The study of Waste Management Practices within households in

Khakhanwa Village, Thulamela Municipality

BY

MABADAHANYE VHONANI

(STUDENT NO: 11590906)

A mini-dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree:

Master of Public Health (MPH)

University of Venda

Supervisor : Dr TG Tshitangano

Co-supervisor : Dr Mashau NS

2017
 
DECLARATION

I Mabadahanye Vhonani hereby declare that this dissertation titled “The study of waste
management practices within households in Khakhanwa village, Thulamela
municipality’’ hereby submitted to the University of Venda, School of Health Sciences, has
not been submitted before for any degree or examination at this or any other university; and
that it is my own work in design and execution and that all materials contained herein have
been duly acknowledged.

…………………… ........................................

Mabadahanye V Date

i 
 
DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to my courageous mother, Mrs Mabadahanye T.J. and my two lovely
children, Fhumulani and Nduvhokhae Munyai.

ii 
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the almighty God for the wisdom and strength he gave me throughout
my lifetime.

I wish to express my gratitude to the following people who made it possible:

 Dr Tshitangano T.G. and Dr Mashau N.S., my thesis supervisors, for their hard work
in guiding and encouraging me throughout my studies
 Miss Onica Mabadahanye and Mrs Ndadza for assisting with data collection
 My children Munyai Fhumulani and Nduvhokhae and my partner Munyai Ndifeleni for
accepting the distorted attention while focusing more on academic work
 My mother Mabadahanye T.J for going an extra mile in encouraging me not to give
up
 Khakhanwa village leadership and residents for allowing me to conduct my study in
their location
 Mrs Nevhungoni T.F. for the valuable effort and support she provided
 Mr Bvuma V.T., for editing my work with dedication
 Mr Mambanga P for assisting with data analysis

iii 
 
ABSTRACT

The sanitary state of an area is largely influenced by waste handling practices of the
residents and measures in place for safe waste evacuation and disposal. Despite strategies
that the municipality and local communities have put in place; namely, collection of wastes in
one central spot in some villages, littering of all types of wastes is still on the increase in
many rural areas.

The focus of this study was on common refuse generated at Khakhanwa Village, different
waste management practices and the knowledge of villagers on the impact of poor refuse
management. The study was carried out using the quantitative, descriptive methodology. A
total population of 312 households participated. Data was collected using a structured
questionnaire and ethical aspects were taken into consideration. Data was analysed
descriptively using SPSS version 22.0. It is presented using graphs, tables and pie chart.

The findings show that the respondents satisfactorily showed understanding of waste
management and the impact of poor waste management. Due to lack of waste services, the
majority of the residents resort to storing wastes within their homes, burning it and disposing
of it in open dumping sites as major waste management practices. The most familiar wastes
in Khakhanwa village are decomposable wastes, napkins and plastics. These findings call
for strengthened waste services in rural areas and more waste education amongst all
villagers. Policies on waste management need to be put in motion. Communities need to be
equipped with the knowledge of reducing, reusing and recycling for the purpose of limiting
wastes. Finally school curricula should be adjusted such that they inform learners about
waste management from early ages.

Key words: Waste management, waste disposal, practices, household waste.

iv 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration......................................................................................................................... i
Dedication.......................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgements............................................................................................................ iii
Abstract.............................................................................................................................. Iv
Table of contents............................................................................................................... V
List of tables....................................................................................................................... Viii
List of figures..................................................................................................................... Ix
List of acronyms................................................................................................................. X
List of appendix................................................................................................................. Xi
List of annexures............................................................................................................... Xii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Background of the Study…………………………........……………………………......... 1

1.3 Problem Statement……………………………….........…………………………….......... 4

1.4 Rationale for the Study………………………….........…………………………….......…. 4
1.5 Significance of the Study……………………….........………………………….......……. 4
1.6 Purpose of the study.........................………….........…………………………....……… 5
1.7 Objectives of the study................................................................................................ 5
1.8 Definition of terms……………………………….........…………………………..........….. 5
1.9. Arrangement of chapters....................................... ...................................................... 6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………….......…........... 7
2.2 Legislations Governing Waste management in South Africa ………………............. 7
2.3. South African Statistics on Household Refuse Removal……………………............. 9
2.4 Knowledge and Awareness on Waste management………………………................ 10
2.5 Practice of Waste Management within Households.........................………….......... 11
2.6 Acceptable and Safe Practices of Domestic Waste Management....………............. 15
2.7 Impact of Poor Waste Management......................................................................... 16
2.8 Possible Control Strategies for waste Management................................................. 19
2.9 Summary................................................................................................................... 20

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 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………..............…………... 21
3.2 The Study Design………………………………………………….............……………. 21
3.3 The Study Setting…………………………………………………............…………….. 21
3.4 Study Population………………………………………………............…………... 22
3.5 Sampling…………………………………………………………….............…………… 22
3.6 Data collection Tool…………………………………………………............…………... 23
3.7 Pre-test.................................................................................................................... 23
3.8 Validity and Reliability of data collection tool….……………………...........………… 23
3.9 Data Collection Methods……………………………………………..........………….... 24
3.10 Data Analysis...............………………………………………………..........…………... 25
3.11 Ethical Considerations………………………………………………………..........….... 25
3.12 Summary................................................................................................................... 26

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS

4.1 Introduction……………………….................…………………………………………….. 27
4.2 Demographic Profiles of Respondents…….............…………………………………... 27
4.3 Common types of household wastes in Khakhanwa Village…….......……………….. 29
4.4 Household Waste Management Practices……………...........………………………. 30
4.5 Knowledge of the impact of Poor Waste Management……….........……………….… 33
4.6 Summary..................................................................................................................... 35

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 36
5.2 Common types of Household Wastes…………………….........…………………….... 37
5.3 Household Waste Management Practices………………….........………...…………. 37
5.4 Knowledge of the Impact of Poor Waste Management……….........………...……… 40
5.6 Summary.............................................................................................................. 41

vi 
 
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 43
6.2 Conclusions............................................................................................................... 43
6.3 Recommendations..................................................................................................... 44
6.4 Limitations of the study.............................................................................................. 45
6.5 Summary.................................................................................................................. 45

Appendix A: Research instrument (Questionaire).............................................................. 50

Appendix B: Tshivenda version of the questionnaire........................................................ 53
Appendix C: Information Sheet......................................................................................... 56
Appendix D: Tshivenda Version of the information sheet................................................. 58
Appendix E: Consent form................................................................................................ 60
Appendix F: Tshivenda version of the consent form......................................................... 61
Appendix G: Request letter to the Local Authority............................................................ 62
Annexure A: Ethical clearance.......................................................................................... 63
Annexure B: Letter from language editor.......................................................................... 64

vii 
 
LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Environmental impacts of waste management methods…...........……..... 19

Table 4.1. Demographic information of respondents............................................. 28

Table 4.2. Common types of wastes......................................................................... 30
Table 4.3 Household wastes versus disposal method........................................... 31
Table 4.4 Awareness of impact of poor waste management................................. 33

viii 
 
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1. Percentage of households whose refuse is removed

the municipality............................................................................................ 9
Figure 2.2. Wastes dumped in an open space.............................................................. 12
Figure 2.3. Wastes dumped near periodical water source............................................ 13
Figure 2.4. The structure used for collection of wastes (napkins)................................. 14
Figure 2.5. Abandoned site with disposed napkins....................................................... 15

Figure 3.1. Map indicating the location of Khakhanwa in Thohoyandou area............... 22

Figure 4.1. Households’ sources of income................................................................... 29

Figure 4.2 Waste disposal practices............................................................................. 32
Figure 4.3 Availability of waste collection bins............................................................ 32

ix 
 
LIST OF ACRONYMS

CBD- Central Business District

IDP- Individual Development Plan

MEC- Member of Executive Council

NWMS- National Waste Management Strategy

SPSS- Statistical Package for Social Sciences

x 
 
LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Research Instrument (Questionnaire)........................................... 50

Appendix B: Tshivenda version of the questionnaire........................................ 53
Appendix C: Information Sheet.......................................................................... 56
Appendix D: Tshivenda Version of the information sheet.................................. 58
Appendix E: Consent form................................................................................. 60
Appendix F: Tshivenda version of the consent form......................................... 61
Appendix G: Request letter to the Local Authority............................................. 62
 

xi 
 
LIST OF ANNEXURES

Annexure A: Ethical clearance, from the University of Venda.............................................63

Annexure B: Letter from language editor...............................................................................64

xii 
 
   

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction

In South Africa and the world today, waste management has reached disturbing levels and
countries are struggling to deal with wastes. The background of the study will elaborate on
the challenges of waste management in different countries and South Africa in particular.
The problem statement, study rationale, significance of the study, study objectives and the
definitions of terms will also be included.

1.2. Background of the study

Waste management remains one of the major challenges faced by developing countries.
The sanitary state of an area is largely influenced by the waste handling practices of the
residents and measures in place for safe waste evacuation and disposal (Modebe,
Onyeonoro,Ezeama, Ogbuagu and Agam, 2009). The problem of solid waste is a universal
one as waste exists in every society. However, waste management problems only appear
more serious in developing economies because of poor management framework. The
quantity and type of waste generated depends upon the function which a city performs, its
economic status and the level of technological development (Ukpong and Udofia, 2011).

In ancient times, waste disposal did not pose a significant problem. This was because the
population was small and the land available to receive waste materials was abundant.
Waste-related problems started when humans began to congregate in larger communities
(Doru and Smaranda, 2010). The challenge becomes greater for developing nations as there
should be a balance between economic and social development and environmental
performance. Therefore, it is vital to optimize domestic waste management processes and
improve their enactments (Ayoub, Musharavati and Gabbar, 2014). Abin (2012) argues that
the problem of solid wastes is drawing the attention of people due to the garbage that lies
uncollected besides streets, dustbins and grounds that impose a threat to the environment
and risk to public health.

A study conducted by Nirgude, Naik, Prasad and Nagaraj( 2014) in South India, revealed
that the non-availability of dust bins, irregular visits of municipal vans for household waste
collection and lack of knowledge regarding importance of segregation of waste, were the
principal problems in the practice of solid waste disposal by urban slum families. In Pakistan,

1 
 
   

poor solid waste management practices, lack of funds and irresponsible behaviour of
dwellers reflect the worst scenario in the country. Due to diverse living practices in the same
town, management authorities cannot provide uniform solid waste management system
(Naem and Nasi, 2012).

