Search Climate Insights Directory

Published in 2004, this strategy outlines South Africa's approach to climate change, prioritizing sustainable development and poverty alleviation. It identifies critical vulnerabilities in agriculture, water, and biodiversity, and proposes a coordinated government response involving mitigation in the energy and industrial sectors and adaptation in rural and health sectors.

A 2004 government notice designating the Petroleum Agency South Africa (Proprietary) Limited to perform functions under Chapter 6 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, and other petroleum-related duties as determined by the Minister of Minerals and Energy.

This government notice, published on 30 April 2004 by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, defines the regional divisions of South Africa and its adjacent sea for the purposes of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002.

This case study examines the legal ruling in RICHTERSVELD COMMUNITY v ALEXKOR LTD & ANOTHER [2004], which establishes that the Land Claims Court of South Africa has the competence to order the repair of environmental damage or the payment of compensation for such damage as part of land restitution claims.

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 establishes the State as the custodian of South Africa's mineral and petroleum resources. It aims to ensure equitable access, promote sustainable development, and redress past racial discrimination through broad-based economic empowerment. The Act regulates the application, granting, and renewal of reconnaissance, prospecting, and mining rights, while providing a legal framework for the conversion of 'old order' rights and the management of environmental impacts.

This briefing outlines a 2001 High Court of South Africa judgment regarding the discharge of noxious gases from a tannery and the subsequent failure of government officials to address the pollution.

The Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001, issued under the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, establish the mandatory requirements for South African municipalities to develop Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and implement performance management systems. The regulations detail the necessary components of an IDP, the process for its amendment, the setting and review of key performance indicators (KPIs), and the establishment of performance audit committees and community participation forums.

The Local Government: Municipal Systems Regulations, 2001, issued by the Minister for Provincial and Local Government under the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, establishes specific deadlines for statutory requirements and sets the threshold for the declaration of gifts received by councillors.

This government notice, published on 29 December 2000 by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, declares several areas as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under Section 43 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998. The document defines the precise geographic boundaries of these MPAs across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces and outlines specific stipulations regarding permitted fishing activities and restrictions on vessel use and wildlife interaction.

The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 is a South African legislative framework designed to enable municipalities to achieve social and economic upliftment for local communities. It establishes the legal nature of municipalities, defines the rights and duties of councils and community members, and mandates the creation of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and performance management systems. The Act also regulates municipal services, the establishment of municipal entities, and the conduct of councillors and staff through formal Codes of Conduct.

This case study examines a legal dispute between Grand Mines (Pty) Ltd and the liquidator of Bercon Mines (Pty) Ltd regarding whether the obligation to rehabilitate an opencast mine was reciprocal to the obligation to pay for delivered coal. The Supreme Court of Appeal ultimately dismissed the appeal by Grand Mines, ruling that the obligations were not reciprocal.

The Regulations in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998, establish a comprehensive legal framework for the management, conservation, and exploitation of marine living resources in South African waters. The document details administrative procedures, gear restrictions, species-specific limits, mariculture standards, and compliance monitoring systems to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

The Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 is a South African law designed to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine ecosystems. It establishes a regulatory system for allocating fishing rights (commercial, small-scale, and recreational) based on total allowable catches and applied effort. The Act emphasizes social transformation, aiming to rectify historical imbalances in the fishing industry. It provides the state with robust enforcement powers, including the use of fishery control officers and the ability to seize vessels, while creating a dedicated fund to support marine resource administration.

This case study examines a 1996 judgment by the Transvaal Provincial Division regarding the tax deductibility of expenditure incurred by Manganese Metal Company (Pty) Ltd for the construction of a dam wall used for toxic waste disposal.

The Regulations Relating to the Aerial Application of Agricultural Remedies, issued under the Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973, establish safety and reporting standards for the aircraft-based application of specific hazardous agricultural substances in South Africa.

Government regulations published on 3 November 1995 under the Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 declare carbon tetrachloride as a Group I Category A hazardous substance and a prohibited substance, with specific exemptions for importers and manufacturers serving mining, industrial, laboratory, research, or teaching purposes.

A government notice issued by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism declaring the Prince Edward Islands as Special Nature Reserves under the Environment Conservation Act of 1989.

A 1994 declaration by the South African Minister of Health identifying Group II hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973.

The 'General Policy Regarding Terrestrial and Marine Protected Areas', published on 9 May 1994 under the Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989, establishes a six-category classification system for protected areas in South Africa. This system shifts away from treating all protected areas as 'sacrosanct wildlife sanctuaries' to incorporate the needs of local communities and align with international trends in nature conservation management.

The General Policy in terms of the Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 is a South African government statement establishing a framework for environmental management. It defines the principles of sustainable development, assigns accountability to government institutions, and outlines specific policy goals across sectors including land use, pollution control, nature conservation, and energy.