Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates population projections for South Africa up to 2050, comparing the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 with simulations from the International Futures (IFs) model. The analysis highlights significant discrepancies in population forecasts, primarily driven by differing assumptions regarding international migration, and explores the impact of fertility and mortality trends, including the role of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in increasing life expectancy.

A joint submission by five environmental organisations to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources regarding the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Amendment Bill [B15-2013]. The submission argues that the Bill and the principal Act fail to protect constitutional rights to fair administrative action and access to information for parties affected by mining.

This case study examines the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a large-scale transboundary water transfer scheme between Lesotho and South Africa. While praised for its engineering, the project has faced significant challenges regarding corruption, social displacement, and the long-term impact of climate change on water security.

The World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA), represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), filed an internal appeal to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 26 July 2013. The appeal challenges the DMR's refusal to grant access to records regarding seabed prospecting rights and strategies in South Africa's territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which the DMR claimed would substantially and unreasonably divert its resources.

Budget Vote speech delivered by Minister Edna Molewa of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWA) on May 21, 2013, outlining the department's focus on equity, redistribution, infrastructure development, and water security in South Africa.

This 2013 report by WWF South Africa identifies and describes the country's Water Source Areas (WSAs), highlighting that a small fraction of land provides the majority of the nation's surface water. It emphasizes the interdependence between engineered water infrastructure and the ecological infrastructure (catchments, rivers, and aquifers) that feeds it, while detailing the threats facing these critical regions.

The 2012 State of the Nation Address by President Jacob G Zuma outlines a 'massive infrastructure development drive' designed to combat the 'triple challenge' of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa. The address details strategic investments in transport, mining, and social infrastructure, while reporting on progress in job creation, education, and land reform.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) maps the investment landscape of South Africa as of January 2012. It examines the impact of the global economic crisis on foreign direct investment (FDI), analyzes the government's industrial policies such as the New Growth Path (NGP), and provides a detailed catalogue of financial and fiscal incentives designed to attract investment and create jobs. The document also includes survey results from provincial investment promotion agencies (IPAs) regarding the effectiveness and awareness of these incentive schemes.

The National Environmental Compliance & Enforcement Report 2011-12 provides a comprehensive overview of the activities of the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) in South Africa. It details a significant increase in EMI capacity, particularly Grade 5 field rangers, and tracks national statistics on criminal and administrative enforcement. The report highlights a rise in section 24G administrative fines and a focus on proactive industrial compliance, while also documenting the ongoing crisis of rhino poaching and the illegal trade in cycads. It further outlines specific court cases, legislative developments, and capacity-building efforts for inspectors and prosecutors.

This research paper examines the conflict surrounding the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project in South Africa's Eastern Cape. It analyzes the tensions between the AmaDiba community, the Australian mining company Mineral Commodities Limited (MRC), and the South African government, focusing on the failure of community consultation, environmental concerns, and the shortcomings of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted a letter to the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) on 12 August 2011, reporting on a series of community workshops regarding Shell's shale gas exploration applications in the Karoo. The CER highlights significant gaps in public participation, reports widespread community concerns regarding water and food security, and urges PASA to require additional consultation with disadvantaged communities before recommending a decision on the Environmental Management Programme (EMP).

A budget vote speech delivered by Minister Molewa on June 23, 2011, to the National Council of Provinces, outlining progress and strategic plans for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in South Africa. The speech focuses on increasing water access, enhancing water security through infrastructure and desalination, combating environmental crime such as rhino poaching, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

The Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity, issued by the South African Minister of Energy under the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006, establish the legal framework for procuring new electricity generation capacity by organs of state. The regulations cover planning via integrated resource plans, feasibility studies, ministerial determinations, and the procurement of capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and cross-border projects, while specifically excluding nuclear power technology.

A budget vote speech delivered by Minister Edna Molewa on 14 April 2011, outlining the Department of Water Affairs' strategy to increase water availability for economic growth and job creation in South Africa. The speech details major infrastructure projects, water security measures, regulatory frameworks for water quality, and plans for legislative review to prevent water hoarding.

Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson's 2011 budget speech for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) outlines a 4.719 billion rand budget focused on poverty alleviation, job creation, and the sustainable management of natural resources in South Africa.

A formal request from the Centre for Environmental Rights and a coalition of twelve other NGOs to the South African Minister of Mineral Resources. The document urges the Minister to use her discretion under Section 49 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) to prohibit or restrict prospecting and mining in areas of critical biodiversity and hydrological value to protect the environment and mitigate climate change impacts.

The National Environmental Compliance & Enforcement Report 2009-10 provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law enforcement activities in South Africa from April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010. It details the growth of the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI), national statistics on criminal and administrative enforcement, and specific case studies regarding industrial pollution and biodiversity crimes, particularly rhino poaching.

This research paper analyses data from the 2007 National Crime and Victimisation Survey to identify characteristics and factors that influence the likelihood of experiencing different types of crime in South Africa. Using regression modelling, the author examines demographic, geographic, socio-economic, security, and environmental variables to determine their impact on housebreaking, property theft, theft from vehicles, robbery, and assault.

This research paper by Paul Hoffman examines the role of accountability in making constitutionalism a reality, specifically within the context of post-liberation African societies. Using South Africa as a primary case study, the author evaluates the effectiveness of constitutional frameworks in limiting government power, maintaining domestic legitimacy, and protecting human rights.

This research paper by Paul Hoffman, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in March 2009, examines the role of accountability in making constitutionalism a reality in Africa. Using South Africa as a primary case study, the author argues that while constitutional structures may exist on paper, the actual practice of democracy is often undermined by power struggles among elites, corruption, and the erosion of independent oversight institutions.