Department of Political Science

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Environmental justice and activism in protecting coastal environments in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Scholtz, Anrine; Gouws, Amanda; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Climate change and environmental degradation is a problem globally. Climate change is at a point of no return. Environmental justice movements and environmental activists work to protect the environment. Gas and oil development is a large economic sector and there is pressure on South Africa to explore and extract offshore gas and oil which comes at a cost to coastal communities and environment. This study was conducted to determine the methods and efficacy of environmental activist organisations. A qualitative methodology with a case study design was used in this study, interviews with members of activist organisations and desktop research were used to collect data. From this data, a thematic analysis was done resulting in findings which indicated that the main methods used to protect coastal environments were protest, litigation and empowerment, and capacity building. Coastal communities are marginalised and excluded from decision-making processes. The work done by activists is necessary and should continue but is limited in some ways and new strategies should be designed for the long term successful protection of coastal environment and communities.