With 70% of South Africans citing pollution as a critical issue, experts are calling for specialised environmental courts to ensure justice and protect vulnerable communities.
A 2022 survey by research network Afrobarometer found that 70% of South Africans view pollution as a serious problem in their community.
Given the low conviction rate for environmental crimes, specialised environmental courts are needed for faster, expert handling of environmental cases, improved access to justice for underprivileged communities and stronger enforcement of environmental laws.
Living conditions and environmental health are interlinked: poor socio-economic conditions contribute to environmental harm, while an unhealthy environment worsens poverty, social inequality and public health. South Africa recognises this connection in its Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to an environment that isn’t harmful to their health or well-being.
The country has strong environmental laws to support this right – the problem is enforcement. Environmental cases are handled by ordinary courts that are already overwhelmed with criminal and civil matters.
