Justly Closing the Loop in South Africa

The thesis examines the necessity of integrating social dimensions into South Africa’s shift to a circular economy amidst climate change and persistent inequalities rooted in the legacy of Apartheid. Through literature reviews, workshops, and stakeholder interviews, the research identifies key challenges and barriers, such as access to services, governance issues, and socio-economic disparities, and provides recommendations in nine focus areas to facilitate a just transition. The findings highlight that current theoretical models may not fully address the deeply ingrained inequalities and suggest that tailored, context-specific solutions and increased stakeholder engagement are crucial for a successful transition.

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