steering Committee.
  • Launch of NWMS website as part of online consultation process.

Key outputs: Stakeholder Consultation Report, NWMS Framework, & NWMS website

SITUATION & BASELINE STUDIES

June - September 2009
  • Research conducted on identified key topics.
  • Consultation on baseline research reports.
  • Synthesis paper summarising key issues arising out of the baseline research reports and consultation process, and the development of a strategic issues paper.

Key outputs: Research Papers, Research Conference & Strategic Issues paper

STRATEGY FORMULATION

September 2009 – April 2010
  • Consultation on strategic issues paper.
  • Review of stakeholder comments, engagement with Project Steering Committee and key government agencies.
  • Preparation of first draft of the NWMS.

Key outputs: agreement on key strategic issues, first draft of NWMS

CONSULTATION & FINALISATION

May 2010 – July 2011
  • Publication of draft NWMS for comment.
  • Extensive consultations on the NWMS with the three spheres of government, industry and civil society.
  • Based on stakeholder inputs, finalisation of the NWMS.
  • Approval of NWMS by Cabinet.

Key outputs: Publication of NWMS

An innovative feature of the consultation process has been a website (www.wastepolicy.co.za/nwms/) to facilitate public participation and comments on the key policy documents produced as part of the drafting of the NWMS.

Consultation with government departments, provinces and municipalities has ensured that the NWMS is an integrated strategy for the whole of government, and is aligned with institutional capacity and intergovernmental systems. The NWMS seeks to mainstream waste management in government planning and reporting systems.

 

  1. As required by sections 72 and 73 of the Waste Act.