2 Setting the Context

The following section sets the context for the issues discussed in this document, and the wider process of producing the NWMS. South Africa has a specific socio-economic and demographic make-up, characterised by rapid development and urbanisation spurred on by a unique period of continued economic growth in recent years. These factors could have profoundly negative impacts on the environment if not managed well. This section discusses these factors from a socio-economic and demographic context. The section then examines the Constitutional and legal context and South Africa’s international obligations, and provides an outline of the strategic challenges and key considerations in relation to the main producer categories of waste.