Today the most important subject that affects and worries mankind is the issue concerning
waste management (Kumar and Nandini, 2013). Georges (2015) found that in Cameroon
like many other African countries, waste management is poorly practiced. In Nigeria,
Uncollected wastes have contributed to flooding, breeding of insects and rodents and the
spread of diseases such as malaria, typhoid and fever. According to Fakere, Fadairo and
Oriye (2012), the problem of waste generation, handling and disposal has reached a
disturbing level in Nigerian urban centres. This is because of the huge volume of waste
generated in the cities on a daily basis, which calls for proper handling in order to protect the
environment and the population. Domestic waste constitutes the highest percentage of
waste generated in Akure, Nigeria.

The situation in several other South-Western Nigerian cities also shows that the percentage
of domestic wastes is considerably high, compared to wastes from other sources (Fakere et
al, 2012). Boadi and Kuitunen (2005) conducted a study in Ghana and found that the
majority of households store solid waste in their homes and a small percentage store their
wastes outside their homes. Wastes that are stored inside the home are usually associated
with the abundance of house flies in the home and kitchens. As a result, many children
suffered from diarrhoea. Many households that store their wastes at home do so in open
containers and plastic, which makes the households unhygienic.

Xotole, Xali and Barchiesi (2001), argue that lack of household refuse collection symbolises
inequality in South Africa. This is because whites-only suburbs are always kept clean while
most black townships and rural areas residents are left with no choice but to dump their
refuse in open spaces and unsealed communal skips. Kamara (2006) also found that waste
collection coverage in South African cities is generally highest in the ‘urban core’ and lowest
in the scattered settlement. The government shows strong commitment to domestic waste
management, but in certain instances, such as the case of plastic bags, it is clear that there
is a need for an institutional strengthening of waste management, to enhance a strong
implementation capacity.

Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape are the three provinces of South Africa that were
listed to have a low percentage of households refuse removal of less than 44% in 2012. On

2 
 
   

the other hand, Gauteng and Western Cape were the provinces with the highest percentage
of refuse removal of over 90% (Statistics South Africa, 2012). This may be a manifestation of
what Kamara (2006) mentioned above, since Limpopo and Mpumalanga are the most rural
areas, with some scattered settlements; on the other hand, Gauteng and Western Cape are
most urbanised and developed. This means that in South Africa urbanised areas receive
better refuse removal services than rural areas. It may be of interest to consider and
compare the availability of infrastructure such as roads that may hinder the delivery of
service.

The South African Local Government Association (2014) has singled out refuse removal and
sewage collection and disposal as some of the basic human needs. However, the National
Waste Management Strategy of South Africa (2011) confirmed that waste management in
South Africa has various challenges due to rapid economic growth and historical waste
services backlog. In 2007 only 61% of South African households were receiving household
waste collection services, with the services skewed in favour of the urban residents. On the
other hand, low income rural areas remained disadvantaged. It has also been observed that
inadequate waste management services lead to unpleasant living conditions and unhealthy
environment.

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) (2013/2014) of Thulamela Municipality has indicated
that the Thulamela Municipality has to perform responsibilities on noise pollution, refuse
removal, refuse dumps and solid wastes. Waste management was listed as one of the
priority areas and the corresponding goal was to clean areas to create licenced landfill sites.
In this plan it was left blank under “free basic waste removal”. This indicates a lack of waste
management prioritization in the Thulamela Municipality. This is because waste
management in rural areas is not being followed adequately, with more than 400 villages not
receiving waste removal services. A few transfer stations have been mentioned. It has also
been indicated that in urban areas collection is done every day, although in Thohoyandou
Block P East and West collection is only done once a week, on Tuesdays. The Thulamela
Municipality has one licensed landfill site at Muledane –Tswinga area and an unlicensed one
at Malamulele. The Thulamela Municipality collects wastes from proclaimed areas once a
week and every day in the Central Business District (CBD’s) of Thohoyandou and
Malamulele.

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1.3 Problem statement

Despite the efforts made by government to control refuse, most rural areas in the Thulamela
Municipality still have a problem with refuse management. For example, most households
dispose their refuse within their homes. The storage of wastes at home makes the homes
unhygienic. Some villagers dump their refuse in open spaces along the road, and close to
water sources, thus polluting land and rivers. Such refuse is comprised of tins, plastics, used
diapers, and abandoned goods. This practice is associated with the presence of flies within
the home. Flies carry germs that cause communicable diseases. In addition, disposal sites
carry along rodents, insects and other vermin, which could transmit diseases such as
typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, yaws, and other diseases (Sarker, Sarker,
Islam and Sharmin, 2012). Now that the responsibility of proper domestic waste
management lies within the household, the concern is that it is not clear if the members of
the household know how to carry out this responsibility safely. In light of this, it was clear that
there was a need to study waste management within households in Khakhanwa Village of
Thulamela Municipality, South Africa.

1.4. Rationale for the study

Studies have been conducted in South Africa and abroad on refuse and waste
management. The majority of these studies have focused on key areas such as
environmental and health impact of household waste, as well as waste handling and
environmental education on waste in urban areas. However, no known study has focused on
a description of refuse management practices and knowledge within households at
Khakhanwa Village in particular.

1.5. Significance of the study

This study may identify knowledge gaps on refuse management practices within households
for future studies. The municipal sector may be able to single out the gaps on refuse waste
management that have not been previously considered. Policy developers may also have a
further lead on pending issues on waste management that still need policy developments
and/or amendments.

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1.6. Purpose of the study

The study aims to describe the household refuse management practices in Khakhanwa
Village of Thulamela Municipality, South Africa.

1.7. Objectives of the study

 To identify the common types of domestic wastes generated in Khakhanwa Village.

 To describe household waste management practices.
 To assess knowledge on the impact of poor waste management.

1.8. Definition of terms

 Waste- any substance, material or object, that is unwanted, rejected, abandoned,

discarded or disposed of, or that is intended or required to be discarded or disposed
of, by the holder of that substance, material or object, whether or not such substance,
material or object can be re-used, recycled or recovered (National Environmental
Management: Waste Amendment Act, 2014)

 Household- A household is a group of persons who live together and provide

themselves jointly with food and/or other essentials for living, or a single person who
lives alone (National Environmental Management: Waste act, 2008).

 Household waste- means waste, excluding hazardous waste that emanates from
premises that are used wholly or mainly for residential, educational, health care,
sport or recreation purposes which include garden and park wastes, municipal
wastes and food wastes (National Environmental Management: Waste Amendment
Act, 2014). The word household waste will be used interchangeably with refuse and
domestic waste.

 Waste management- implies management and systematic monitoring of recollection

activities, the selection and actual collection, transport, treatment, recovery, disposal,
and storage of wastes (Mihaela, 2011).

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 Waste management practices- for the purpose of this study, waste management
practices refer to those regular activities on waste management that are considered
normal.

 Impact- for the purpose of this study, impact refers to those negative effects of poor
waste management.

1.9. Arrangement of chapters

Chapter 2: Literature review- chapter two provides the legislations on waste management is
South Africa, the knowledge and awareness of people on waste management and their
practices. It also presents the safe practices of waste management as well as the impact of
poor waste management.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology- This chapter describes the overview of the quantitative
method employed in this study, together with the designs and sampling methods. Data
collection methods and ethics allied thereof are also discussed.

Chapter 4: Results- this chapter gives the results of the findings of the study and these are
presented in tables and graphs.

Chapter 5: Discussion of findings- the results of the study are discussed in relation to the
literature in chapter two.

Chapter 6: Conclusion and recommendations- the conclusions of the study are presented as
well as the recommendations based on the findings of the study.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Introduction

In order to provide a background of this study, this chapter reviewed literature on waste
management. The literature includes the legislation that governs wastes in South Africa and
the statistics on waste removal. Furthermore, awareness and knowledge on waste
management and practices of waste management within households are discussed. In
addition, acceptable and safe practices of domestic waste management and the impact of
poor waste management are reviewed. The chapter again illustrates possible control
strategies for waste management.

2.2. Legislations governing waste management in South Africa

2.2.1. The Constitution of South Africa

The South African Constitution 108 of 1996 stipulates that everyone has the right to an
environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and to have the environment
protected in order to benefit the current and future generations. The constitution further
stipulates that this can be reached through legislative and other measures to prevent
pollution and ecological degradation, promote conversation and secure ecological
sustainable development (The Constitution of South Africa, 1999).

2.2.2. National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008

This Act stipulates that the local municipality has to deliver waste, management services,
including waste removal, waste storage and waste disposal that is accessible to the whole
community and adheres to national norms and standards. The population of the community
should be known, as well as the number of people in need of waste services and the number
of people already receiving waste management services. At the national level the minister
should delegate an officer responsible for waste management in the national government to
do so. At provincial level a Member of Executive Council (MEC) should appoint an officer
responsible for coordinating waste management in the province.This act stipulates that there
are priority wastes. There are those wastes that are believed to be a potential threat to
human health, wellbeing, or the environment. Priority wastes ought to be managed and,

7 
 
   

where possible methods of minimising, storage, reuse, recycling and recovering treatment
and disposal should be considered (National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008).

This Act further stipulates that a holder of waste must take reasonable measures to:

 avoid the generation of waste and where such generation cannot be avoided, to
minimize the toxicity and amounts of waste that are generated;
 reduce, re-use, recycle and recover waste;
 where waste must be disposed of, workers should ensure that the waste is treated
and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner;
 manage the waste in such a manner that it does not endanger the health or the
environment or cause a nuisance through noise, odor or visual impacts;
 prevent the waste from being used for an unauthorized purpose

2.2.3. National Domestic Waste Collection Standards, 2011

This is a regulation formulated as a requirement in the National Environmental Management:

Waste Act 59 of 2008. It was formulated to protect the environment and to ensure the health
safety of all people. It has been indicated that waste services should be governed by equity,
affordability and availability, practicality and community participation. This regulation states
that the municipalities are responsible for collecting wastes from all households and where
the distance is a barrier, onsite disposal should be an alternative solution (National domestic
waste collection standards, 2011).

The municipalities also have the responsibility of educating people on waste and wastes
handling, how to separate wastes within their households and recycling. Each household
must be provided with a bin/ receptacle to ensure that waste is safe and does not leak;
animals cannot enter, bins do not corrode and protect health and environment. These
standards indicate that recyclable wastes should be collected once every two weeks and
non-recyclable wastes should be collected once a week. It is further stipulated that the
communal collection points must be collected as soon as they are reported to be full or
within 24 hours of being reported as full (National Domestic Waste Collection Standards,
2011).

