Richard Meissner | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (original) (raw)

Papers by Richard Meissner

South Africa experiences droughts on a regular basis, often associated with significant negative ... more South Africa experiences droughts on a regular basis,
often associated with significant negative impacts on
society and the economy. Droughts can be forecast, and
South African climate scientists have been developing
computer-generated models to forecast El Niño-induced
droughts. Even so, there is a tendency to implement
remedial interventions when droughts occur, rather
than implementing proactive and preventative
strategies. Being reactive seems to be a defining feature
of South African water-resource management. This has
also been the case with the 2015/2016 drought. What
is more, the forecasting capability of South Africa
seems to be under strain as more and more weather
monitoring stations and river gauges are stolen or
vandalised and not replaced. This makes it difficult
to gather data for extreme weather event forecasting.
One way of increasing this capability is through
collaboration with citizens to build a citizen-science
data repository. This can enhance scientists’ and the government's capacity to forecast droughts.

In this paper we briefly reflect on the different legislation and types of regulatory mechanisms ... more In this paper we briefly reflect on the different legislation and types of regulatory mechanisms that South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has in place to try to improve the performance and compliance of water services authorities (WSAs) in the controversial wastewater services sector. In particular, we focus on DWS's incentive-based mechanism, the National Green Drop Certification Programme (Green Drop Programme), and evaluate the achievements and challenges associated with its implementation to date. While there has been considerable improvement in performance in all areas of the programme since its inception in 2009, much still needs to be done in order to address the dire situation the country's wastewater services sector finds itself in. Challenges facing the Green Drop Programme and the municipalities implementing the programme include: lack of human resource capacity to prepare effective corrective action plans and/or wastewater risk abatement plans; lack of finances for mainstreaming of wastewater treatment in municipal decision-making; lack of forward planning; problematic bureaucratic processes; complex relationship between some municipalities and DWS; theft, vandalism and misuse of wastewater treatment infrastructure and not enough transparency. Based on this discussion, we make some concluding remarks about possible areas of improvement that could potentially strengthen the functioning and success of this programme, and thereby help to improve the levels of performance and compliance of the country's WSAs.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. T... more The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. The framework has been constructed from a social constructivist perspective. This theory places attention on the role of normative aspects like ideology, values, interests and culture in politics. This means that a theory of international relations such as neorealism, neoliberalism or structuralism would be appropriate but limiting for the analysis of water politics, in terms of the range of actors, processes and issues focused on. The framework's niche lies in that it focuses attention on non-state actors. This carries the potential to widen the understanding of the role and involvement of such actors in water politics and governance. The framework has five components: description of the geographic area or issue; the actors involved in water politics and governance; the (hydropolitical) history of the issue; the actors' power to enable change; and the type of interaction between the actors. In order to illustrate the components, examples from South and Southern Africa, and specifically the Kunene, Limpopo, Okavango and Orange River basins are used.

We reflect on the politics of establishing catchment management agencies in South Africa with a s... more We reflect on the politics of establishing catchment management agencies in South Africa with a specific focus on the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), which was recently replaced by the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA). We do so by applying the framework of adaptive comanagement and its institutional prescriptions: collaboration, experimentation, and a bioregional approach. We start by introducing the history of this catchment management agency (CMA) and then describe the establishment of CMAs in South Africa in general and that of BOCMA in particular. We follow the framework for rule types and types of river basin organizations set out by the editors of this special feature with reference to adaptive comanagement where applicable. We then discuss the politics and strategies involved in the introduction of the CMA concept to the National Water Act and the latest developments around these institutions in South Africa. This is followed by reflections on what can be surmised about BOCMA's democratic functioning and performance to date. We conclude by reflecting on the future of operations of the new BGCMA and CMAs in South Africa in general. While our research shows that BOCMA's establishment process has featured several elements of adaptive comanagement and its institutional prescriptions, it remains to be seen to what extent it is possible to continue implementing this concept when further developing and operationalizing the BGCMA and the country's other CMAs.

