Editor's Note - September Edition

By Donald Tlaka

“Through the Lens of a Liberal” is a newsletter that has been conceptualized to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and views from the active citizenry on socio-economic matters. The lens is an important part of an eye’s anatomy that allows the eye to focus on the object at varying distances. This newsletter will enable intellectual and policy discourse related to socio-economic matters; political economy; and environmental sustainability in South Africa within the context of global geopolitics. Let me then invite you to the beginning of this interesting journey as we build an informed active and interconnected citizenry. 

Our first edition is being launched against the backdrop of interesting and important developments nationally in South Africa and Globally. These include:

• The establishment of the Government of National Unity in South Africa, following tight elections.

• The preparations of the national elections in the United States of Africa, which has attracted the eyeball of “Through the Lens of a Liberal”.

Our first edition covers issues such as climate change and the path toward net-zero, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the electoral process in Africa, and the environmental impacts of mining in the Northern Cape province. 

In the face of an increasingly volatile climate, the urgency of climate adaptation and resilience has never been more urgent. As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events rise, societies worldwide must shift from mere acknowledgment of climate change to proactive measures that mitigate its impacts. This involves not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthening our infrastructure, economies, and communities to withstand and recover from climate-related disruptions.

Adaptation requires a multifaceted approach—one that integrates climate science, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, and public policy. Coastal cities, for example, must invest in sea walls and flood management systems, while agricultural regions should explore drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices. Equally important is the social dimension of resilience. Communities need to build strong networks, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are protected and supported in times of crisis.

Climate resilience is not just about bouncing back from disasters; it’s about anticipating them and evolving in ways that reduce future risks. The investments early warning systems is central in building the capacity for climate response planning. This involves rethinking our relationship with nature, embracing more sustainable lifestyles, and fostering global cooperation. As we adapt, innovation will be key—harnessing technology, data, and indigenous knowledge to create solutions that are both effective and equitable. 

In this edition, Ms. Esihle Dube reminds us of the importance of spatial planning through a case study. She discusses spatial planning and climate adoption in South Africa through the case study of loss and damage. She argues that an effective climate adaptation requires a comprehensive approach that integrates spatial planning with broader resilience-building measures. 

Ms. Nonhlanahla Radebe takes us through the lens of Climate Change, with a particular focus on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Carbon Budgets while painting a picture of how the path to net-zero should be determined as we work to reach the 2050 target.

Mr. Bradely Mmusi is zooming through a sharp eyeball of liberal thought on the aspect of mining. While mining plays an important role in our economy, it's important for mining companies to reduce the impact it has on the environment as Bradley Mmusi takes us through the mining district of John Taolo Gaetsewe in the Northern Cape Province. In his article, Bradley makes the point that the energy-intensive process involved in the extraction, processing, and transportation of minerals contributes significantly to the district's carbon footprint.

This edition also covers the report by Election Specialist from the University of Pretoria, Mr. Tendai Mbanje, on the election readiness of Botswana as they head to the elections in October and explores the role of the regional economic communities and strategies for promoting and upholding credible and legitimate electoral processes in Africa.

Now that you are invited to feast on liberated intellectual work, let us journey together and not forget to have fun. 

Are yeng!!! Lets go!!!

Your Editor in Chief,
Donald Tlaka