8 
 
   

2.3 South African statistics on waste management

Zurbrugg (2003) has indicated that there are large differences in solid wastes produced in
rural and in urban areas.The proper disposal of household waste and refuse is important to
maintain environmental hygiene. Figure 2.1 shows that the percentage of refuse removal
services provided by municipalities throughout the country was notably higher in the largely
urbanized provinces of Gauteng (90,9%) and Western Cape (90,8%), but lower in the more
rural Eastern Cape (43,2%), Mpumalanga (39,2%) and Limpopo (20,8%). Nationally, the
percentage of households whose refuse was removed by the municipality increased from
58,3% to 64% between 2002 and 2012 (Statistics South Africa, 2012).

Figure 2.1: Percentage of households whose refuse is removed by the municipality by

province, years 2002–2012

9 
 
   

2.4. Knowledge and awareness of waste management

Abin (2012) argues that in day to day life, many people, especially women, are unaware of
proper waste disposal practices and their harmful impact on human health and environment.
Women play a key role in housekeeping and disposing of domestic wastes. In most
households, the responsibility of waste handling and management is left to women and girls.
Waste handling extremely touches the lives of women, especially in some developing and
underdeveloped countries and areas. Women are often responsible for collecting wastes in
their households and moving these to community transfer areas. This is may be because
they are in daily contact with wastes in their households and because women tend to be the
most marginalised groups in many societies (United Nations Environmental Programme,
2009).

According to Saidon (2013), the factors that influence knowledge include formal education.
Formal education influences the public’s reaction towards waste management. It was
concluded in the study on educational returns on the environment that formal education has
an indirect influence through improved understanding on the practice of the public on waste
management. It was further indicated that reaching a secondary education level had an
indirect influence on waste separation. Formal education has a direct and significant
influence on one’s understanding of waste separation and management. Arora and Agarwal
(2011) have also indicated that the practice of waste management is affected by level of
education and stream of education among 300 university students that were studied. In this
sample, 54% were classified as possessing low knowledge and 46% had medium level of
education on waste management. It was concluded that the majority of students had
unsatisfactory knowledge regarding waste management and it was recommended that
knowledge on waste management has to be improved in order to protect the environment
from waste hazards.

Jatau (2013) indicated that sufficient knowledge on waste management may help people
protect themselves from infections such as malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera and
hepatitis. In addition, adequate knowledge on the impact of poor waste management and
disposal may influence people to adopt positive waste management practices, which in turn
can promote personal hygiene. Fakere, Fadairo and Oriye (2012) add that knowledge of the
sources of waste and type in an area is required in order to design and operate appropriate
solid waste management systems.

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2.5. Practices of waste management within households

Arora and Agwaral (2011) have indicated that civilisation and globalisation have affected our
lifestyle and daily activities. Nowadays more and more disposable goods are manufactured
for onetime use. However, most households have no waste separation practices and people
must be taught how to deal with solid waste in their homes, schools and work places. It has
been found that 37% of respondents practice waste management in their households, while
63% did not (Sarker, Sarker, Islam and Sharmin, 2012). Banga (2011) conducted a study in
Zambia on 468 households and found that 59.4% of the households separate their wastes
within their households. Some households separate their wastes because they want them to
be disposed of efficiently while some want to make manure from the separated wastes.
Broken bottles are often thrown in pit latrines. Separated wastes include bottles, plastic
bags, banana and potato peelings. Plastic bags are usually burnt. Refuse paper is not
usually thrown away. Instead it is used for making fire and sometimes used for sanitary
purposes.

Boadi and Kuitunen (2005) conducted a study in Ghana and found that the majority of
households store solid wastes in their homes while a small percentage store their wastes
outside their homes. Wastes that are stored inside the home are usually associated with
house flies in the home and kitchens. As a result, many children were found with diarrhoea.
Many households that store their wastes at home do so in open containers and plastic which
makes the household unhygienic. In addition, municipal solid waste is dumped in open areas
along roadsides (Naem and Nasir, 2012). In a study conducted in India by Nirgude, Naik,
Prasad and Nagaraj (2014) among 127 households, the dumping of waste outside the
homes was preferred by the majority (66.1%) of the families. Only 38.8 % of families
reported that a municipal vehicle collected their solid waste. The most common problems for
waste disposal reported were non- availability of dust bins (84.5%) and municipal vans
(22.6%) for regular collection of solid waste.

Boadi and Kuitunen (2005) noted that home collection of solids wastes is limited to medium
and low wealth household. As a result, the poor dispose their wastes in open spaces, drains
and water bodies. Some residents burn their wastes. The haphazard disposal, burring and
burning of solid wastes is a potential health risk through pollution. In most rural areas there
is still a serious problem of waste disposal. As shown in Figure 2.2 below, captured by the
researcher, wastes are dumped in open spaces along the road. The disposed wastes
include tins, plastics, used diapers, and abandoned goods. Also in Figure 2.3, which was

11 
 
   

taken at Tshikonelo Village by the researcher, the wastes are dumped near a valley which is
used as a source of water during the rainy season. When water is scarce, the water is used
for household activities such as washing, bathing and watering plants, including vegetables.

Figure 2.2. Waste dumped in an open space at Tshikonelo Village, Thulamela Municipality

12 
 
   

Figure2.3.Waste dumped near a periodical water source.

In Vhembe District and Thulamela Municipality in particular, some waste removal projects
have been initiated. For example, disposable napkins are collected in one place and the
municipality collects them once every week. A few people, mostly women organise
themselves and volunteer to manage a designated area. Sometimes they even collect the
used diapers from households. Figure 2.4 shows the structure that is used for accumulation
of disposable napkins. They are easily accessed by pets and the health of surrounding
villagers is compromised. Figure 2.5 shows a picture of wastes that were abandoned for
more than three weeks without collection. It is a rural area; it reached a point where pets
dragged the wastes to the surrounding households and people who passed by inhaled the
bad smell.

13 
 
   

Figure 2.4. The structure used for collection of napkins

14 
 
   

Figure 2.5. An abandoned site with disposed napkins

2.6 Acceptable and safe practices of domestic waste management

Waste is stored at points of generation before collection. One of the key issues facing
storage facilities is keeping it neat and tidy. When refuse is stored at home, even for a short
period of time, it is capable of attracting flies. Refuse must always be stored in a container
with a tight fitting lid, in a plastic to avoid flies and smells. The refuse container should be
kept away from direct sun. In addition, the refuse should also be kept away from animal
reach. The container also has to be emptied at most times and not allowed to overflow. The
refuse container should always be washed with water and soap. Equitable waste collection
services must be provided to all households within the jurisdiction of the municipality. In
areas where travelling distances and the resulting costs may render regular waste collection
services impractical, the municipality, through its by-laws, must allow for more feasible
alternative ways of waste handling, such as on-site disposal (National Environmental
Management: Waste Act, 2008).

15 
 
   

The municipality must provide an enabling environment for households to recycle domestic
waste. Only vehicles that are appropriate for waste collection should be utilized. Each
household should have separate containers for biodegradable and non-biodegradable
wastes. Also, the solid waste collection personnel should provide a shift in the garbage
collection and disposal schedule by type of waste in order to practice segregation at the
disposal site (Ultra and Ultra, 2013).

Waste collection vehicles should not be used for anything other than collecting waste. These
vehicles should always be cleaned for health purposes and wastes should always be
covered. Waste collection frequency of less than once a week is a health hazard in the
South African climatic conditions or due to hot weather. To avoid health hazards all waste
collection workers must get regular check-ups to ensure their wellbeing. In addition, they
should wear appropriate personal protective equipment/clothing and get on-going training on
health and safety issues. Collection of domestic wastes should also create job opportunities
for the local community (National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008)

Between 20 and 80 percent of solid waste in African cities is disposed of by dumping it in

open spaces, water bodies, and surface drains as a result of inadequate infrastructure
(Kamara, 2006). No person may burn waste except at an authorised incinerator operated by
the municipality; or a place designated by the municipality for such purpose (Makhado
Municipality Draft Environmental Waste Management by- Laws (n.d). A refuse disposal
facility or dump is normally used by rural communities who do not have access to a landfill
site. The site must be identified in consultation with the local health officer. A refuse pit
should be placed at least 20 metres away from the kitchen. It should also not be placed
above drainage pipes that may carry water to households or surface water because toxins
can contaminate the water. Children and pets should not be allowed near the refuse pits
because this may pose serious health risks them (Ukpong and Udophia, 2011).

2.7. The impact of poor waste management

Illegal dumping is considered one of the most common problems in South Africa. This is
because illegal dumping of wastes affects both big and small municipalities and this practice
impacts negatively on the environment and health of people Godfrey and Oelofse (2009).
According to Ukpong and Udophia (2011), waste management problems only appear more
serious in developing economies because of poor management framework. In addition,
Godfrey and Oelofse (2009) have indicated that waste has direct and indirect impact on the
human, ecosystem health, including contamination of surface and ground water. It has been

16 
 
   

further indicated that methane emissions from wastes contribute an estimated 2% of the
greenhouse gas emissions profile of South Africa. Environmental hygiene plays an important
role in the prevention of diseases. For example, it impacts on the natural environment and
the preservation of important natural water assets such as water sources (Statistics South
Africa, 2012).

The above has been supported by Mihaela (2011), who stated that waste generation and
disposal cause the loss to our natural resources. Arora and Agarwal (2011) indicated that
there are risks associated with unhealthy disposals of wastes. Their study showed that the
majority of respondents had unsatisfactory knowledge and inadequate practices on waste
management. Inadequate solid waste facilities result in indiscriminate burning and burying of
solid waste. There is an association between waste burning and the incidence of respiratory
health symptoms among adults. According to Fakere et al (2012), improper disposal of solid
waste poses serious danger to the handlers and the people living around the wastes as
disposal sites carry along rodents, insects and other vermin, which could transmit diseases
such as typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, yaws, and other diseases. Haphazard
waste disposal is a serious threat to the immediate environment because it leaves the
environment dirty and polluted, thus posing a danger to the health of the inhabitants. Such
inadequate waste disposal creates serious environmental problems that affect the health of
humans and animals and cause serious economic and other welfare losses (Sarker et al,
2012).

