Unpacking the voluntary participation of community members in the cleansing and solid waste programme of the eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

The study focuses on unpacking the voluntary participation of community members in the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) programme of the eThekwini municipality. Since the study reveals a decline in the number of volunteers in the municipality, the aim is to invite more community members to volunteer in the CSW programme and understand and strengthen the relationship of volunteers in the CSW programme. A descriptive qualitative research design and purposive sampling was used. The sample consisted of information-rich informants, nine of which are community members in eThekwini, two officials of the eThekwini Municipality and one Municipality Councillor. The interviewing method was used for the data collection. The study revealed that there are many community members that did not know about volunteering for the CSW. Community members blame the CSW for their uncollected waste, which causes disease and an unsafe environment, Political parties influence how community members volunteer and what they should volunteer for, including rewards and economic freedom, and observing religious and political education. Community members do not volunteer for the CSWP because there is no monetary gain, and at the same time, it does not guarantee any permanent employment. Strategies for inviting volunteers into the CSWP are described as creating awareness and holding campaigns about solid waste management in communities, educating community members about keeping a clean environment, and teaching schools about volunteering. CSW should provide rewards and recognition to the volunteers, educating community members about the “three RRRs” (Recycling, reuse, and recovery) and volunteering opportunities should be published on different social platforms. Six recommendations are provided: 1) The main recommendations are that eThekwini municipality should educate community members about the importance of keeping a clean environment, 2) the CSW should create awareness about solid waste management in communities of the eThekwini municipality, 3) political parties and religious organisations can be vehicles for the CSWP to encourage community members to volunteer, 4) giving awards to volunteers will encourage other community members to volunteer, since it shows that the CSW acknowledges the volunteer’s contributions, 5) the CSW should try to create job opportunities for the volunteers, and 6) the CSW should encourage young people to volunteer because it is a good opportunity to try different careers without making a long-term commitment.