Development Alternatives

Using Public Space in the Global South

Public space only comes alive when it is used. This seems obvious, but using public space in South African cities is to come up against a long history linking back to Apartheid spatial planning. This legacy of control permeates almost every aspect of public space and is highly visible across many areas of urban life. This research brief as part of the Global South Public Space Platform looks across the parallel contexts of South Africa and Colombia pointing to alternative approaches to create dynamic and resilient cities.

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A woman holds a Just Transition Now sign at a rally in Minneapolis, Minnesota

There is no lasting transition anywhere, without a just transition everywhere: Reflections on Net Zero Transitions, Green Hydrogen, and Justice

Analysis

As African countries embark on net zero transitions, it is critical that Global North actors align their investments to specific and localised understandings of ‘Just Transitions’

By Lauren Hermanus

Reflections on oceans heritage

Interview

As South Africa celebrates heritage month in September the coastal community of Sicambeni on the East Coast of South Africa, together with social justice partners celebrated a victory for indigenous people. On 1st September 2022 the Makhanda High Court ruled that Shell’s exploration right to conduct seismic surveys on the Wild Coast of South Africa was granted unlawfully and therefore set it aside. Community and environmental activist Ntsindiso Nongcavu reflects on what the ruling means for those who lives are spiritually and economically connected to the oceans.

By Ntsindiso Nongcavu

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shaking hands with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with the Group of 7 Germany Presidency, South African and German flags behind them.

It’s Time for the G7 to deliver on Africa

Under Germany’s presidency, the 2022 G7 Leaders’ Summit invited Senegal, which holds the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), Argentina, India, Indonesia and South Africa. South African researcher Mikatekiso Kubay explains how the G7 can be genuine development partners to Africa.

By Mikatekiso Kubayi

CIEL_HBF_IPCC Beyond the Limits WGII Key Messages 28Feb2022

CIEL & HBF: Beyond the Limits

The latest report of the IPCC regarding Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability confirms that climate change is already causing severe and permanent loss and damage to human and natural systems

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Siyabulela Kimbili says that living circumstances in Witsands make it hard to ‘think straight’, let alone worry about climate change. Young people often resort to drinking as there is a sense of hopelessness given the high unemployment in the area.

Finding Common Ground to Tackle Climate and Mental Health

Links between environmental disasters and mental health are increasingly coming into focus as ticking time bombs. It is vital that spatial planning strategies at local government level are adapted with this dual threat to societal welfare in mind.

By Marcela Guerrero Casas

The government and business cannot ignore the evidence anymore: we need a more deliberate action to address the climate crisis.

If Climate Change Is Ignored, There May Be No Heritage Left to Celebrate

Heritage Month comes and goes each year, always with much fanfare around celebrating our country’s diverse cultures and history. Yet, many of the government’s proposed energy solutions pose significant risks to human life and the environment, while ignoring customary rights and risking several heritage sites. If not challenged, they will most likely leave communities across the country at a huge disadvantage.

By Thabo Sibeko

Agency in South Africa’s Food Systems: Community Driven Research

During the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, a group of community researchers, together with students, undertook a study on hunger and agency in the food systems of five locations.

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