When residents dispose wastes close to residences, the organisms associated with such
refuse can act as degradation agents. This will make the residential environment to be of
poor quality; hence, the buildings will require renovation or maintenance more frequently.
The quality of man’s environment is an integral contributor to the overall quality of families
and individuals’ quality of life (Fakere et al,2012) When waste disposal sites are in close
proximity to residential structures, such environment is adversely affected as organisms that
thrive in such dirty places are also agents of disease outbreak. Therefore, the aim of shelter
as a place where people live and play in a hygienic manner is defeated when the stench
from the nearby dump sites is a constant menace. In addition, these dumping sites can
contaminate ground water, which in turn affects the purity of the water fetched from wells.
Hence, if residents of a city are devoid of access to portable water, it will take its toll on their
health. This is a precarious situation and it adversely affects the residential environment
(Fakere et al, 2012).

17 
 
   

Agwu (2012) reported that poor sanitation, such as decaying or non-existent sewage system
and toilets, fuels the spread of diseases such as cholera and basic illnesses like diarrhoea,
which kill a child every 21 seconds. The hardest hit by poor sanitation are the rural poor and
residents of slum areas in fast-growing cities, mostly in Africa and Asia. However these
impacts are not confined merely to the disposal site. On the contrary, they pervade the area
surrounding the site and wherever wastes are generated, spread, or accumulated. Unless an
organic waste is appropriately managed, its adverse impact will continue until it has fully
decomposed or otherwise stabilised. Uncontrolled or poorly managed intermediate
decomposition products can contaminate air, water, and soil resources.

Achankeng (2003) observed that African countries face a challenge of health and
environmental problems resulting from municipal solid wastes management. Uncollected
and illegally dumped wastes endanger human and animal health and result in environmental
degradation. Fakere et al (2012) have indicated that different refuse disposal methods
impact on the environment differently. Burning of refuse emits carbon dioxide, reduces air
quality and highly contributes to global warming. Landfills contribute to air pollution, soil
degradation, and contamination of ground water, promotes breeding grounds for rodents and
increases prevalence of diseases like cholera, typhoid and malaria.

According to Naem and Nasir (2012) open dumps of waste are creating serious negative
impacts on environment in Taxila city. Many negative impacts have been observed in the
area due to open dumping of solid waste. Heavy winds spreads dust and filth from the open
dumps to living areas and toxic gaseous emissions are continuously exposed to the
atmosphere. Dumped solid wastes at final disposal site were burnt and creating drastic air
pollution. The most obvious environmental damage caused by municipal solid wastes is
aesthetic, the ugliness of street litter and degradation of the urban environment and the
beauty of the city. More serious, however, and often unrecognized, is the transfer of pollution
to water, ground water (Tsega and Reddy, 2013).

Table 2.1 below shows the environmental impacts of waste management methods. The
methods that have been assessed are burning, controlled tipping and landfills (Fakere et al,
2012).

18 
 
   

Table 2.1. Environmental Impacts of Waste Management Methods

S/N Refuse Disposal Method Environmental Impacts

1 Burning -Co2 emission
-Reduce air quality
-Contributes to global warming
2 Controlled Tipping -No negative impact
-Cleaner residential
environment
3 Landfills -Air pollution
-Soil degradation
-Contamination of ground water
-Constitutes breeding grounds
for rodents and other harmful
creatures
-Contributes to prevalence of
diseases such as; cholera,
typhoid, malaria, dysentery, etc

2.8 Possible control strategies for waste management

There are many forms of potential approaches that can be followed to deal with domestic
waste management. These include reducing the amount of waste production through
consumption reduction, waste separation from source in addition to waste processing.
However, the effect of these methods will remain limited until they are integrated in a
complete waste management system (Ayoub, Mushavarati, and Gabbar, 2014). Fakere et al
(2012) have provided the following recommendations, which were directed to the
government of Nigeria in 2012: Governments should be alive to their responsibilities of
making basic amenities that would enable families and individuals to have access and
maintain a good healthy environment. Residential neighbourhoods should be provided with
properly designed waste disposal points in order to protect the environment from pollution.
Also, the existing laws and regulations guiding environmental sanitation and health should
be reviewed and enforced with stiffer actions in order to make them more effective. More
attention should be given to waste disposal management through adequate funding.

Godfrey and Oelofse (2009) have indicated that municipalities responsible for waste
management face greater challenges of providing quality services. They believe it is a
municipality’s responsibility to provide waste management services, as stipulated in South
African Constitution. It is further indicated that municipalities are faced with four major
challenges with regard to waste management; namely, financial management, equipment
management, labour (staff) management and institutional behaviour.

19 
 
   

According to Godfrey and Oelofse (2009), municipalities must shift their funds from focusing
on clean-up campaigns and focus more on preventative strategies. These include providing
waste bins and using open spaces that could be used for illegal dumping for projects that are
beneficial to the community. The community will take ownership of such projects and such
projects may include parks and play-grounds, community gardens and car washes that could
also help in generating income and creating employment. There are currently skills
shortages in the waste management sector. The skills shortage, combined with the high
turnover of workers within municipalities, provides further challenges to sustainable waste
management (Godfrey and Oelofse, 2009).

Likewise, Ukpong and Udophia (2011) have recommended that improved funding of waste
management unit and provision of appropriate waste collection and disposal equipment
should be undertaken. Manpower training without improved funding would amount to nothing
because it is improved funding that will enable the unit to procure the right equipment, such
as till trucks, towing locomotives, tracked mechanical shovels and mechanical excavators
etc. Establishing a data base of waste generation in the city is necessary for the proper
planning of waste collection and disposal and in deciding the type and capacity of waste
management equipment to procure.

2.9. Summary

Waste management is a challenge to many countries. Waste management services are

usually directed to high and medium class people than the poor. Although the National
Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 reveals much on waste management
services, rural areas still receive the least services and some receive none at all in South
Africa. Lack of education is mostly related to poor knowledge and poor practice of waste
management. Poor waste management practices such as storing wastes within the home if
often associated with poor health. Lack of proper waste management also poses risk to
natural resources and the environment as a whole.

20 
 
   

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Introduction

This chapter presents the research design and methodology which were used to conduct
this study. The chapter also outlines the study design and study setting. Furthermore the
study population and the sampling methods used are discussed. Other essential aspects
that have been addressed in this chapter are research ethics, data collection methods and
instrument development. Data management and analysis will also be covered.

3.2. The study design

According to Bless, Higson-Smith and Kagee (2006), research design is a set of procedures
that guide the researcher in the process of verifying a particular hypothesis and excluding all
possible hypotheses and allow the researcher to draw conclusions about the relationship
between variables. This study has adopted a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive design.
Quantitative design has been described by Rubin and Babbie (2010), as a method which
emphasizes precise objective and generalizable findings. The quantitative study design was
chosen to identify and assess the waste management practices in Khakhanwa Village.

3.3. The study setting

The study was conducted in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in
South Africa. Thulamela Municipality is one of the four municipalities in Vhembe District with
a population of 618.462, 136,982 households and 68.81% poverty rate (Vhembe District
Municipality Profile, 2011). Thulamela is comprised of 40 wards (Thulamela Municipality IDP
Review, 2013/2014). The study has been conducted at Khakhanwa Village (ward 18) outside
Thohoyandou with 377 households (Census, 2011). Tshivenda is the general language
spoken in Khakhanwa village. The picture below shows where Khakhanwa Village is located
in the Thulamela Municipality.

21 
 
   

Figure 3.1. Map indicating location of Khakhanwa village in Thulamela municipality

3.4. Study population

Neuman (2011) defined population as the abstract idea of a large group of many caves from
which a researcher draws a sample and to which results from a sample are generalised. In
this study the population was all households of Khakhanwa Village.

3.5. Sampling

Maree (2009:79) defines sampling as the process used to select a portion of the population
for study. Due to the small population of Khakhanwa Village, a total population was used for
this study. The sample size was 377 households. Each household was represented by one
participant and therefore only one individual per household was interviewed for the purpose
of this study. The criteria for inclusion in the study were people aged 19 years and above.
Both male and female respondents were used. The targeted population of 377 households

22 
 
   

could not be reached and only 312 participants were interviewed. Some households were
unoccupied and the traditional authority indicated that other families have relocated and
some people work too far from home and are seldom found within their households. A few
respondents indicated that they were not interested and they did not want to be part of the
study.

3.6. Data collection tool

A questionnaire was used to collect data. Singh (2006) defined a questionnaire as a form
which is prepared and distributed for the purpose of securing responses. A questionnaire
was selected to collect data. The questionnaire for this study was guided by the study
objectives and was developed after extensive study of literature on waste management.
Close-ended questions were used. The researcher developed the questionnaire in English.
The questionnaire was given to a language expert who translated it into Tshivenda
language. The expert also back-translated the questionnaire to English. The purpose of the
translation was informed by the fact that Khakhanwa residents are Venda-speaking. The
questionnaire consisted of four sections, of which the first section was on demographic
information of the participants; section B was on identifying the common wastes in
Khakhanwa Village. Section C was on waste management practices and section D dealt with
the knowledge about waste management.

3.7. Pre-test

The researcher conducted a pre-test on the instrument. The instrument was administered at
a village nearby Khakhanwa. It was administered to 35 people both male and female aged
19 years and above. The aim of the pre-test was to check the validity of the instrument. The
findings of the pre-test showed that some questions were confusing for the respondents and
therefore the instrument was adjusted. The results of the pre-test were used to improve the
instrument and hence the methodology as a whole.

3.8. Validity and reliability of data collection tool

3.8.1. Validity

According to Welman, Kruger and Mitchel (2005), validity is the extent to which the research
findings accurately represent what is really happening in the situation. Face and content
validity were ensured in this study. This was done by familiarising with literature and getting

23 
 
   

a better view and knowledge on household waste management and practices based on local
and international studies. Supervisors were also consulted to scrutinise the instrument.

3.8.2. Reliability

Reliability concerns the replicability of research findings and whether or not they would be
repeated in another study, using the same methods (Ritchie and Lewis, 2003). This study
employed the test-retest reliability, as stipulated by Foxcroft and Roodt (2009). To ensure
reliability of the instrument, the researcher administered the same instrument twice (test-
retest), one week apart to 35 of people from a village nearby Khakhanwa and compared the
results. The results of the test-retest indicated the instrument is reliable because the co-
relation- coefficient(r) was 0,7.

