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The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) provides a set of minimum legal and regulatory requirements for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in South Africa. The report argues that the proposed fracking regulations published by the Minister of Mineral Resources on 15 October 2013 are inadequate, as they rely primarily on industry standards from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and fail to provide for meaningful public participation or sufficient penalties for non-compliance. The CER advocates for a comprehensive regulatory regime grounded in the South African Constitution and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), emphasizing the precautionary principle and the need for a specialized, inter-departmental regulatory unit.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) published a set of Minimum Requirements for the Regulation of the Environmental Impacts of Fracking in December 2013 to address the potentially severe effects of the shale gas industry.

This research paper by GreenCape examines the use of Performance-Based Contracts (PBCs) to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), drawing on international experiences from countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and Ireland. It outlines the technical, financial, and managerial challenges of NRW reduction and provides guidance on scoping, risk-reward balancing, and ensuring the sustainability of water savings for public utilities, with a particular focus on the South African context.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development explores how public procurement can transition from buying discrete products to procuring functions and services through performance-based specifications. It argues that this shift can drive resource efficiency, stimulate private sector innovation, and reduce costs, provided the business models are aligned with the environmental impacts of the specific product categories.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines South Africa's post-conflict development and peacebuilding engagements in South Sudan. It highlights the historical ties between the ANC and SPLM, evaluates various capacity-building and economic interventions, and argues for a more coordinated, strategic approach aligned with African Union frameworks to ensure sustainable impact and local ownership.

This research paper examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and net investment income on South Africa's current account deficit. It argues that while FDI is beneficial for growth, the trend of transnational companies prioritizing short-term shareholder value over long-term reinvestment creates economic vulnerabilities, particularly during downturns. The author recommends policy shifts to attract FDI that is labour-absorbing, export-oriented, and focused on reinvesting profits within the domestic economy.

This policy briefing examines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that the process can transform non-state actors from adversaries into governance partners. While the APRM mandates CSO inclusion in national assessments and governing structures, the author identifies significant challenges in maintaining momentum post-review and ensuring the quality of representation. The document provides recommendations for governments to involve CSOs in the implementation phase and for CSOs to leverage their exposure to state dynamics for sustained policy dialogue.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the institutional failures and labour tensions in South Africa's mining sector following the 2012 Marikana massacre. The author argues that a 'prisoners' dilemma' exists where rival unions and mining firms are incentivized toward conflict rather than cooperation due to a majoritarian bargaining system. The document proposes structural reforms to labour legislation, the introduction of profit-sharing models, and the empowerment of the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to penalize violent strikes to stabilize the industry.

This policy note by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the first decade of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), analyzing its structural challenges, achievements in opening political space, and the systemic failures in implementing National Programmes of Action (NPoAs).

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), supported by the Environmental Monitoring Group and the Federation for a Sustainable Environment, submitted comments on the draft Infrastructure Development Bill (B49-2013). The CER argues that the Bill violates Constitutional rights, disregards national environmental policies, and undermines the legal framework for sustainable development and integrated environmental management in South Africa.

This research paper examines competitive resource allocation systems (auctions or tenders) as a potential alternative to the 'first-in, first-assessed' (FIFA) principle for mining rights in South Africa, weighing the potential for increased state revenue and transparency against the risks of institutional weakness and delayed resource development.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes Mozambique's foreign policy from independence in 1975 through 2013. It argues that Mozambique has employed a strategy of 'pragmatic non-alignment' to secure external support for national development, evolving through three distinct phases: the liberation and civil war period, a phase of post-conflict consolidation and 'normalisation', and a current era focused on attracting foreign direct investment following the discovery of vast coal and gas reserves.

This research paper examines Brazil's strategic shift toward the South Atlantic, driven by the discovery of pre-salt oil and gas reserves. It details Brazil's efforts to secure these resources through naval modernization, legal claims to extend its continental shelf, and expanded military cooperation with African nations to establish a regional identity and deter outside powers.

This research paper examines the tension between the 'green growth' agenda promoted by Mexico and the 'sustainable development' concept advocated by Brazil during the 2012 G-20 summit. It analyzes how Brazil's domestic industrial and energy policies often conflict with green economy goals due to a preference for autonomous industrialization and short-term economic growth, while also assessing Brazil's diplomatic coordination with other BRICS nations on climate issues.

This research paper evaluates the 2012 Policy for the Small Scale Fisheries Sector in South Africa, examining its ability to address the challenges of poverty alleviation and marine resource sustainability. Through a case study of the coastal community of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape, the author analyzes the failures of previous co-management attempts and the ongoing struggle of small-scale fishers to obtain commercial fishing rights.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of InternationalCS International Affairs (SAIIA) argues that 'best practices' identified within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) are an underutilised resource for peer learning. While over 200 practices have been documented across 15 country review reports, the author contends they remain confined to these reports with little impact. The document recommends formalising the definition of best practices, integrating their identification into country self-assessments, and creating dedicated repositories and forums to disseminate these home-grown solutions to improve governance across Africa.

This policy briefing examines the engagement of African nations with the G-20's financial regulation and development initiatives. It highlights the challenges of aligning international standards, such as Basel II/III, with local developmental goals and identifies the institutional channels through which African countries can influence global financial policy.

This statement by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), submitted on behalf of itself, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, and Center for Biological Diversity, warns that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) could undermine public health and environmental protections, particularly regarding toxic chemicals. The document argues that the pursuit of 'regulatory coherence' through harmonization and mutual recognition may lower standards to a 'lowest-common denominator,' preempt sub-national laws, and create chilling effects on the development of safety regulations globally.

The PAIA Civil Society Network's 2013 Shadow Report documents a decline in the implementation of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa between August 2012 and July 2013. The report highlights a significant increase in 'deemed refusals'—where information holders fail to respond to requests—and a decrease in the full release of records. It identifies systemic failures in records management, lack of funding for PAIA compliance, and widespread non-compliance with the requirement to publish PAIA manuals, calling for an independent regulator to ensure accountability.

Friends of the Earth South Africa and groundWork issued a letter to President Jacob Zuma opposing the lifting of the fracking moratorium, citing environmental risks, lack of public consultation, and the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions.