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The report assesses how communities in South Africa have used litigation, protest, and media coverage to combat the impacts of coal and platinum mining. It identifies significant failures in the regulatory governance of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), noting a 'compliance and enforcement deficit' caused by legislative loopholes and conflicts of interest. While litigation is the most frequent strategy, the report argues that a multi-pronged approach combining legal action with community mobilisation is most effective. It highlights severe impacts including water pollution, displacement, and health crises like silicosis and black lung disease.

South Africa has increased its climate ambition by lowering its 2030 emission target upper limit from 614 Mt CO2-eq to 420 Mt CO2-eq. While the country leads Africa in green finance and has established a carbon tax, implementation of climate strategies remains slow. The COVID-19 pandemic initially diverted focus toward immediate socioeconomic needs, but later spurred the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. Conversely, the Ukraine war has increased global demand for South African coal, potentially incentivizing a rollback of decarbonization. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) provides critical financial support, but the transition is hindered by ongoing power shortages, reliance on new coal plants like Medupi and Kusile, and political sensitivity regarding job losses in the coal sector.

The document examines South Africa's nascent green hydrogen economy, positioning the country in the 'technological readiness' phase of market development. It argues that while some input manufacturing is emerging, there is a critical need for coordinated industrial and energy policies—including capital grants and electricity tax exemptions—to drive commercial production. A central focus is the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, where the author identifies a 'wide chasm' between graduates and employment. The paper advocates for a shift toward 'anticipatory governance' and 'skills foresight' to better align vocational training with the evolving demands of the green hydrogen value chain, ensuring a just transition for workers displaced from the coal industry.

The document outlines the safeguards and operational frameworks for the GEF 8 'Reimagining National Parks for People and Nature' project in South Africa. It focuses on three specific landscapes: Greater Addo, Greater Kruger (Barberton-Makhonjwa), and Eastern Grasslands. The project aims to conserve 2 million hectares of land while fostering sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, particularly women and youth. The framework provides detailed procedures for environmental and social screening, grievance redress, and the protection of marginalized groups, ensuring compliance with both South African law and WWF's internal safeguard standards.

South Africa faces increasing vulnerability to climate extremes, including droughts in the west and intense rainfall in the east, with economic costs reaching billions of rand. Despite the Climate Change Act of 2024 mandating a national adaptation plan, implementation is lagging. The energy sector, responsible for nearly 80% of national emissions, is identified as the most critical area for mitigation through the upcoming Integrated Energy Plan (IEP). WWF proposes a 'People's Energy Plan' as a feasible path to net zero CO2 emissions by mid-century that supports developmental growth and employment.

A 2020/21 WWF study identifies significant faecal contamination in the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers, where E. coli levels frequently exceed safety guidelines for irrigation. This pollution, caused by failing wastewater infrastructure and poor sanitation, poses severe health risks, particularly for subsistence farmers growing high-risk crops like leafy greens. The document recommends a combination of improved governance, targeted farming techniques, and a community-private-public partnership to manage water quality and ensure food safety.

The document examines the role of fossil gas in South Africa, detailing its current use in power generation and chemical feedstock, while arguing against its use as a 'bridge fuel'. It highlights the high global warming potential of methane leaks, the risk of stranded assets, and the availability of cheaper renewable alternatives combined with energy storage. The author concludes that South Africa should avoid new gas exploration and infrastructure to align with the 1.5°C warming limit and its own 2050 net-zero target.