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This document is a formal notice of appeal filed on 30 March 2015 by eight environmental organisations, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, against the granting of mining right MP30/5/1/2/2/1/0069MR to Atha-Africa Ventures (Pty) Ltd (AAV). The appeal seeks to set aside the right and suspend its operation, arguing that the proposed Yzermyn underground coal mine is located in the Mabola Protected Environment and the Wakkerstroom Wetlands Area, regions of irreplaceable biodiversity and critical hydrological importance.

This draft report documents the January 28, 2015, launch meeting of the South African chapter of the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST), co-hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Oxfam. The meeting brought together over 40 stakeholders to discuss South Africa's approach to South-South cooperation (SSC) and development partnerships in Africa. The report outlines the goals of NeST South Africa, analyzes the specific paradigm of South African development assistance, identifies systemic challenges in coordination and data management, and discusses the pending establishment of the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA).

This research paper analyzes the 2015 South African budget, arguing that the proposed fiscal consolidation and austerity measures may be insufficient to stabilize the country's rising public debt and maintain market confidence.

This research paper excerpt describes the severe socio-economic and financial challenges facing the ANC-led government of South Africa following the 1994 elections, specifically highlighting economic decline, extreme inequality, and a precarious fiscal state characterized by high borrowing and debt.

This policy brief analyzes the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), arguing that while it is currently more symbolic than a substantive challenge to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it has the potential to evolve into a more independent and comprehensive financial safety net for emerging economies.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International criticizing the South African government's February 2014 decision to grant air quality standard postponements to major industrial entities, including Eskom, Sasol, and Engen, which the organization argues prioritizes corporate profit over public health.

This policy brief outlines the necessity and implementation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory management systems for economic zones in China to support the transition to low-carbon operations. It emphasizes a collaborative approach between managing authorities and companies to establish reporting systems that support carbon trading, absolute caps, and performance standards.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the policy landscape for low-carbon development in China's industrial zones, highlighting the transition from national targets to local implementation and the resulting regulatory complexities. It also references a separate IISD study on the fiscal risks facing BRIICS nations due to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

This policy brief examines the evolution of South Africa's foreign economic strategies since 1994, highlighting a shift from a normative, idealistic approach toward a strategy focused on non-Western relations and domestic economic alignment. The authors identify three primary pillars of engagement: multilateral trade negotiations via the WTO, the G-20, and the BRICS forum.

This report documents the proceedings of a multi-stakeholder policy dialogue hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Oxfam South Africa on March 3, 2015. The event focused on the impact, monitoring, and accountability of South–South Co-operation (SSC), specifically regarding emerging partners' engagement in Africa's development.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing various environmental NGOs and community groups, has requested the Department of Environmental Affairs to provide copies of decisions and written reasons regarding the postponement of compliance time-frames for minimum air quality emission standards for 35 facilities.

This policy brief analyzes the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) role as a primary financier for climate change adaptation in 2015. It outlines key tasks for the GCF to ensure effective, country-owned adaptation, including the scaling of direct access for national institutions, the piloting of 'enhanced direct access' through small grants, and the development of robust investment and accountability frameworks that avoid maladaptation.

This executive summary reviews international fuel pricing experiences to provide recommendations for Indonesia's 2015 fuel price system reforms. It analyzes how other emerging economies manage price volatility and suggests improvements in pricing formulas, regulatory functions, and non-pricing interventions to maintain fiscal savings while protecting vulnerable consumers.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the potential of bond markets as an alternative to bank loans for financing large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa. It details various bond types—including municipal, corporate, sovereign, diaspora, and Islamic bonds—and analyzes the current state of bond markets in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The author argues that while bonds offer lower borrowing costs and avoid equity dilution, their growth in Africa is hindered by underdeveloped secondary markets, weak regulatory frameworks, and a lack of institutional investors.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the tension between South Africa's regional dominance and its aspirations for integration in Southern Africa. Drawing on a 2013 perceptions survey of foreign policy practitioners, the author analyzes how South Africa's economic, political, and security influence is perceived by its neighbors and suggests ways to improve regional legitimacy through increased consultation and multilateralism.

This policy briefing argues that the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) must remain a voluntary association to maintain its credibility and effectiveness. The author contends that mandatory accession would undermine the process by introducing countries lacking the political will or open societies necessary for robust, honest governance reviews.

This policy briefing examines the South African government's position on the 'responsibility to protect' (R2P) framework, noting that while South Africa supports the principle of protecting civilians, it lacks a clearly articulated policy and prefers a moderate approach focused on dialogue and conflict prevention over military intervention.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) sent an urgent letter to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 23 February 2015, requesting confirmation and documentation regarding a mining right allegedly granted to Atha-Africa Ventures (Pty) Ltd (AAV) within the Mabola Protected Environment.

A joint media statement by a civil society coalition criticizing Minister of Mineral Resources Ngoako Ramatlhodi for ignoring mining-affected communities and prioritizing corporate interests over public participation and justice in the development of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).

The 2015 statement by SAIIA's National Chairman argues that South Africa's international soft power is dependent on its domestic adherence to constitutional democracy. It advocates for a more cohesive 'economic diplomacy' strategy, a commitment to a rules-based multilateral international order, and a diversified approach to global partnerships beyond the BRICS nations.