Interest groups are omnipresent phenomena of most political societies. They are present because o... more Interest groups are omnipresent phenomena of most political societies. They are present because of their attempts to influence public policy and their representation role. These roles are fundamental agential roles. Through these roles interest groups can bring about changes in the water policy arena. This paper will look at some of these changes using the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1 as a case study. Through their actions to bring about change, interest groups are drivers of water politics. Interest groups can enhance water policies when they highlight the inherent deficiencies of policies and suggest alternatives for the betterment of policies concerning the welfare of individuals or groups as well as the environment. Water resource managers and decision-makers should therefore be aware of these actors and the roles they are likely to play when influencing aspects of water infrastructure projects. Interest groups can influence water policies even if they are only involved on an informal basis. In other words, governments do not have to go out of their way, so to speak, to involve interest groups; interest groups will come to the party, on their own volition. Said differently, interest groups usually become involved in water policy matters on a voluntary basis whether water policy makers like it or not.

This paper indicates the influence of paradigms and theories on the development of South Africa’s... more This paper indicates the influence of paradigms and theories on the development of South Africa’s National Water Resource Strategy, Second Edition. Five paradigms exist: positivism, postpositivism, interpretivism/constructivism, critical theories and the participatory paradigm. I use the PULSE3 framework for analysis that I developed to analyse the NWRS2. I found that positivism is the dominant paradigm influencing the NWRS2. I furthermore analyse the strategy through two alternative theories: agential power and the ambiguity theory of leadership. These theories are interpretivist/constructivist type theories. My argument is for the integration of paradigms through the utilisation of analytic eclecticism. In light of positivism’s dominance, I conclude that water research can be more innovative through the integration of paradigms and alternative theories.

A three-phase study was initiated as a way to promote Integrated Catchment Management approaches ... more A three-phase study was initiated as a way to promote Integrated Catchment Management approaches in
the Limpopo River basin. This paper presents the situational assessment, which should enable De Beers
to understand how their Venetia Mine operations are located within a broader and highly dynamic socioeconomic
and ecohydrological landscape as it pertains to water risks. The second phase, Risk assessment,
aims to develop conservation interventions in the identified areas; the third phase will develop mechanisms
for implementing water stewardship schemes to mitigate the shared water risks.
Analysis of the social-ecological system (hydrological, climatic, ecological, socio-economic and
governance systems) of the Limpopo River basin indicates that the institutional arrangement of the
Limpopo River basin is neither simple nor effective. The basin is rapidly approaching closure in the sense
that almost all of the available supplies of water have already been allocated to existing water users. If
the proposed ecological flow requirements were to be met for all of the tributaries, the basin would be
‘closed’. On-going and projected land use changes and water resources developments in the upper
reaches of the basin, coupled with projected rainfall reductions and temperature increases, and allocation
of the flows for the ecological reserve, are likely to further reduce downstream river flows. The
coupled increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall is of great concern for everyone in the basin,
especially the poorer communities, who rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Increased
temperatures also lead to increased evaporation from reservoirs and therefore result in a decrease in
water availability. This will lead to increased abstraction of groundwater, especially from alluvial aquifers,
and consequently an increase in river transmission losses and a decrease in river flows.

Everyday international political economy (EIPE) offers an opportunity to rethink the role of indi... more Everyday international political economy (EIPE) offers an opportunity to rethink the role of individuals and citizenry in shaping governance of natural resources. In South Africa, significant progress has been made by government in re-shaping water governance since the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. The role of government in water governance and water politics has thus been emphasised to a large degree. This study looks at historical material to assess the role that water politics and EIPE has played in shaping the use and management of water resources in the country. Case studies are analysed of two quaternary catchments, A63E and A71L in the Limpopo River Basin, to show how everyday actions by different actors has shaped the current waterscape in the basin. Four events, namely, the politics of the Middle Iron Age State at Mapungubwe; the development of the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site; the management of water for the De Beers Venetia Diamond Mine; and the establishment of the Coal of Africa Limited colliery are discussed in terms of the agential power at play during each event. The conclusions of the study are that EIPE and reflexive agential power are important factors in water governance that can sometimes be ignored through neoliberal institutionalism. In the current and future governance of water in South Africa they can offer an alternative view of the role and importance of actors and pathways for development.