3.9. Data collection methods

Data collection methods are procedures for collecting existing or new data on the basis at
which the research questions can be answered, hypothesis tested, objectives fulfilled and
problems solved (Du Plooy, 2009:105). Data was collected at Khakhanwa Village within
households, using the structured questionnaire method. The researcher hand-delivered the
questionnaires to the respondents in their homes during the day, introduced the
questionnaire and clarified respondents where they did not understand. For those who were
interested, they were then given consent forms to sign. The questionnaires were then
administered to those who gave consent. Questionnaires were collected after completion.
Some of the respondents, especially elders, indicated that they are illiterate. In that case the
researchers read them the questions and answer options from the questionnaire and when
they answered the researcher assisted them by completing the questionnaire as they
answered with their exact answers. This method has been selected to reduce a low return
rate compared to other methods. It also made the researcher fully engaged in the data
collection process. The researcher made use of one research assistant who was trained in
data collection and ethics of research. A research assistant was needed because there was
much work that needed to be carried out and it would have been difficult for the researcher
to carry out the work alone.

24 
 
   

3.10. Data analysis

Data analysis is the process of systematically searching and arranging the interview
transcripts, field notes and the other materials that the researcher accumulated to increase
their own understanding and to enable them to present what they have discovered to others
(Boeijie, 2010:76). The researcher adopted data analysis steps, as suggested by Walliman
(2011). These are the following: data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing. After
data collection, the data was coded and summarised to make it manageable. The Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse data through
frequency tables. Data was then displayed in graphs and tables.

3.11. Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the School of Health Sciences Higher Degree Committee and by
the University of Venda Higher Degree Committee. The Research Ethics Committee of the
University of Venda also approved the study and issued an ethical clearance certificate
(Annexure A). The researcher also sought permission to conduct the study from the local
authority at Khakhanwa Village. Each respondent had to complete a consent form. For the
purpose of this study the researcher gave special attention to the following research
principles:

3.11.1. Informed consent

Informed consent is the principle mechanism for describing the research study to potential
participants and providing them with the opportunity to make autonomous and informed
decisions regarding whether to participate (Marczyk, Dematteo and Festinger, 2005)
Participants were given information sheets which provided further information on the study,
the procedures that would be involved in the research and the uses of the research findings
were explained. Each potential participant was given a chance to voluntarily decide whether
or not to take part in the study, based on the information provided. Many participants think of
financial or materialistic benefits as a reward for being part of research. However, the
researcher explained to them in advance that there are no financial or material benefits that
they will get, except that the information they are going to provide will benefit other people.
All participants were therefore asked to sign the consent form.

25 
 
   

3.11.2. Protection from harm

Research should never injure the people being studied, regardless of whether they volunteer
for the study (Babbie, 2008:65).The study itself did not pose any potential harm. The
respondents were assured that they could withdraw from the study should they feel they no
longer wanted to proceed at any given time.

3.11.3. The right to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity

Research participants have a right to privacy and confidentiality. The researcher ensured
that participants are granted such rights. The right to privacy was explained to them as well
as the fact that they are not forced to reveal any information if they are not ready to. They
were also made aware that their identity would be protected in that their real names would
not be reflected on the questionnaires or the findings. Each questionnaire was assigned a
number to avoid linking a questionnaire to a participant. Confidentiality was maintained
through safeguarding the completed questionnaires and making sure that they are only
accessed by the researcher and statistician.

3.12. Summary

In this chapter, research methodology, study design, study setting and sampling were
discussed. The study has adopted quantitative cross-sectional design. The ethics that were
considered in this study were also considered. The next chapter will focus on presentation of
results.

26 
 
   

CHAPTER 4: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

4.1. Introduction

This chapter presents the study findings of the quantitatively collected data. The study aim
was to describe waste management practices within households in Khakhanwa Village of
Thulamela Municipality. This section presents the results in percentages and frequencies
using pie chart, tables and graphs. The study findings are presented in the following
sections: demographic information, common types of waste generated in Khakhanwa, waste
management practices and knowledge of the impact of poor waste management.

4.2. Demographic profile of respondents

The questionnaire was administered to 312 participants who were residents of Khakhanwa
Village. Table (4.1) below illustrates the demographic information of the study respondents,
which includes the age, gender and house household size. The study was dominated by
females participants who numbered 227, thereby constituting 72.8% of the study subjects,
while males represented the remaining 27.2% (n=85). The majority of the respondents were
aged 31 to 40 years (n=90; 28.8%), followed by 19 to 30 years (n=69; 22.1%), with the old
age of 60 and above (n=35; 11.2%) representing a smaller population. The study was
dominated by small households which consisted of three to four family members (n=126;
40.4%), followed by 7 to 8 members (n=48; 15.4) and 1 to 2 family members (n=47; 15.1%).
The 8 and above family members was represented by small percentage of 6.4% (n=20).

27 
 
   

Table 4.1 Demographic information of respondents

Characteristic (frequency-n) % (percentage)

Gender:

Male 85 27.2%

Female 227 72.8%

Age:

19-30 Years 69 22.1%

31-40 Years 90 28.8%

41-50 Years 76 24.4%

51-60 Years 42 13.5%

60 Years and Above 35 11.2%

Household size:

1-2 family members 47 15.1%

3-4 family members 126 40.4%

5-6 family members 71 22.8%

7-8 family members 48 15.4%

8 family members and above 20 6.4%

4.2.1 Households’ Source of income

The figure below indicates the sources of income of households of respondents. It was
revealed that the main source of income in the majority households are social grants (49%)
and wages (22%), whereas a small percentage were self-employment (13%) and odd jobs
(10%) which do not pay much money. A small percentage of households (6%) did not have
any income at all.

28 
 
   

Source of income

6%
10%

Social grants
13%
49%
Wages
Self‐employment
22% Odd jobs
None

Figure 4. 1 Households’ source of income

4.3. Common types of household wastes in Khakhanwa Village

This section presents the common waste types generated in Khakhanwa Village. The
majority (n=256; 82.1%) of the participants felt that waste management is relevant to their
community and environment, while a small percentage (n=56; 17.9%) felt it is not relevant.
As shown in Table 4.2 below, plastics (32.7), decomposable wastes (61.5%) and napkins
(37.8%) are the major common types of waste which are generated in Khakhanwa
residential area. However, other types, such as bottles, tins and textile are found in small
quantities. Table 4.2 illustrates more on the types of wastes found in Khakhanwa Village.

29 
 
   

Table 4.2: Common types of wastes

Types of waste Always Most of the time Some of the time Rarely Never

Decomposable 192 61.5% 77 24.7% 29 9.3% 14 4.5 - -

Plastics 102 32.7% 84 26.9% 86 27.6% 35 11.2 5 1.6%

Empty boxes 55 17.6% 63 20.2% 115 36.9% 67 21.5% 12 3.8%

Bottles 17 5.4% 72 23.1% 111 35.6% 98 31.4% 14 4.5%

Napkins 118 37.8% 39 12.5% 32 10.3% 25 8% 98 31.4%

Tins 25 8% 84 26.9% 103 33% 94 30.1% 6 1.9%

Textile 28 9% 56 17.9% 102 32.7% 114 36.5% 12 3.8%

4.4 Household waste management practices

Table 4.3 illustrates the household waste management practices in Khakhanwa Village,
where it was found that refuse pits and open dumping are the most favoured practice of
waste disposal. All the types of wastes generated in Khakhanwa, such as bottles,
decomposable vegetables, food remnants, napkins, plastics, and so on, are disposed of in
refuse pits and in open dumping. Dumping in water was reported by very few people.
Controlled tipping was never (66.3%=never) reported as a mode of waste disposal and the
municipality was reported as not doing anything regarding waste collection. Refuse such as
napkins, tins and bottles were observed in open dumping sites. Wastes that cannot be
burned easily, such as bottles, tins and napkins are greatly disposed of through open
dumping. Wastes that are easier to burn, such as decomposable wastes, plastics, boxes and
textile were reported to be disposed of in refuse pits.

30 
 
   

Table 4.3: Household wastes versus disposal method

Refuse disposal practices

Types of waste Refuse pit Open Water source Controlled Collected by

dumping tipping municipality

Decomposable 273 87.5% 39 12.5% - - - - - -

(vegetables,
food remnants
etc)

Plastics 281 90.1% 31 9.9% - - - - - -

Empty boxes 266 85.3% 45 14.4% - - - - - -

Bottles 67 21.5% 224 71.8% 12 3.8% 9 2.9% - -

Napkins 96 30.8% 168 53.8% 18 5.8% 22 7.1% 7 2.2%

Tins 82 26.3% 202 64.7% 17 5.4% 10 3.2% 1 0.3%

Textile 227 72.8% 65 20.8% 19 6.1% 1 0.3% - -

Figure 4.2 shows that among other types of waste disposal, burning of refuse is another
major practice among Khakhanwa households, wherein 61.5% of refuse is burnt. It also
illustrates that the municipality does not collect waste from the households and respondents
are not taking their wastes to legal dumping sites. Some of the wastes are stored in refuse
pits and some discarded in open dumps. More than 80% reported that they do not take their
wastes to controlled tipping sites. Less than five percent reported that they always dispose
their waste in water bodies.

31 
 
   

WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES
100

80
always
60
mostly
40
sometimes
20 rarely
0 never

Figure 4.2 Waste disposal practices

Figure 4.3 below presents the availability of waste collection bins in the households of
Khakhanwa Village. Just over 10% of the respondents reported that they always have waste
collection bins within their households and over 89% never had a waste bin in their
households. It can also be seen from the table that all (100%) reported that the municipality
has never provided them with waste collection bins. Furthermore, over 99% has indicated
that the municipality has never collected wastes in their area.

120

100

80
own bin
60
Municipal bin

40 Waste collection

20

0
Always Mostly Sometimes Rarely Never

Figure 4.3 Availability of waste collection bins

32 
 
   

4.5 Knowledge of the impact of poor waste management

Table’s 4.4a-e indicate the cross tabulation and frequencies on the level of awareness
regarding the impact of poor waste management on health and environment. The responses
of the study participants indicate that the participants are highly aware of poor waste
management, as shown by the frequencies. This shows that the respondents have a high
level of knowledge regarding impact of poor waste management. Table 4a illustrates the
study findings on the aspect that says waste management is everyone’s responsibility. From
the 312 participants, 52.2% and 35.3 % strongly agreed and agreed respectively that indeed
it is the responsibility of everyone in the household to practice waste management. However
a very small number of people said they disagreed. Tables 4.4b-e depict the findings on the
notion that waste management is good for good health, wherein the majority respondents
revealed that waste management is good for health and poor management is harmful to the
environment as well as health.

