Publication

This paper discusses the increase of uncontrolled and unauthorized sand mining activities and the governance of sand mining in South Africa. The author contends that a reason for the increase in illegal sand removal activities in South Africa is that the frameworks governing the sector lack the necessary capacities to support compliance with environmental measures and that the mechanisms that deter illegal activities are weak. She also suggests that although the impact of these illegal activities has not yet been determined, existing policy and management responses do not have the ability to prevent the destruction of the country’s riverbeds.