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Appeal response report
This report is an appeal by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) against an integrated environmental authorisation (IEA) granted by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd (MSR). The appeal contests the expansion of mining operations at Tormin Mine, arguing that the authorisation was granted through an unlawful circumvention of the mining right application process and fails to adequately protect Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs).
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Document type: Report
AIR QUALITY IMPACTS AND HEALTH EFFECTS DUE TO LARGE STATIONARY SOURCE EMISSIONS IN AND AROUND SOUTH AFRICA’S MPUMALANGA HIGHVELD PRIORITY AREA (HPA)
This report provides an air-pollution dispersion model and health risk assessment for 14 industrial facilities in and around South Africa's Mpumalanga Highveld Priority Area (HPA). The analysis compares actual 2016 emissions against a scenario where facilities comply with the 2020 Minimum Emissions Standards (MES), finding that current emissions cause significant early deaths and exceed multiple international air quality guidelines.
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Document type: Report
IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA
This document is a Rule 16A notice filed in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, in June 2019. It outlines the constitutional issues raised by applicants—including GroundWork and the Vukani Environmental Justice Alliance—regarding air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area and the failure of the Minister of Environmental Affairs to establish regulations to implement the Highveld Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan.
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Document type: Statement
Implementing the TFA: Trade Facilitation Activities in Zambia
This research paper examines the implementation of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Africa, using Zambia as a primary case study. It analyzes the benefits of trade facilitation for landlocked lower-middle-income countries, the role of the TFA Facility and donor assistance, and the specific challenges and successes of trade facilitation reforms at four of Zambia's strategic border posts.
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Document type: Research paper
Business (Not) for Peace: A Call for Conflict-Sensitive Policy in Fragile States
This briefing argues that private sector development in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) is not inherently peace-positive and can often increase fragility if not conflict-sensitive. It highlights the disincentives for businesses to engage in peacebuilding, including the risk of government reprisals and the potential loss of profits derived from unjust systems. The document calls for 'systems shapers'—those who finance and regulate the private sector—to prioritize corporate accountability and move away from 'de-risking' strategies that decouple corporate risk from socio-political impacts.
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Document type: Briefing
Civil Society groups call on EFF to focus on VBS scandal and reflect on race baiting
A statement by a coalition of civil society organisations condemning the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for threats and intimidation directed at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and journalists, while urging the party to focus on financial scandals like the VBS bank looting.
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Document type: Statement
Request to the Department of Water and Sanitation for access to the Climate Change Vulnerability Risk Assessment conducted in various catchment areas in South Africa (2 November 2018)
The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) requested access to internal reports and findings from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) regarding Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessments conducted in specific water management areas and water transfer projects.
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Document type: Statement
Open Letter to Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces
An open letter from a coalition of progressive and pro-poor civil society organisations to the newly elected members of the South African Parliament and National Council of Provinces following the general election on 8 May 2019. The letter demands an end to the appointment of corrupt individuals to public office, calls for electoral reform, and urges the declaration of a climate emergency.
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Document type: Statement
Reform in the Contract State: Embedded Directions in Public Procurement Regulation in South Africa
This research paper examines the evolution of South Africa's public procurement regulation, analyzing the transition toward a 'contract state' and the ongoing efforts to reform a regulatory regime characterized by fragmentation and corruption.
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Document type: Research paper
MARINE AND COASTAL ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION (EbA) FOR ENHANCED RESILIENCE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
This fact sheet describes a research project by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), in partnership with the Southern Africa Trust and DFID, aimed at enhancing climate resilience in Southern Africa through the integration of marine and coastal Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into national climate responses.