Table 4.4: Knowledge of the impact of poor waste management

a) Waste management is everyone’s responsibility

Strongly Agree Agree Not Certain Disagree Strongly Disagree

Gender Total

Male 46 29 7 2 1 85

Female 117 81 18 9 2 227

% 52.2% 35.3% 8.0% 3.5% 1.0% 100%

Total 163 110 25 11 3 312

33 
 
   

b) Proper waste disposal is important for good health

Gender Strongly Agree Agree Not Certain Disagree Strongly Disagree Total

Male 35 44 2 2 3 85

Female 95 106 22 2 1 226

% 41.7% 48.1% 7.7% 1.3% 1.0% 100%

Total 130 150 24 4 4 312

c) Household waste can be dangerous to one’s health

Strongly Agree Agree Not Certain Disagree Strongly Disagree

Gender Total

Male 43 36 2 1 2 85

Female 94 103 22 5 1 226

% 43.9% 44.6% 8.0% 1.9% 1.6% 100%

Total 137 139 25 6 5 312

34 
 
   

d) Domestic waste can be harmful to the environment

Strongly Agree Agree Not Certain Disagree Strongly Disagree

Gender Total

Male 28 43 10 1 3 85

Female 81 110 26 6 4 227

% 34.9% 49.0% 11.5% 2.2% 2.2% 100%

Total 109 153 36 7 7 312

e) Disposing waste in water is good practice

Strongly Agree Agree Not Certain Disagree Strongly Disagree Total

Gender

Male 0 3 11 25 46 85

Female 6 9 35 69 108 227

% 1.9% 3.8% 14.7% 30.1% 49.4% 100%

Total 6 12 46 94 154 312

4.6. Summary

The findings of this study show that decomposable wastes, plastics and napkins are the
major types of wastes in Khakhanwa Village. The study also revealed that most of the waste
produced is stored within the homes and burned. The second major habit of waste disposal
was disposing the household wastes in open fields. It was evident in the findings that the
respondents are aware of the impact of poor waste management. Most respondents
disagreed with the practice of disposing wastes in water bodies.

35 
 
   

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION

5.1. Introduction

This section provides a discussion on the study findings on household waste management
practices at Khakhanwa Village. The findings will also be related to the literature presented
in chapter two of this study. The main focus of the findings will be on the demographic
profiles of the respondents, the major types of wastes handled at Khakhanwa Village, the
waste management practices and the knowledge of impact of poor waste management.

Almost three quarters of the participants were females. This means that households are
dominated by females and that they take responsibility for waste management. This finding
is supported by Abin (2012), who found that in most households, the responsibility of waste
handling and management is left to women and girls. This suggests that women are the
ones who are left behind during the day managing the family while some men go out to
work. A study by the United Nations Environmental Programme, (2009) further supports this
further by saying that this may be because women are in daily contact with wastes in their
households and because women tend to be the most marginalised groups in many societies.
It can be agreed that generally, women are the ones who are faced with waste handling and
disposal due to the patriarchal culture in South Africa. Based on the findings of this study,
women are the ones who take most of the responsibility of waste handling within
households. Although there are some men who participate in waste management, it is at a
very minimal level.

Young adults aged 31 to 40 dominated the study. This shows a trend of unemployment
among young adults of Khakhanwa Village. The statistics further revealed that over 40% of
the households consist of 3-4 members. This shed some light on the fact that most of the
households are nuclear families consisting mostly of parents and their children. A very large
percentage, almost half of the households, is dependent on social grants and 9% has no
identified source of income. This therefore posits that the poverty rate and unemployment
rate at Khakhanwa Village is very high, with only 22% of the families with defined income in
the form of wages. Poverty rate is highest in rural areas. Lack of adequate source of income
possibly leads to poor waste management due to unaffordability of waste services.

36 
 
   

5.2. Common types of household wastes

Decomposable wastes, napkins, plastics and empty boxes respectively are the most
handled wastes on a weekly basis. Bottles, tins and textile are the least handled wastes
among the households. Arora and Agwaral (2011) have indicated that civilisation and
globalisation have affected our lifestyle and daily activities such that nowadays more and
more disposable goods are manufactured for one-time use. This is seen by the loads of
wastes that are found within households regularly. This means that if nothing is done, then
we will have even more and more waste to deal with in years to come. All respondents
(100%) reported that they handle decomposable wastes on different levels. Less than 2%
reported that they never handle the most disturbing wastes, such plastics and tins.

Decomposable wastes, plastics and boxes are all disposed of in pits within the households
and in open dumping. Bottles, tins, napkins and textile were reported to be disposed of in
water bodies by a very little percentage of respondets. The low disposal of wastes in water
bodies shows that people are aware that it is a bad practice. Also, a very small number of
people reported that some of their wastes such as bottles, tins, napkins and textile are
delivered to controlled tipping sites. Regarding the source of income, one could say that the
majority of Khakhanwa households cannot afford to carry their wastes to Muledane, where
the nearest controlled legal dumping site is located.

Less than 2.5 % reported that the napkins and tins are collected by the municipality. This
indicates that the municipality is not playing any essential role in terms of waste collection at
Khakhanwa Village. This goes against the National Environmental Management: Waste Act
59 of 2008 which stipulates that the local municipality has to deliver waste, management
services, including waste removal, waste storage and waste disposal that is accessible to
the whole community and adheres to national norms and standards. The findings also
contradicts with the National Domestic Waste Collection Standards, (2011), which state that
the municipalities are responsible for collecting wastes from all households and where the
distance is a barrier; onsite disposal should be an alternative solution.

5.3 Household waste management and practices

Statistics have shown that a very large number of respondents store their households
wastes within their home in refuse pits. The correct arrangement is that a refuse pit should
be placed at least 20 metres away from the kitchen, (Ukpong and Udophia, 2011). A refuse

37 
 
   

pit within most of the households of Khakhanwa Village is mostly just a few meters from the
house. These findings are validated by Boadi and Kuitunen (2005) who conducted a study in
Ghana and found that the majority of households store solid wastes in their homes and a
small percentage store their wastes outside their homes. They further indicated that wastes
that are stored inside the home are usually associated with house flies in the home and
kitchens. As a result, many children were found with diarrhoea. This means that the
residents of Khakhanwa Village and their families run a risk of infections due to wastes
stored within their homes and closer to their houses.

Amongst other methods, burning of waste was reported to be very common among
Khakhanwa residents. Burning of wastes is forbidden by the Makhado Municipality Draft
Environmental Waste Management by- Laws (n.d), which states that no person may burn
waste, except at an authorised incinerator operated by the municipality; or a place
designated by the municipality for such purpose. Burning of refuse has been found to emit
carbon dioxide, reduces air quality and highly contributes to global warming (Fakere, Fadairo
and Oriye, 2012). The burning of wastes at Khakhanwa Village occurs due to the large
amounts of wastes within households that are not collected. Since many residents cannot
afford transporting their waste to disposal sites, while the available and produced wastes are
either burnt or dumped, mostly in open fields and less in rivers.

The researcher observed that some open dumping is alongside the roads and close to the
homesteads. This is in line with the findings of Kamara (2006) that between 20 and 80
percent of solid waste in African cities is disposed of by dumping it in open spaces, water
bodies and surface drains as a result of inadequate infrastructure. Boadi and Kuitunen
(2005), also support this by saying that the poor dispose their wastes in open spaces, drains
and water bodies, while some residents burn their wastes. According to Ukpong and
Udophia, (2011), a refuse disposal facility or dump is normally used by rural communities
who do not have access to a landfill site. The site must be identified in consultation with the
local health officer. Unfortunately, there is no such refuse disposal facility in Khakhanwa
area and surrounding areas. This results in continuous illegal dumping of household wastes.

Illegal dumping is considered to be one of the most common problems in South Africa. Illegal
dumping of wastes affects both big and small municipalities, and this practice impacts
negatively on the environment and health of people (Godfrey and Oelofse, 2009). Such
inadequate waste disposal creates serious environmental problems that affect the health of

38 
 
   

humans and animals and cause serious economic and other welfare losses (Sarker, Sarker,
Islam and Sharmin, 2012).

A large number of residents in Khakhanwa Village reported that they do not have waste
collection bins. The 10% that has waste bins bought them on their own because the
municipality has never provided them with bins. Nirgude, Naik, Prasad and Nagaraj (2014)
also made the same findings and concluded that the most common problems for waste
disposal reported were non- availability of dust bins (84.5%) and municipal vans (22.6%) for
regular collection of solid waste. On top of this, the Thulamela municipality does not collect
wastes at Khakhanwa village and other rural villages. This goes against the National
Domestic Waste Collection Standards of 2011 which alluded that each household must be
provided with a bin/ receptacle to ensure that waste is safe, does not leak; animals cannot
enter, bins do not corrode and protect health and environment. These standards indicate
that recyclable wastes should be collected once every two weeks and non-recyclable wastes
should be collected once a week. This means that even if the community can buy their own
bins, the waste will still have to be disposed in the open fields or be burnt because it will not
be collected. Kamara (2006) also conducted a study and found out that waste collection
coverage in South African cities is generally highest in the ‘urban core’ and is lowest in the
scattered settlement. This is supported by Boadi and Kuitunen (2005) who also noted that
home collection of solids wastes is limited to medium and low wealth households.

Poor waste management is not confined to Khakhanwa only or South Africa for that matter.
The problem of solid waste is a universal one, as waste exists in every society (Ukpong and
Udofia, 2011). Other countries are experiencing the same problem too. In South India for
example, the non-availability of dust bins, irregular visits of municipal vans for household
waste collection and lack of knowledge regarding importance of segregation of waste were
found to be the principal problems in the practice of solid waste disposal by urban slum
families (Nirgude et al, 2014). In Cameroon, like many other African countries, waste
management is poorly practiced (Georges, 2015). It was found that poverty is the main
contributor to poor waste management in Khakhanwa. In addition financial constraints are
affecting other countries’ state of waste management. For example, in Pakistan, poor solid
waste management practices, lack of funds and irresponsible behaviour of dwellers reflect
the worst case scenario in the country (Naem and Nasi, 2012).

39 
 
   

5.4. Knowledge on impact of poor waste management

A reasonably large number of people in Khakhanwa agree and strongly agree that waste
management is a responsibility of all people within a household. In addition, they are aware
that proper waste management is important to our health and the environment. A very small
percentage, amounting to 1.9% and 3.8 % strongly agree and agree respectively that
disposing wastes in water bodies is a good practice. This shows lack of knowledge on their
part. About half of the respondents totally disapprove of dumping waste into water bodies.
Jatau (2013) suggests that sufficient knowledge on waste management may help people
protect themselves from infections such as malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera and
hepatitis. Therefore, adequate knowledge on the impact of poor waste management and
disposal may influence people to adopt positive waste management practices, which in turn
can promote personal hygiene.

