Ecological Justice

The economy of the Southern African region is deeply rooted in an extractive development model. Economic alternatives including those that recognise the limits of growth, are not considered relevant to the region’s context given the high levels of poverty and unemployment. Economic policy is devised in accordance with aggregate economic indicators, which fail to account for environmental degradation, health and livelihood costs, and unpaid care work. Our work promotes the advancement of development paradigms, which recognize the equitable distribution of economic and natural resources while safeguarding and protecting an ecological balance. Crucial to this work is environmental justice, particularly in the struggles of communities affected by mining activities and air pollution. Our work in energy democracy supports research and advocacy in the renewable energy, fossil fuels and nuclear energy space. Through strong partnerships and alliances with civil society actors across the development spectrum, we are able to advance a collective approach to ecological and social justice. A just development paradigm must be realized if people and communities are to envision a society which values ecological justice.

Is decarbonizing the global steel industry a ‘win-win’ for global south and north? - Heinrich Böll Stiftung Office Cape Town

Watch on YouTube

This external content requires your consent. Please note our privacy policy.

The global steel industry is one of the planet’s most significant greenhouse gas emitters. One pathway to decarbonizing the industry relies on the use of green hydrogen, raising questions and controversies relating to whether steel industries could relocate to global south geographies with more abundant renewable resources. While this could create significant development stimulants in the global south, it is a significant threat to European steel workers and politicians. This short video was produced as part of an ongoing engagement with COSATU on the subject, for the occasion of the 2026 Berlin Forum for Global Cooperation. It presents a south labour perspective on the question, while tackling topics such as ‘steel poverty’ – the disparity of steel stocks per capita between north and south nations.

Link to the publication: Working Towards Collaborative Local Government: A Reference Guide

Working Towards Collaborative Local Government: A Reference Guide

Publication

A comprehensive reference guide on the laws, institutions, processes and practices that provide for strengthening local government in South Africa.

Keren Ben-Zeev

Financial Provisions for Mine Rehabilitation and Mine Closure in South Africa

ecological justice

This publication examines why existing mine closure and rehabilitation efforts have fallen short, and what this means for achieving a truly just transition.

Dr Megan Cole

“We’ll smoke them out”: The Criminalisation of Artisanal Mining in South Africa and the Tragedy of Stilfontein

Publication

In early 2025, police announced that operation ‘Vala Mgodi’ (Close the Holes) had been completed at the Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein. It is estimated that approximately 100 ‘illegal’ miners died as a result of the operation. This paper explores the background conditions and policy context which led to this avoidable tragedy, and makes recommendations as to how artisanal and small scale mining should be addressed in future.

Dr. Neil Overy

Nuclear power in Africa: State of Play

Publication

Despite Africa’s exceptional solar and wind resources, and the exhibiting costs, lead time and risks of nuclear power, announcements of nuclear power plant projects and cooperation agreements proliferate across the continent. This report was commissioned to try to distinguish hype from reality and provide a realistic assessment of which African countries’ nuclear plans are likely to materialise in the coming two decades.

Dr Tristen Taylor

Critical minerals framework is a test for commitment to climate justice

Opinion

This article examines how the G20’s forthcoming critical minerals framework could transform — or entrench — Africa’s role in the global green transition. Drawing on the African Green Minerals Strategy, it argues for a new paradigm of responsible mining, equitable value chains, and climate justice to ensure the continent’s vast mineral wealth drives sustainable, inclusive development

Dr. Neil Overy

South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Platform for Civil Society Voices

In December 2024, South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency under the banner 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. It is the first time in history that the African continent holds this role, marking a milestone moment in global governance and opening a rare window to shape international economic, climate, and social agendas from an African and Global South perspective. Working together with partners, HBF Cape Town will support and co-curate interventions in four interconnected areas where local and global priorities meet.

E Paper: Could Geogenic ('white') Hydrogen contribute to the Energy Transition?

E-Paper

The past few years have seen significant excitement about the role 'Green' hydrogen could play in decarbonising economies. More recently, interest in geogenic or 'white' hydrogen - naturally occurring hydrogen found in geological formations. This publication provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on geogenic hydrogen and its potential role.

Dr Stefan Cramer

amsa-decarbonisation_policy-brief-06-nov-24

Producing Green Steel: an option to decarbonise Arcelormittal South Africa (AMSA)?

The policy brief introduces basic concepts around the complexities of steelmaking, including why it has historically been seen as ‘hard to abate’ in terms of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from steel production. It aims to provide a non-technical commentary on AMSA’s Decarbonisation Roadmap suitable for frontline communities and the NGOs they work with to understand and engage with the plans.

Hilton Trollip