In this paper I argue that the dominance of certain paradigms and theories on policies can have a... more In this paper I argue that the dominance of certain paradigms and theories
on policies can have an influence on the value added by impact assessments. A
link exists between paradigms and theories and policies and consequently the
practices humans develop to tackle real world problems. I also argue that different
types of thinking (contained in paradigms and theories) need to be integrated, at
least at the scientific level, to enhance our understanding of social phenomena. This
in turn can have a positive influence on policy processes that follow impact
assessment recommendations. I am not arguing for the adoption of theoretical
positions by practitioners, Instead, I contend that if impact assessments are informed
by a variety of paradigms and theories, the policy practitioner might have a better
understanding of the issue and the moral choices he or she needs to make. I will
highlight the connection between theory and policies with practical examples from
the social impact assessment of the De Hoop Dam, which was constructed on the
Steelpoort River. I also argue for an integration of different theories to give a deeper
understanding of real world problems.

The South African water resource management institutional landscape has seen some dramatic change... more The South African water resource management institutional landscape has seen some dramatic changes since the new dispensation came into power in 1994. Not only have legislation and policies changed, but there has also been a significant increase in the number of non-state actors in the policy development process. Water resource governance has therefore become more complex and its regulatory component is being implemented by a number of legislative institutions: catchment management agencies, water user associations, irrigation boards, and international water management bodies. Policy development is influenced by a myriad of non-state actors, scientists included. A comprehensive literature review of research on water resource management institutions published between 1997 and 2011 shows that scientists are focusing predominantly on catchment management agencies and aspects regarding their institutionalisation and organisational functionality. There is much less of a focus on other entities, such as advisory committees, international water management bodies, irrigation boards, the water tribunal and water user associations. What the review has also revealed is that research on water resource management institutions has been conducted predominantly by scientists from the natural sciences. There is therefore an evident need for a research focus on water resource management institutions other than catchment management agencies. In addition, there should be a focus on informal aspects of water resource governance and new theoretical developments, also from disciplines other than the natural sciences, in the fields of water resource governance and politics.

All of the above must be centered, 1.5 spacing with no enters between each line with the required... more All of the above must be centered, 1.5 spacing with no enters between each line with the required information. The abstract must follow after one space, entered. The abstract must have no more than 250 words. New paragraphs must start on a new line, indented, with no extra spacing between the paragraphs. The font to use is Arial, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing apart. Please do not use references in the abstract. Please justify the text part of the abstract. The margin setting to use is the normal word format, do not adjust the margins to fit the abstract.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. T... more The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. The framework has been constructed from a social constructivist perspective. This theory places attention on the role of normative aspects like ideology, values, interests and culture in politics. This means that a theory of international relations such as neorealism, neoliberalism or structuralism would be appropriate but limiting for the analysis of water politics, in terms of the range of actors, processes and issues focused on. The framework’s niche lies in that it focuses attention on non-state actors. This carries the potential to widen the understanding of the role and involvement of such actors in water politics and governance. The framework has five components: description of the geographic area or issue; the actors involved in water politics and governance; the (hydropolitical) history of the issue; the actors’ power to enable change; and the type of interaction between the actors. In order to illustrate the components, examples from South and Southern Africa, and specifically the Kunene, Limpopo, Okavango and Orange River basins are used.

Waar gaan die Afrikaner hom in 2020 bevind? Hierdie is 'n vraag wat nie net die moontlike toekoms... more Waar gaan die Afrikaner hom in 2020 bevind? Hierdie is 'n vraag wat nie net die moontlike toekomsroete van die Afrikaner maar ook dié van Suid-Afrika kan toelig. Die Afrikaner het 'n eie identiteit maar is ook terselftertyd 'n integrale deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing. In hierdie referaat gaan ek dié vraag beantwoord aan die hand van twee moontlike scenarios. My roete om by die scenarios uit te kom begin by die skets van die Suid-Afrikaanse makroekonomiese landskap. Hierna beskryf ek die teorie van agerende mag, wat die basis is van die scenarios voordat ek 'n aantal referate gaan opsom. Hierdie referate is gelewer tydens 'n Werkswinkel oor die Ekonomie gereël deur Solidariteit in Maart 2010. Die inhoud van die referate dien as bakens vir die moontlike scenarios te wete Rompslomp en Opbouing. In die laaste gedeelte van die referaat som ek op en maak gevolgtrekkings.

