The introduction and implementation of the Air Quality Act in South Africa has a significant impact in the communities, in the three spheres of government, namely national, provincial and local, and businesses in the country. This study provides an overview of how the businesses in the Greater Durban Area have been impacted by the introduction and implementation of the AQA. The main objective of the study is to ascertain the impact that the AQA has on businesses in the Greater Durban Area. The main focus is on the following areas of impact: operational, structural, strategic, financial and social impact. The main tool used to collect the primary data was a structured questionnaire. However, because of challenges faced in the collection of data the structured interviews were cancelled. Analyses of results are based on the data collected utilizing the questionnaire as well as the reviewed literature in order to establish the extent to which the data is supported by the existing theory. The overall impression created by the results of the sample indicates that the AQA has been well received by all stakeholders; these stakeholders include businesses, government as well as the society. Although the Act as well as other environmental legislation present some challenges to businesses, these legislation are generally fairly well accepted by private enterprise. The study recommends that for further studies, the data collection instruments must include structured and/or unstructured interviews, in order to ascertain where businesses strategically stand on air quality. This will also help in obtaining indications on funds that businesses spend on social development and/or responsibility and on environment as a whole.

Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.