Heritage Histories and Climate Change Transition in South Africa

Climate change is a complex process that requires attention to facets of cultural and historical diversity and the ways in which the latter may affect decision-making on climate strategy. In this paper, I draw on ethnographic research in coastal South Africa (2022-2024), specifically the Western Cape and Northern Cape Provinces, to discuss the richness of coastal cultural heritage and the challenge of integrating these into a climate change strategy for South Africa. Operation Phakisa, the ocean strategy of the South African government is discussed, as well as inattention to the historical, political legacies of inequality and exclusion in South Africa. The paper draws on the work of authors from the 'global South', who consider the significance of pluriverses and diverse epistemologies to sustainable ecologies. The paper suggests that the national government of South Africa needs to sensitively reconcile divergent perspectives and conflicting imperatives (economic and political), to effectively and sustainably manage the climate change challenge in the country. Lastly, the paper considers lessons from the South African case study for African climate change strategy, arguing that consideration of cultural diversity can encourage many African countries to pursue a decolonial climate change strategy.