International Journal of Water Governance, Vol. 3 No. 2, 2015

The governance of urban wastewater treatment works goes beyond the daily maintenance and upkeep o... more The governance of urban wastewater treatment works goes beyond the daily maintenance and upkeep of such systems. The governance includes interested and affected parties (stakeholders) further afield than the immediate proximity of the plant. As the concept might imply, governance would be an activity that is the purview of government only. This is not the case. Individuals and communities living downstream from such infrastructure and scientists can also become part of governance, either voluntarily or by default. Because of the wide range of stakeholders involved in the governance of wastewater infrastructure, we need to understand how and to what extent they influence governance. More so, it will be important to look also into the consequences of their actions while directly or indirectly governing wastewater infrastructure. In order to move beyond the traditional conceptualisation of governance as a government activity, this paper will utilise the ethos of analytic eclecticism and in particular six theories to investigate and widen our understanding of urban wastewater treatment governance. The six theories are (1) everyday international political economy, (2) interactive governance, (3) liberal pluralism, (4) interest group corporatism, (5) interest group pluralism and (6) psychological constructivism. This will, I hope, assist practitioners in formulating better policies as well as implementing them. The case study area is urban wastewater treatment in the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. The Municipality faces a number of governance challenges like skills scarcity, a large geographic area to provide services to, rapid socio-economic development because of the mushrooming of platinum mines and a diversity of communities and other actors to providing services. The six theories all indicate different facets the actors employ or are affected by during the governing process. By employing the six theories, it becomes apparent that linear cause and effect relationships between the actors and the issue are impossible. It also shows that predicting the outcome of certain aspects, like the role of individuals, is impossible. It does paint, however, a fuller picture of what is happening in reality.

This article investigates the transnationalisation of elections in the Southern African region. ... more This article investigates the transnationalisation of elections in the Southern African region. The article argues that the transnationalisation of elections is a global phenomenon that shrinks the sovereignty of the state

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. T... more The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework to analyse water politics and governance. The framework has been constructed from a social constructivist perspective. This theory places attention on the role of normative aspects like ideology, values, interests and culture in politics. This means that a theory of international relations such as neorealism, neoliberalism or structuralism would be appropriate but limiting for the analysis of water politics, in terms of the range of actors, processes and issues focused on. The framework’s niche lies in that it focuses attention on non-state actors. This carries the potential to widen the understanding of the role and involvement of such actors in water politics and governance. The framework has five components: description of the geographic area or issue; the actors involved in water politics and governance; the (hydropolitical) history of the issue; the actors’ power to enable change; and the type of interaction between the actors. In order to illustrate the components, examples from South and Southern Africa, and specifically the Kunene, Limpopo, Okavango and Orange River basins are used.

International Journal of Water Governance, Vol. 3 No. 2, 2015

"The potential for conflict over water can one day become a reality. This so, especially when the... more "The potential for conflict over water can one day become a reality. This so, especially when the world’s population is growing at a phenomenal rate. Regions that are vulnerable to this sort of conflict are semi-arid to arid in character. One can ask the question if conflict over water in these regions is possible.

In examining the situation surrounding water politics in two regions, and drawing comparisons, one can shed light on state’s interaction when it comes to the allocation of international water sources. The Middle East has vast experience in international water politics, while countries in Southern Africa seem to be still learning the game of international water politics.

Using a framework for analysis, four case studies will be looked at. The Orange and Okavango Rivers are the subjects in Southern Africa where, it seems, cooperation on international water resources is the norm. The Tigris-Euphrates and the Jordan Rivers are considered in the case of the Middle East. Here a much higher level of conflict can be seen. The main reason for this difference in dealing with international water resources in the two regions seems to be the will (or lack thereof) among states to cooperate over water sources.

In Southern Africa this will is evident, especially after 1994 when a new democratically elected government came to power in South Africa. In the Middle East, however, the region is still going about international politics in ways reminiscent of the Cold War. The theory of realism helps to explain the situation in this region, where mistrust plays a very big part in the interaction between states. Complex interdependence by contrast characterises the international political interaction between the states in the Southern African region.

International and national water projects, in both regions, play a very big role in water politics. In both the regions there seem to be a number of these projects, that contributed to either conflict and/or cooperation between the states. In the Orange River it is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a cooperative endeavour between Lesotho and South Africa and in the Okavango Namibia’s Eastern National Water Carrier (ENWC). In the Tigris -Euphrates, Turkey’s Greater Anatolia Project, in the Tigris -Euphrates, is influencing the interaction between the three riparians, and the Jordan River had it’s share of projects in the past, and here Israel’s National Water Carrier had a role to play."