This study contradicts Abin (2012), who argues that in day to day life, many people,
especially women, are unaware of the proper waste disposal practices and its harmful
impact on human health and environment. The residents of Khakhanwa are aware of proper
waste disposal. In addition they know the importance of good waste management practice,
although the saying of practicing what we preach is not being here. This is because the
respondents are aware of the dangers of poor waste management, yet they continue
practicing poor waste management. This may be due to lack of alternatives to dispose their
wastes. Only 14.7% is not certain whether dumping waste in water bodies is good practice
or not. All the statements evaluating the knowledge and awareness of waste management,
had a level of uncertainty not greater than 14.7%. This shows that most of the respondents
are certain about their views and able to communicate their views.

The uncertainty regarding the impact of poor waste management is a concern as Sarker et
al, (2012) indicated that haphazard refuse disposal is a serious threat to the immediate
environment because it leaves the environment dirty and polluted, thus posing a danger to
the health of the inhabitants. If people are uncertain whether disposing wastes in rivers is
right or wrong, it implies that they can respond anyhow to the situation and this can result in
practising wrong disposal methods.

This brings us to why proper waste management is not being practiced, while people are
aware of the consequences of poor waste management. Poverty is one of the reasons. It is
because residents cannot afford waste collection services. As was seen in the income profile

40 
 
   

in chapter 4, most of the families (49%) live on social grants which are not enough to meet
all the basic needs of these families. The South African Local Government Association
(2014) has singled out refuse removal and sewage collection and disposal as some of the
human basic needs. However, looking at their financial backgrounds, waste management is
not a priority for most of the villagers.

The little income within households is used for basic needs such as food, than waste
management. Another understanding of the cause that leads to poor waste management is
ignorance. Naem and Nasi, (2012) concluded that poor solid waste management practices,
lack of funds and irresponsible behaviour of dwellers in Pakistan reflect the worst case
scenario in the country. This means that some people practice poor waste management out
of choice. Ignorance poses a danger to humans and the environment because ignorant
people are not aware that they are being ignorant. However the effects of their ignorance will
be continuous. The financial status of a country as a whole also contributes to the state of
waste management. This is reflected in the Waste Management Strategy of South Africa
(2011), which confirmed that waste management in South Africa has various challenges due
to rapid economic growth and historical waste services backlog. In 2007 only 61% of South
African households were receiving household waste collection services, with the services
skewed in favour of the urban residents.

If the legislations were being properly followed at Khakhanwa area, the issue of poverty
would have been curbed substantially because the National Environmental Management:
Waste Act (2008) indicated that collection of domestic wastes should also create job
opportunities for the local community. This opportunity can be both financial benefiting to the
community and informative about proper waste management at the same time. Banga
(2011) conducted a study in Zambia on 468 households and found that 59.4% of the
household separate their wastes within their household. Some households separate their
wastes because they want them to be disposed of efficiently while some want to make
manure from the separated wastes. If proper knowledge is disposed to people, the
separation of waste can be a great start for recycling. Recycling can be beneficial in
reducing wastes and if sustainable, and can have financial benefits as well.

5.5. Summary

More women are often faced with the responsibility of waste handling within households than
men. Studies have shown that this is mostly because of gender oppression and lack of
education. Studies also shows that people are aware of the impact of poor waste

41 
 
   

management. However, they continue with poor waste management practices anyway.
Rural areas continue to be disadvantaged while urban areas have better waste collection
services. Lastly, poverty in rural areas greatly contributes to poor waste management.

42 
 
   

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction

This section presents the conclusion of the study based on the findings and data analysis in
chapter four. The conclusions will be followed by the recommendations with the aim of
improving waste management, especially in rural areas.

6.2 Conclusions of the researcher

Decomposable wastes are found in almost every household. Napkins have emerged as a
predominant type of waste and there is poor handling of it in rural areas due to lack of waste
services. This is because it cannot be burnt or decompose easly. As a result, napkins are
currently the most common wastes that are found lying alongside roads. However, napkins
did not matter as wastes in rural areas before. This is because environmental friendly
napkins were used. The environmental friendly napkins could be reused over and over
again, unlike the currently used ones that are only for one time use. Plastics are also very
common in Khakhanwa. Tins, bottle and textile wastes are the least common. However
many of them are being discarded in Khakhanwa Village on a daily basis.

Some of the wastes produced, such as decomposable wastes, plastics, boxes and textile,
are stored within homes and they are mostly burnt or disposed of in open fields only. Bottles,
tins and napkins are mostly disposed of in open fields than within households. Very few
people take their wastes to places where there is controlled tipping while few others dispose
their wastes in rivers. Rural areas have least access to waste services. There is also lack of
waste collection bins in rural areas. A small percentage has their own waste bins. The
municipality does not provide any noticeable waste collection services in rural areas.
Although the burning of wastes has its own adverse consequences, burning of wastes has
been found to be preferred by many residents. Those wastes that cannot easily burn are
mostly disposed of in open dumping and in rivers. Although dumping of wastes was reported
by a small percentage, it is worrying to find that in the 21st century people are still disposing
waste in water bodies.

People are aware of the dangers of poor waste management to people and the environment.
Most of the respondents agreed that waste management is a responsibility for all people in
the household. In addition, the level of uncertainty is very low and the respondents are

43 
 
   

aware that poor waste management poses danger to their health and their environment.
Disposal of wastes in rivers is discouraged, which shows that the residents do know the
impact of this practice. However, although the residents of Khakhanwa Village are aware of
the impact that poor management has on human health and the environment, proper waste
management is not being followed.

6.3 Recommendations

Based on the conclusions reached in the study, the researcher therefore makes the following
recommendations:

6.3.1 Common types of domestic wastes

It is recommended that the promotion of the reduction, reuse and recycle of wastes method
be strengthened in order to reduce the quantity of wastes within households. This will reduce
the amount of wastes that are disposed of in open fields and rivers, especially non-
decomposable wastes.

Communities should initiate projects aimed at recycling wastes. These projects should be
sustainable, so that they can be income-generating and benefiting both the community and
the municipality.

6.3.2 Household waste management practices

The government should prioritize waste collection from rural areas too, because the current
waste management practices in rural areas pose a danger to humans, animals and the
environment as a whole. The implementation of the National Environmental Management:
Waste Act 59 of 2008 and its regulation, the National domestic waste collection standards,
2011, should be put in motion in rural areas, as well.

The communities should use environmentally friendly napkins, as napkins were found to be
predominant and pose the most danger to the communities.

44 
 
   

6.3.3 Knowledge of the impact of poor waste management

The Department of Education should include in their curricula waste management education
to learners from an early age, so they can grow up with awareness, knowledge,
responsibility and ability to practice safe waste management.

The government and its stakeholders should provide outreach programme, awareness
campaigns and capacity-building within communities with the aim of improving the current
waste management practices and protecting our environment.

Furthermore, future researchers should focus on the impact of poor waste management on
humans and the environment as a result of lack of services in rural areas.

6.4. Limitations of the study

 The limitation of the current study is the fact that data was collect in one village.
Therefore the findings need to be generalised with caution.

In spite of the above-mentioned limitation, the study provides important information on

waste management practices.

6.5. Summary

The overall conclusion of this study is that rural areas generally do not receive waste
services. The wastes that are produced in the households are either burnt or disposed of in
Tshivenda version of the consent form open fields. The residents of Khakhanwa Village are
aware of the impact poor waste management on human health and the environment.
However, although people are aware of these impacts, they do not stop the poor waste
management practices.

45 
 
   

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49 
 
   

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE: The study of waste management practices within

households in Khakhanwa Village, Thulamela Municipality

Note

1. This information is purely used for study purpose at the University of Venda. The study will
not reveal any personal names of the respondent.

 Do not write your name on this questionnaire.

 It is completely voluntary

 please answer all questions

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

1. Age…………………. years

2. Gender

2. Household size………....

4. Main sources of income a…………………………………

b…………………………………

SECTION B: COMMON WASTES IN KHAKHANWA VILLAGE

Please tick on the relevant boxes

5. Do you think believe management is relevant to you? Yes No

6. Which type of wastes do you handle weekly?

Types of wastes Always Most Some Rarely Never

of the of the
time time

50 
 
   

(a) Decomposable wastes

(vegetables, food remnants,
etc.)
(b) Plastics

(c) Empty boxes

(d) Napkins

(e) Bottles

(f) Tins

(g) Textile

(h) Others

SECTION C: HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

7. Do you practice waste management? Yes No

8. Where do you dispose of the following wastes?

Types of wastes Refuse Open Water Controlled Collected

pit dumping source tipping by
municipality
(a) Decomposable wastes
(vegetables, food
remnants, etc.)
(b) Plastics

(c) Empty boxes

(d) Napkins

(e) Bottles

(f) Tins

(g) Textile

(h) Others

9. Access to waste services (please tick the relevant answer in the box)

51 
 
   

Types of services Always Most Some Rarely Never

of the of the
time time
a) Is there any waste collection bin at
your household?
b) Does the municipality provide waste
collection bins for you?
c) Does the municipality collect waste
from your household?

