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This policy brief examines the intersection of municipal and traditional authority land management in South Africa, specifically focusing on case studies from the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province. It analyzes the hierarchical structures of traditional councils, the complex process of land development applications, and proposes innovations like the RECA model to mitigate land invasions and improve cooperative governance.

This Final Scoping Report details the environmental assessment for the southern site of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Limpopo, South Africa. The proposed development aims to establish a heavy industrial hub focused on energy and metallurgy, including plants for steel, ferrochrome, and thermal power generation. The report identifies significant environmental risks, particularly regarding water scarcity in a semi-arid region, potential biodiversity loss within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, and the need for extensive bulk infrastructure. It outlines the regulatory framework, preliminary impact assessments, and a Plan of Study for the subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) phase.

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 Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) of South Africa granted environmental authorisation to Limpopo Coal Company (Pty) Ltd (LCC), a subsidiary of Coal of Africa Limited, for the Vele Colliery project. This authorisation, issued under section 24G of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), rectifies the unlawful commencement of several listed activities, including road construction, vegetation clearance, and the building of a slurry dam. The project is a phased coal mine with an estimated 29-year lifespan, consisting of open cast and underground operations.