Description:
This panel explores the potential legal frameworks and governance structures necessary to operationalise Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Communities in South Africa, focusing on enhancing community self-sufficiency and strengthening democratic engagement in rural areas. Despite the constitutional mandate, the South African government has struggled with service delivery in critical areas such as water, energy, and food security.
WEF communities offers a promising integrated approach, but remains largely theoretical.
This panel discussion aims to map out the evolution of legal vehicles that could support the establishment of WEF communities, and does so with reference to a case study of the Matatiale Community under Chief Nkasela. Legal vehicles to be introduced and discussed include: Traditional council agreements, Stokvels, Cooperatives, as well as instruments established in terms of the National Water Act.
Questions to be Discussed:
1. Legal Frameworks and Governance Structures:
• What existing legal frameworks can be adapted to support the WEF Nexus approach?
• How can multi-governance systems be utilised to foster effective WEF communities in South Africa?
2. Operational Challenges and Solutions:
• What are the primary challenges in transforming the WEF communities from a theoretical model to an operational reality in rural South African communities?
3. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
• How can the legal structures promote community ownership and decision-making in the management of water, energy, and food resources?
4. Case Study – Matatiale Community:
• What steps are involved in establishing a WEF community?
This panel will provide a chronological discussion of the potential legal vehicles to fully establish WEF communities, exploring how different stages might require distinct legal approaches and community engagement strategies.
