Southern Africa

Parts of southern Africa are highly vulnerable to climate variability and change. Successful adaptation actions are likely to be those that are finely tuned to the immediate needs of individual communities. Local realities and social structures need to be taken into account. In many cases, women and men have separate roles and different knowledge and a range of different coping strategies.

Although various studies have focused on climate change impacts and adaptation opportunities in Africa, few have focused on the household level and in particular on gender differentiated impacts of climate change. This study, commissioned by Heinrich Böll Stiftung, provides an analysis and summary of the findings of eight case studies carried out in four southern African countries. Furthermore, the study aims to identify various policies, programmes and activities that could address these issues.

South Africa officially entered recession in May 2009, its first in 17 years. This issue of Perspectives discusses the implications of the global economic crisis for South Africa, and analyses the government’s responses in relation to social justice, gender equity and sustainable development principles.

Issue 01/2009 of Perspectives discusses current migration dynamics in Southern Africa from a human rights perspective.

This week the Berlinale presented four movies from a South African project called "Filmmakers Against Racism", which is supported by the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Producer Don Edkins, whose film "Taxi to the Dark Side" was awarded an Oscar in 2008, talks in an interview about the initiative and xenophobia in South Africa.

Issue 05/2008 of Perspectives discusses South Africa's young democracy. It seems inevitable that 2008 will prove itself to be a definitive year for South Africa’s young democracy. Exactly what kind of future trajectory it will deliver is to be seen – the current state of the nation is that of flux.

South Africa’s National Credit Act has attracted the attention of policymakers worldwide who are keen to prevent reckless lending practices. The NCR is already assisting neighbouring Namibia to develop similar legislation.