10. Which disposal method of waste do you mostly use? Tick on the relevant box

Disposal Methods Always Most Some Rarely Never

of the of the
time tome
a) Refuse pit

b) Open dumping

c) Dumping into water body(rivers)

d) Controlled tipping

e) Do you burn your refuse

f) Wastes collected by the municipality

SECTION D: KNOWLEDGE ON IMPACT ON POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

11. Please rate the following statements

Statements Agree Strongly Not Disagree Strongly

agree certain disagree

a. Waste management is a
responsibility for all people within the
household

b. Proper waste disposal is important to

your health

c. Domestic wastes can be dangerous

to your health
d. Domestic wastes can be harmful to
the environment
e. Depositing wastes in water sources
is a good practice

52 
 
   

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

APPENDIX B: TSHIVENDA VERSION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Dzimbudziso: ngudo ya kulangele kwa mathukhwi mahayani vhuponi ha khakhanwa

Kha vha dzhiele nzhele zwi tevhelaho

 A vha kombetshedzwi u dadza helino bammbiri

 Vha songo nwala madzina avho ngomu
 Vha khou humbelwa u fhindula mbudziso dzothe

KHETHEKANYO A: ZWIDODOMBEDZWA ZWA MUDADZI

1 Minwaha …………….

2. Mbeu…………..

3. Nomboro ya vhathu mutani ............................

4. Hune muta wa wana hone masheleni (a)………………….........

(b) …………………...…

KHETHEKANYO YA B : TSHAKHA DZA MATHUKHWI

Ri humbela vha sumbedzise phindulo yavho ngau tala ngomu ha tshibogisi

5. Vha vhona kulangele kwa mathukhwi ku tshi vha kwama na Ee Hai

6. Ndi afhio mathukhwi ane a wanalesa kha vhege nga vhege mutani wavho?

Tshaka dza mathukhwi Tshifhinga Kanzhi Tshinwe Zwiakonda Naluthihi

Tshothe Tshifhinga
a. Mathukhwi a sinaho
nga othe( Masalela a
zwiliwa, Miroho)
b. Matshekasi

c. Mabogisi

d. Maleri

e. Mabodelo

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f. Zwikotikoti

g. Malabi

h. Zwinwevho

KHETHEKANYO YA C: KULANGELE KWA MATHUKHWI NGOMU HAYANI

7. Vha a didzhenisa khau langa mathukhwi ngomu hayani? Ee Hai

8. Vha lata ngafhi mathukhwi a tevhelaho

Dindini Dakani Milamboni Huno A dzhiiwa

La latiwa lwa nga
hayani mulayo masipala

a. Mathukhwi a sinaho nga

othe( masalela a zwiliwa,
miroho

b. Matshekasi

c. Mabogisi

d. Maleri

e. Mabodelo

f. Zwikotikoti

g. Malabi

h. Zwinwevho

9. U swikelelea ha tshumelo dza mathukhwi

Tshaka dza tshumelo Tshifhinga Kanzhi Tshinwe Zwiakonda Naluthihi

Tshothe Tshifhinga

a Vha na bini lau shela mashika

hayani ?

b. Masipala ua vha netshedza

mabini au shela mashika?

c. Masipala u a vha hwalela

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mashika?

10. Ndi ifhio ndila ine vhai shumisa khau khau langa mathukhwi a tevhelaho

Tshifhinga Kanzhi Tshinwe Zwiakonda Naluthihi

Tshothe Tshifhinga

a.Ndi posa dindini la thukhwi

ngomu hayani

b. A latiwa dakani kana ho

vuleaho sa midavhini

c. Ndi posa mulamboni

d. Ndia isa huno latiwa hone

thukhwi lwa mulayo

e. A tou fhisiwa

f. A tou hwaliwa nga masipala

KHETHEKANYO YA D: NDIVHO NGA HA MASIANDOITWA A USA LANGA ZWAVHUDI

MATHUKHWI.

11. Ri humbela vha anganyele zwitatamennde zwi tevhelaho

Zwitatamennde Ndia Ndi a Athina Athi Athi

tendelana tenda vhutanzi tendelani tendi
nazwo nga nazwo naluthihi
maanda
a.U langa mathukhwi ndi
vhudifhinduleli ha vhathu vhothe.
b. U langa mathukhwi lwavhudi ndi
zwa ndeme kha mutakalo wanga
c. Mathukhwi ane a wanala hayani
anga vha khombo kha mutakalo
wavho?
d. Vha vhona unga mathukhwi aya
a khombo kha mupo?
e.Vha vhona u lata mathukhwi
milamboni hu vhudifari ha vhudi
na?

NDI LIVHUWA TSHUMISANO YAVHO

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APPENDIX C: INFORMATION SHEET

Information Sheet for people participating in the study of waste management

practices within households of Khakhanwa village

Thank you for your interest in this project about the household waste management practices.
Please read this information sheet carefully before deciding whether or not you want to
participate. If you decide to participate, I thank you. If you decide not to participate, there will
be no disadvantage on you.

The Aim of the Project

This project is being undertaken as part of the requirements for a Master’s degree in Public
Health at the University of Venda, with the following aims:

 to identify common types of wastes at Khakhanwa Village

 to describe the waste management practices
 to assess awareness on impact of poor waste management

Participants Needed for This Study

One person from each household is needed to represent the family. Participants should be
prepared to take part in the study

Free Participation

Informed consent- each respondent has a right to decline to be part of the study if
necessary. Each participant will be requested to complete a consent form and only those
participants who completed the consent forms will participate in the study.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality will be considered by ensuring that the research process and findings are only
used for research purposes

Results of the Study

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A copy of the dissertation will be made available to the university library so that future
researchers can have access to it. Another copy will be submitted to the Department of
Public Health, University of Venda. Where possible, the researcher will present the findings
at seminars and conferences and publish the findings in peer reviewed journals.

Questions of the Participants

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the project, either now or in the future,
please feel free to contact me on 079 776 2445/ [email protected] or my
Supervisor Dr Tshitangano, Department of Public Health, University of Venda

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APPENDIX D: TSHIVENDA VERSION OF THE INFORMATION SHEET

Ndi livhuwa dzangalelo lavho kha ino thandela ine yavha ngaha kulangele kwa mathukhwi
vhuponi ha mahayani. Ndi humbela vha vhale mafhungo aya nga vhuronwane vha kone u
dzhia tsheo khauvha tshipida tsha thoduluso iyi. Ndi nga livhuwa ngamaanda arali vhanga
takalela u vha tshipida hone arali vha sa zwi takalela ahuna masiandoitwa au hana havho u
vha tshipida.

Tshipikwa tsha ino thandela

Ino thandela icou bveledziwa sa thodea ya digirii ya masitasi kha muhasho wa mutakalo
gudedzini la Venda huna zwipikwa zwi tevhelaho :

 U topola mifuda ya mathukhwi ano wanalesa vhuponi ha Khakhanwa

 U divhesa ngaha ndila ine mathukhwi a langulwa ngayo
 U todulususa ngaha ndivho ine yavha hone kha masiandoitwa a kulangele kuvhi kwa
mathukhwi.

Hu todea vhathu de kha thandela iyi

Muthu muthihi kha muta munwe na munwe u do todea o imela muta wonoyo. Vhane vha do
tama u dzhenelela vha do tea uvha na vhuduimiseli kha ngudo iyi.

U dzhenelela ahu kombetshedzwi muthu

Muthu munwe na munwe una pfanelo yau tenda kana u hana uvha tshipida tsha ngudo iyi.
Muthu munwe na munwe ane a tama u dzhenelela u do tea u saina thendelano yau
sumbedza uri o tenda uvha tshipida. Vhathu vhane vha do saina thendelano iyo ndi vhone
vhane vhado dzhenelela kha ngudo iyi.

Tshiphiri

Zwothe zwine vha do fhindula zwido tsireledziwa nahone zwa shumiswa hu tshi itelwa
thandela iyi fhedzi. Ahuna ane ado divha uri vhone vho fhindula zwifhio. Zwidodombedzwa
zwavho azwi nga buliwi na fhethu na huthihi

Mawanwa a ngudo iyi

58 
 
   

Khandiso ya mawanwa a ngudo iyi ido wanala laiburari ya gudedzi la Venda hu u itela uri
vhane vha nga tama u todulususa vha tshiya phanda vha wane inwe ndivho. Inwe khandiso
ido wanala kha muhasho wa mutakalo henefho gudedzini. Hune zwa do konadzea,
mawanwa a ngudo iyi a do andadzwa kha madzulo o fhambananaho a dovha hafhu u
andadzwa kha manwalwa o senguluswaho.

Mbudziso kha vhane vha tama u dzhenelela

Vha nga diwana vhana mbudziso kana u vhilahela ngaha ngudo heino, zwino kana
tshifhinga tshidaho, khavhapfe vho vhofholowa u kwama Mabadahanye Vhonani kha
nomboro ya 0797752445 kana kha [email protected] kana mulanguli wanga
vhodokotela Tshitangano kha muhasho wa zwa mutakalo gudedzini la venda.

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APPENDIX E: CONSENT FORM

Consent Form for Participation in the study on waste management practices within
households in Khakhanwa Village

I have read the information sheet concerning the project and I understand what the project is
all about. All my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand that I am
free to request further information at any stage.

I know that:

1. My participation is entirely voluntary

2. I am free to withdraw from the project at any time without any disadvantage.

3. I am aware that my personal information will not be included in the final document and all
personal information supplied by me will remain confidential throughout the project.

4. I will receive no payment or compensation for participating in the study.

5. I am willing to participate in this research project.

……………………………………………. ………………… ……………….

Names [participant] [Signature] [Date]

…………………………………. ……………………………………

[Signature of the researcher] [Date]

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APPENDIX F: TSHIVENDA VERSION OF THE CONSENT FORM

Fomo ya thendelano

Thendelano khau dzhenelela kha ngudo ya kulangele kwa mathukhwi mahayani a

khakhanwa.

Ndo vhala mafhungo ano khou amba ngaha ngudo iyi nahone ndo pfesesa zwine ngudo iyi
yakhou toda u swikelela zwone. Mbudziso dzanga dzo fhindulwa uya ngahe nda lavhelela
ngaho. Ndi dovha hafhu nda pfesesa uri ndo tendelwa u vhudzisa tshifhinga tshinwe na
tshinwe.

Ndia divha uri:

 u dzhenelela hanga ndi tsheo yanga nne mune nahone a thi kombetshedziwi u vha
tshipida
 Ndi a tendeliwa u dibvisa kha ngudo iyi tshifhinga tshinwe na tshinwe
 zwidodombedzwa zwanga a zwinga andadziwi kha mawanwa a ngudo iyi
 A thi nga wani badelo na nthihi khau dzhenelela hanga
 Ndo dinekedzela uvha tshipida tsha ngudo iyi

…………………………………… ……………….. ……………………….

Madzina Tsaino Datumu

……………………………………………………….. …………………….....

Tsaino ya mutodulususi Datumu

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APPENDIX G: REQUEST LETTER TO KHAKHANWA LOCAL AUTHORITY

University of Venda

P. Bag X5050

Thohoyandou 0950

Date:

Local authority

Khakhanwa village

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: Request for permission to conduct a study on waste management practices at your
village

I am Mabadahanye Vhonani, a master’s student at the University of Venda. As a

requirement of my master’s degree in Public Health, I am expected to conduct a research
project. I will be investigating the waste management practices within households in
Khakhanwa Village, Thulamela Municipality. I would like your permission to conduct my
research in your village.

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and any individual from your village may
withdraw at any time without any consequence held against them.

Your permission and assistance will be highly appreciated. Should you have any queries,
please do not hesitate to contact me on 079 776 2445 or at [email protected].

Thank you

Yours sincerely

Mabadahanye V

62 
 
   

Annexure A: ETHICAL CLEARANCE

63 
 
   

Annexure B: LETTER FROM LANGUAGE EDITOR

64 
 
   

   

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