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Document type: Fact sheet
FULL DISCLOSURE Fact Sheet
This fact sheet by the Centre for Environmental Rights details the environmental track record of ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd (AMSA), specifically focusing on its Vanderbijlpark Works. It outlines systemic non-compliance with air and water quality laws, significant land contamination, and a lack of transparency regarding climate change risks and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Document type: Fact sheet
A Tale of Two Continents: Comparing Migration Experiences in South Africa & Germany
This research paper compares the migration regimes of South Africa and Germany, analyzing how each country manages the influx of refugees and economic migrants. It argues that while Germany has developed a sophisticated, integration-focused infrastructure to offset an ageing population, South Africa struggles with a securitized approach and socio-economic pressures that fuel xenophobia. The author suggests that South Africa can learn from Germany's inter-departmental coordination, private sector involvement, and proactive integration strategies to avoid the creation of 'parallel societies'.
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Document type: Research paper
Ecosystem-based Adaptation in South African Coastal Cities
This research paper examines the potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in South African coastal cities, specifically Durban and Cape Town. It argues that EbA provides a triple benefit of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and socio-economic development. The authors identify significant barriers to implementation, including a reliance on 'grey' infrastructure, lack of promulgated Coastal Management Lines (CMLs), and constrained municipal budgets. The paper recommends integrating EbA into local government planning tools, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and exploring innovative financing such as payments for ecosystem services and insurance-industry partnerships.
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Document type: Research paper
The race to the bottom: we need fundamental change
A statement by a representative of Natural Justice detailing first-hand observations of the negative impacts of mining and large-scale infrastructure projects in South Africa and Kenya, arguing that current development models prioritize corporate interests over human rights and environmental sustainability.
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Document type: Statement
UPDATE ON THE PREFERRED BIDDERS UNDER THE FIRST BID WINDOW OF THE COAL BASELOAD IPP PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME AND THE PROPOSED THABAMETSI & KHANYISA COAL-FIRED POWER STATION
A letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights to the IPP Office of the Department of Energy requesting updates on the commercial and financial close deadlines for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power station projects, while asserting that neither project is currently capable of reaching such close due to outstanding licenses and pending litigation.
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Document type: Statement
APPEAL IN TERMS OF SECTION 43 OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT,1998 AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ISSUED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION ON 15 MARCH 2019 FOR THE MOKOLO AND CROCODILE RIVER (WEST) AUGMENTATION PROJECT (PHASE 2A) (MCWAP-2A), WITHIN THE THABAZIMBI AND LEPHALALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES IN THE WATERBERG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE
This document is a formal appeal submitted by the Centre for Environmental Rights on behalf of Earthlife Africa and groundWork to the Minister of Environmental Affairs. The appeal seeks to set aside an Environmental Authorisation granted on 15 March 2019 to the Department of Water and Sanitation for Phase 2A of the Mokolo and Crocodile River (West) Augmentation Project (MCWAP-2A). The appellants argue that the project is unnecessary, environmentally damaging, and based on outdated energy demand assumptions.
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Document type: Statement
RELEVANT INFORMATION IN RELATION TO ABSA GROUP LTD’S ROLE IN FINANCING PROPOSED NEW COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), writing on behalf of groundWork, urges Absa Group Ltd to cease financing for proposed coal-fired power plants, specifically the Thabametsi and Khanyisa independent power producers (IPPs). The letter argues that continuing to fund coal projects poses significant financial, reputational, and environmental risks, noting that other major South African banks like Nedbank have already withdrawn support.
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Document type: Statement
NATIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
The Draft National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) 2019 is a long-term strategic planning instrument for South Africa, mandated by the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP). It aims to dismantle the spatial legacies of colonialism and apartheid by transitioning the country toward an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable national space economy by 2050.
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Document type: Report
Peace & Security Council Report
The April 2019 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines critical stability challenges across Africa, focusing on the fragility of peace deals in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, the trend of constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms, and the escalating crises in Cameroon and Sudan.
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Document type: Report
LIFE AFTER COAL FACT SHEET AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE MYTH OF “CLEAN COAL”
The Centre for Environmental Rights, on behalf of the Life After Coal Campaign, submitted a letter and technical report to the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs arguing that "clean coal" is a myth and a misnomer. The document asserts that coal-fired power generation is unsustainable due to environmental, health, and climate impacts, and advocates for a just transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar to meet global climate targets.
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Document type: Statement