 Main Problem: To what extent have these non-state actors created a new normative cross-border r... more  Main Problem: To what extent have these non-state actors created a new normative cross-border region within SADC?  In addition: What were their strategies and tactics and the significance of their actions on regionalisation in SADC?

Based on alternative theoretical positions (such as social constructivism) to so-called " dominan... more Based on alternative theoretical positions (such as social constructivism) to so-called " dominant " theoretical positions in International Relations, like neoliberal institutionalism and neorealism Provides an in-depth analysis of the ability of communal interest groups to influence state and international institutions at various political scales Presents a framework for analysis that can be applied to research similar issues and trends in water politics and governance

This book investigates the role that interest groups have played over the years in influencing th... more This book investigates the role that interest groups have played over the years in influencing the government of Namibia, the World Bank, the European Union and project implementation authorities to not construct the proposed Epupa Hydroelectric Power Station on the Kunene River in the Baynes mountains, a region on the border between Namibia and Angola. Some of the issues brought forward by the interest groups are the socio-economic impact the dam would have on the OvaHimba, as well as negative consequences for the river’s aquatic and terrestrial environment. This book argues that interest groups and individuals have the ability to influence the above-mentioned institutions, and to such an extent that water politics and governance are not exclusively the domain of state institutions. As such, it argues that communal interest groups, living in remote parts of the world, can influence state institutions at various political scales.

The book investigates the role interest groups have played over the years to influence the govern... more The book investigates the role interest groups have played over the years to influence the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, the World Bank and project implementation authorities in changing some policy aspects of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Some of the issues being agitated by the interest groups are the resettlement of villagers where some of the dams for the projects are being constructed. The author argues that interest groups and individuals have the ability to influence the above-mentioned institutions and to such an extent that water politics and governance is not the domain of state institutions only.

The application and applicability of the humanities and social sciences are not always visible in... more The application and applicability of the humanities and social sciences are not always visible in the practical world. This is especially the case in technology-dependent areas like the marine and maritime sectors. In these sectors, control, prediction and recommendations that rely on technologies and their advancement are of the utmost importance. These sectors are, after all, those on which we rely for international trade, defence and security, sources of food and other energy requirements, like oil and gas. At first glance, it would appear that the sectors are devoid of the humanities and social sciences and that these have a minimal, if not marginal role to play. The humanities and social sciences consist of a number of subject fields like anthropology, economics, history, international relations, law, philosophy and sociology. These fields of enquiry are at times service providers to sectors when their services are needed. This relegates the fields to the cupboard of scientific investigation when long-term strategies are developed, which should not be the case. The humanities and social sciences should play a constant role in a human-dominated world. The maritime sector is, after all, human constructed. Trade routes, ports, harbours, warehouses, cranes, rail links and truck routes are not natural occurrences; neither are the technologies that constitute and sustain them. Because of the dominance of the human element, even in the marine environment, the humanities and social sciences can play a more fruitful role in creating opportunities and solving problems. What is more, it is not only the humanities and social sciences that are of importance, but also how humans view the world and react to it either through theoretical or concrete means. Here, paradigms and theories of various kinds from the humanities and social sciences also have their place.
This chapter explores these dimensions in more detail. It starts by presenting a framework, called PULSE3, for analysing the role of the humanities and social sciences in the two sectors. The paradigms of the presentations delivered at the Integrated Marine and Maritime Technologies Workshop in October 2013 are assessed. This chapter reviews the abstracts of the presentations made at the workshop. The review of the abstracts is not representative of the state of research and development in the entire sector. It is only a snapshot of it. However, it provides useful insights into current thinking and practice in the marine and maritime sectors. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the type of paradigm that was dominant. Two paradigms, rationalism and interpretivism, are identified through the assessment. Rationalism views the researcher and reality as separate, with only one reality present. Research is able to control and predict this reality. This means that an objective reality exists beyond the human mind. Interpretivism, however, notes that the researcher and reality are inseparable in that realities are mentally constructed. Multiple realities exist and, as such, knowledge of the world is intentionally constituted through researchers’ lived experiences. There is no objective meaning (Wendt, 1999; Weber, 2004; Guba and Lincoln, 2005; Lincoln et al., 2011). An overview of the ethos of analytic eclecticism is provided and how it can aid the marine and maritime sectors. After this, the role of the humanities and social sciences in the public and government policy domain is presented. This is followed by the setting of a number of beacons that the marine and maritime sectors could follow to expand the role of the humanities and social sciences. The repertoire of theories plays a central role in this, the penultimate section of the chapter.

