THE SOUTH AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT AND THE 1996 CONSTITUTION: SOME REFLECTIONS ON A
DECADE OF DEMOCRACY AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Louis J. Kotzé
B. Com, LLB, LLM (PU for CHE), LLD (NWU). Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, North-West University , Potchefstroom Campus , South Africa . The financial and administrative assistance of the Faculty of Law, and Australian Centre for Environmental Law, University of Sydney towards this research is gratefully acknowledged. In particular, the author wishes to thank the Director of the Australian Centre for Environmental Law, Rosemary Lyster, for her assistance in this regard.

RESUMO: Este estudo discorre sobre a proteção ambiental na República da África do Sul com a edição da Constituição de 1996 conformando um direito humano justiciável. A contribuição começa com uma exposição no desenvolvimento do direito ambiental. São discutidas as providências constitucionais mais pertinentes relacionadas ao ambiente, e são feitas observações relativas a desenvolvimentos futuros.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Ambiente, Proteção, Direitos Humanos.

ABSTRACT: This study brings the debate upon environmental protection in the Republic of South Africa since the 1996 Constitution enactment which conformed it as a justifiable human right. The contribution begins with some considerations about (in) the development of the environmental right. The more pertinent constitutional provisions related to the environment are discussed, and there are some remarks about future developments in this field.

KEYWORDS: Environment, Protection, Human Rights.