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The 2013 SAIIA Young Leaders Declaration is a statement of recommendations for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, formulated by South African youth during the 2nd Annual South African Institute of International Affairs Young Leaders Conference in Johannesburg. The document outlines priorities across three thematic areas: addressing inequalities, managing conflict, violence and disasters, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing groundWork, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), and the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), submitted comments on August 22, 2012, regarding the review of the National Framework for Air Quality Management. The submission criticizes the lack of a systematic review of the 2007 Framework, the absence of a current State of the Air Report, and significant gaps in air quality monitoring and public access to information. The CER advocates for more stringent emission standards, mandatory reporting for data holders, and a more inclusive, transparent review process.

This policy brief examines the integration of climate change considerations into the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of Cape Town and eThekwini municipalities in South Africa. It highlights that while mainstreaming climate change into these statutory planning instruments is a critical step for local governance, it must be supported by technical expertise, political leadership, and sectoral measures to achieve climate-compatible development.

The 2012 State of the Nation Address by President Jacob G Zuma outlines a 'massive infrastructure development drive' designed to combat the 'triple challenge' of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa. The address details strategic investments in transport, mining, and social infrastructure, while reporting on progress in job creation, education, and land reform.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing groundWork, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), and the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), submitted a statement to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs regarding the South African Weather Service Amendment Bill, 2011. The submission expresses grave concerns that the Bill's proposed criminalization of issuing air pollution-related warnings without permission would undermine public health, freedom of speech, and existing environmental governance frameworks under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

In a speech delivered on November 10, 2011, at the South African Institute of International Affairs, French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Alain Juppé discussed the necessity of a new global governance framework that integrates Africa's emerging influence. He outlined four primary shared challenges—economic crisis, development, security, and the environment—and advocated for the reform of the UN Security Council and the creation of a World Environment Organisation to better reflect current global realities.

A budget vote speech delivered by Minister Molewa on June 23, 2011, to the National Council of Provinces, outlining progress and strategic plans for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in South Africa. The speech focuses on increasing water access, enhancing water security through infrastructure and desalination, combating environmental crime such as rhino poaching, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

In a statement delivered on 20 June 2011, Dame Nicola Brewer, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, outlines the evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa. She emphasizes a shift in the UK's perception of Africa from a 'problem' to a 'partner,' highlighting shared democratic values, economic opportunities, and a commitment to mutual growth and regional integration.

Minister Edna Molewa's 2011 budget speech for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) outlines priorities for biodiversity management, climate change mitigation, the transition to a green economy, and job creation through environmental programs in South Africa.

A submission by 13 non-governmental organisations, coordinated by the Centre for Environmental Rights, addressed to the Minister of Mineral Resources regarding proposed amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA). The document argues that the current environmental regulatory regime for mining is inferior to that of other industrial sectors and calls for the integration of mining regulation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) to ensure better environmental protection, public participation, and enforcement.

This analysis argues that the Cancun Agreements mark significant progress in integrating human rights protections into the international climate regime, driven by NGO pressure and certain State Parties. It emphasizes that this language should guide the implementation of REDD and finance safeguards and calls for a rights-based approach leading into COP 17 in Durban, South Africa.

This report documents a national workshop held on 16 and 17 September 2010 in Durban, jointly hosted by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). The workshop aimed to explore how the newly established Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) should interpret and engage with its mandate to address police corruption, specifically focusing on the distinction between individual and systemic corruption.

This policy brief examines the tensions between South Africa's domestic economic priorities and its international climate diplomacy. It highlights how the country's reliance on a coal-based 'minerals-energy complex' and the need to expand energy access conflict with its desire to be seen as a 'responsible' global actor and a 'bridge builder' in climate negotiations.

A briefing guide by PriceWaterhouseCoopers analyzing the outcomes of the Cancun Agreement from COP16, focusing on implications for business, carbon markets, and investment, with specific perspectives from China and Brazil.

This report analyzes the barriers and opportunities for clean energy investment in South Africa, focusing on the transition from a coal-dependent energy system dominated by the state-owned utility Eskom to a more diversified renewable energy mix. It examines national policies, regulatory frameworks, and the role of provincial and local governments in promoting sustainable energy.

This research paper by Nicole Fritz for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the 2008 campaign by southern African civil society to block the MV 'An Yue Jiang', a Chinese vessel attempting to deliver arms to the Zimbabwe Defence Force. The author examines the legal strategies, regional coordination, and geopolitical factors that led to the ship's failure to deliver its cargo, ultimately returning to China.

This case study describes how coordinated civil society actions across Southern Africa successfully blocked a shipment of weapons destined for Zimbabwe following controversial elections.

This research paper by Jonny Steinberg for the Institute for Security Studies examines the 'xenophobic riots' in South Africa between 11 and 26 May 2008. Through interviews with victims, perpetrators, and local leaders, the author argues that while the violence targeted foreign nationals, it was driven by a patrimonial understanding of the economy as a finite resource and fueled by local struggles for state patronage.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade in Southern Africa, specifically focusing on the road transport corridor between Durban and Gaborone. The study aims to develop a measurement approach for NTBs by quantifying direct and indirect costs—such as toll fees, fuel consumption from stop-start operations, and downtime—to determine their impact on supply chain costs and overall export competitiveness.

This briefing provides a synopsis of discussions from a November 2007 workshop hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and logistics-related obstacles to trade in Southern Africa.