A long overdue volume which comes to grips with the diversity of physical, political and administ... more A long overdue volume which comes to grips with the diversity of physical, political and administrative realities behind the seemingly uniform and appealing institution of the River Basin Organization. This book squarely engages with the politics of RBO formation and will provide clues and inspiration to those interested in further exploring the complexities of human institutions in their attempt to manage water resources for the greater good.' -François Molle, IRD and International Water Management Institute (IWMI), France 'A critical challenge for humanity is to design institutions for stewardship of water and ecosystem services in a globalized world faced with climate change. Dave Huitema and Sander Meijerink take on this challenge in this impressive volume. Through case studies from a diverse set of countries, all using a joint typology as a framework for the analyses, a deeper understanding of the political dimension of river basin stewardship is provided -exciting. Enjoy!' -Carl Folke, Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Sweden 'There is no better book on river basin organisations for practitioners and researchers. It imposes tough criteria to evaluate the performance of eleven such hydrologic based governance forms. Findings are surprising and cautionary for water resources reformers. The authors suggest that the demands of complex interaction and interplay in layered organisational environments, the power of inertia to thwart change, and inability to command resources can overwhelm the aspirations of river basin organisations for coordination, accountability, legitimacy and environmental effectiveness. This book belongs in the library of everyone seriously interested in water management.' -Helen Ingram, University of California at Irvine and University of Arizona, US Can River Basin Organisations (RBOs) actually improve water governance? RBOs are frequently layered on top of existing governmental organisations, which are often reluctant to share their power. This, in turn, can affect their performance. The Politics of River Basin Organisations addresses this issue by exploring the subject on a global level. With the use of case studies from such diverse countries as Mongolia, Afghanistan and South Africa, the expert contributors to The Politics of River Basin Organisations provide a comprehensive assessment of the performance of eleven RBOs around the world. They develop a typology that works to characterise the institutional design of these organisations whilst distinguishing between them. 432 pp Hardback 978 1 78254 921 5 2014 £95.00 (UK/RoW) • Nov 2014 $150.00 (N/S America) Elgaronline 978 1 78254 922 2

Hydropolitics in the Developing World: A Southern African Perspective. Editors, Turton, A. and Henwood, R, 2002

International Water Security: Domestic Threats and Opportunities. Editors: Pachova, N.I., Nakayama, M. and Jansky, L. , 2008

South African Yearbook of International Affairs 2003/04., 2004

ntroduction W ater is one of the most important resources needed for the development of a country... more ntroduction W ater is one of the most important resources needed for the development of a country or region. Every aspect of development, from the growing of foodstuffs to the production of industrial goods and hydroelectricity, depends on the reliable availability of sufficient supplies of clean fresh water. Nevertheless, another equally important consideration is the availability of so-called second-order planning; the institutional and social structures needed for the mobilisation and proper management of water resources. These are represented at the national level by state laws, which regulate the different aspects of surface and sub-surface water resources. At the regional and global levels matters are more complicated, as different state and non-state actors are involved. At this level of politics, intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) normally devise and implement regulatory mechanisms or regimes. Within Southern Africa, one such IGO is the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has drawn up two protocols on shared watercourses.

South African Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 11, No. 2, 2004

The project aims to promote Integrated Catchment Management approaches in the Limpopo River Basin... more The project aims to promote Integrated Catchment Management approaches in the Limpopo River Basin in three phases:

Situational assessment: develop a sound spatial understanding of the key ecohydrological areas of the basin;
Risk assessment: develop conservation interventions in the identified areas; and
Develop mechanisms for implementing water stewardship schemes to mitigate the shared water risks identified in phase II. The situational assessment should enable De Beers to understand how Venetia Mine’s operations are located within a broader and dynamic socioeconomic and ecohydrological landscape as it pertains to water risks. Lessons learnt will offer useful insights for the development of specific interventions in the areas surrounding their mine operations and for other countries where De Beers operates.

With this presentation, I reported on preliminary results of a research project we are conducting... more With this presentation, I reported on preliminary results of a research project we are conducting on water security in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality.