20231120_landgovlocgovpolicybrief_osf-61c162bee776b633.pdf

This policy brief argues that secure land tenure is a prerequisite for the just engagement of indigenous communities in South Africa's energy transition. Focusing on the Boegoebaai green hydrogen hub in the Northern Cape, the document highlights how the Richtersveld community's unresolved land restitution claims and historical dispossessions risk further marginalization. It calls for the conclusion of land claims, the adoption of inclusive partnership models (similar to those in Canada), and the institutionalization of free, prior, and informed consent to prevent land alienation and ensure indigenous people benefit as owners or partners rather than mere beneficiaries.

• South Africa aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with a specific goal to increase the share of renewable energy in its power generation mix from 11 per cent to 41 per cent by 2030.
• The Boegoebaai site in the Northern Cape has been identified as a potential host for a green hydrogen hub and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aiming for 40 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2050. However, the site is subject to a contested land claim by the indigenous Richtersveld community, who have struggled to reclaim the land since 2001.
• The Richtersveld community, consisting of approximately 3,200 people of Nama (Khoekhoe) descent, suffered historical dispossessions starting in 1847, including state seizure of land in 1957 following the discovery of diamonds. While a 2003 deed of settlement awarded the community land and mineral rights, including over 194,600 hectares, the land claim remains outstanding.
• The proposed green hydrogen project at Boegoebaai involves approximately 69,877 hectares of land owned by the Richtersveld people through a communal property association (CPA). While the project is estimated to create 2,971 direct construction jobs and 13,819 indirect jobs, it risks undermining the community's access to land, cultural heritage, and ancestral connections.
• Current energy transition frameworks in South Africa are criticized for focusing narrowly on employment and BBBEE participation, failing to acknowledge the land and natural resource rights of wider indigenous communities. The document notes a lack of templates for consulting indigenous populations, and that the 2023 SAREM Masterplan and the Presidential Climate Commission’s Report showed no evidence of engagement with indigenous people.
• The Richtersveld community faces internal challenges that hinder effective engagement with investors, including disputes over identity, leadership, and the legitimacy of the CPA and the Nama Traditional Council. The CPA was placed under administration by the High Court of the Northern Cape in 2011 and again in February 2020.
• To ensure a just transition, the brief recommends that the state conclude outstanding land claims and move beyond treating indigenous people as mere project beneficiaries. It suggests adopting partnership models used in Canada, such as indigenous ownership, general partnerships, or equity ownership, to allow communities to act as owners or developers.

APA

Public Affairs Research Institute (n.d.). 20231120_landgovlocgovpolicybrief_osf-61c162bee776b633.pdf. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_LandGovLocGovPolicyBrief_OSF.pdf

Chicago

Public Affairs Research Institute. 20231120_landgovlocgovpolicybrief_osf-61c162bee776b633.pdf. n.d. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_LandGovLocGovPolicyBrief_OSF.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Public Affairs Research Institute |title=20231120_landgovlocgovpolicybrief_osf-61c162bee776b633.pdf |url=https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_LandGovLocGovPolicyBrief_OSF.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{publicaffairsresearchinstitutend20231120landgovlocgovpolicybriefosf61c162bee776b633pdf, author = {{Public Affairs Research Institute}}, title = {{20231120\_landgovlocgovpolicybrief\_osf-61c162bee776b633.pdf}}, institution = {Public Affairs Research Institute}, url = {https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_LandGovLocGovPolicyBrief_OSF.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }