AN ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC COASTAL ACCESS IN A POSTAPARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF NGQUSHWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The exclusion of black communities from opportunities and coastal resources was a distinguishing feature of apartheid. With the advent of democracy in 1994, the question is whether or not coastal equity has been achieved in South Africa. This paper explores the state of public coastal access in the post- apartheid South Africa. Three main objectives of this study were; i) assessing the role of legislation in influencing coastal access; ii) assessing public opinion; iii) assessing the capacity of municipal government to provide coastal access. Even though the integrated coastal management Act of 2008 was passed, evidence suggests that there is still a disconnect between policy rhetoric and actual implementation. Private properties, long distances to the shoreline, and financial issues are perceived by the public as primary barriers to coastal access. Lack of awareness makes it difficult for communities to organize around the coastal equity rights granted by coastal legislation. The integrated coastal management Act's implementation is hampered by a discrepancy between the responsibilities given to local governments and their ability to execute those responsibilities. The recommendations call for a variety of actions, including increased community involvement, better policy implementation, capacity development, and socio-economic improvement of the previously disadvantaged communities

Keywords

• coastal access
• coastal management