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The report analyzes the intersection of traditional and municipal land governance in Limpopo's Vhembe District, focusing on the Rambuda, Tshivhase, and Masia traditional councils. It finds that while legislative frameworks like SPLUMA (2013) allow for traditional council participation, these bodies often lack voting power in municipal planning tribunals, leading to poor integration and friction. The study highlights a 'land development value chain' where traditional authorities issue Permissions to Occupy (PTO) and manage communal land, but often operate through informal or semi-formal systems. Case studies reveal challenges such as land invasions in the Homu Traditional Area and the successful implementation of professional planning standards for the Tshakhuma Shopping Mall. The report recommends digitalizing land records, enhancing the role of traditional leaders in municipal tribunals, and adopting the 'Record, Engage, Collaborate and Avoid' (RECA) model to manage land disputes.

The document examines the complex relationship between South African municipalities and traditional authorities regarding land administration, using case studies from the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo. It highlights a systemic lack of integration between traditional land-use processes and formal municipal systems, which often leads to land grabs and conflicts. The brief details the hierarchical structure of traditional leadership and proposes a logical, multi-step model for land development applications that involves traditional councils, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and municipalities. It introduces the 'Record, Engage, Collaborate and Avoid' (RECA) model to mitigate land invasions and recommends policy shifts, such as including traditional leaders in municipal planning tribunals and improving land cadaster systems through the use of interns and technology.

The Life After Coal Campaign, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, calls for the urgent promulgation of a robust Climate Change Act and the abandonment of new fossil fuel projects in South Africa. The document highlights the lack of transparency regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and argues that non-compliant coal-fired power stations must be decommissioned as part of a just transition. It further asserts that South Africa's current commitments under the Paris Agreement are inadequate and must be revised to align with the 1.5 degree Celsius limit to avoid severe regional climate impacts.

The report assesses the environmental, social, and economic implications of establishing a heavy industrial hub focused on energy and metallurgy in the Musina-Makhado region. It identifies critical concerns including high water requirements in a water-scarce area, potential biodiversity loss, and the need for significant social infrastructure. The document outlines the proposed land uses, including coking, thermal power, and steel plants, and establishes a Plan of Study for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

A letter from the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism to Delta Built Environmental Consultants granting a final extension until 31 January 2021 for the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for a proposed metallurgical cluster in the Musina-Makhado SEZ.

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) has granted environmental authorisation for the establishment of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) South Site. The authorisation specifically covers the clearance of indigenous vegetation, installation of bulk services infrastructure, and fencing for a metallurgical cluster, reducing the project footprint to 3,862 hectares.