Ethics, Constitution, and Sustainable Development: Foundations for Building a Rational Society | Chapter 8 | The Tapestry of Development: Weaving Ethics into a Sustainable Future

 

Sustainable development has become a cornerstone of global, regional, and national development agendas, particularly following the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Ethics and constitutionalism emerge as critical frameworks for navigating the complexities of sustainable development. This study explores how ethics and governance can provide sustainable pathways to poverty eradication by balancing the three pillars of sustainable development: economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. It emphasises the role of ethical reasoning, constitutional principles, and governance frameworks in navigating trade-offs and guiding inclusive decision-making. Despite the global adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many countries, particularly in the Global South, struggle to harmonise economic, social, and environmental priorities. Development projects often prioritise short-term economic gains at the expense of ecological sustainability and social justice. Weak governance, policy incoherence, and the absence of ethical frameworks exacerbate these tensions, undermining poverty eradication efforts. The research adopts a qualitative, interpretive methodology that combines a systematic literature review, policy analysis, and case study examination. The study draws on scholarly works, international development reports, constitutional provisions, and real-world examples of sustainable development initiatives. The analysis focuses on identifying ethical and governance mechanisms that support integrated and sustainable poverty eradication strategies. The study contributes to sustainability scholarship by proposing an ethical-constitutional framework for decision-making in sustainable development. It integrates principles of justice, equity, and intergenerational responsibility with governance tools such as stakeholder engagement, life cycle assessments, and constitutional rights. Sustainable development faces persistent trade-offs that cannot be resolved without ethical and governance guidance. Ethical principles such as fairness, inclusivity, and intergenerational equity provide a normative basis for reconciling competing interests. Constitutional provisions, particularly environmental and socio-economic rights, can act as enforceable mechanisms for ensuring balanced development. Multi-stakeholder engagement and just transition strategies are critical to ensuring that poverty eradication does not worsen social or environmental vulnerabilities. Balancing economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental protection requires embedding ethics and governance into the core of sustainable development policies. By integrating constitutional mandates, ethical reasoning, and participatory governance, countries can create sustainable pathways to poverty eradication that are socially inclusive and environmentally responsible. The study highlights the importance of collaboration, policy coherence, and ethical accountability in building a just and sustainable future.

 

Author(s) Details

John Motsamai Modise
Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-88417-39-6/CH8

South African Just Transition Pathway: Insights from the Komati Power Station Decommissioning and Repurposing Project | Chapter 4 | New Advances in Business, Management and Economics Vol. 10

 

The Komati power station, which resumed its operations in 1961, was constructed with nine coal-fired generators with the capacity to produce a total of 1 GW of power output. But by the late 1980s, after 20 years of operation, the plant was shut down because the South African electrical system had too much capacity, the cost of maintaining old infrastructure was going up, and it was possible to build more units that would be profitable. This study rigorously examines the intended and unintended effects of decommissioning and repurposing the Komati Power Station within the context of South Africa’s Just Transition policy. This study is crucial to addressing the gap between just transition policy frameworks and actual execution and providing valuable insights for the implementation of future decommissioning and repurposing programs. This study aims to clarify important institutional enablers and barriers, as well as evaluate the extent to which just transition principles have been achieved. The research used a qualitative ethnographic methodology to examine the complex linkages among policy processes, institutional dynamics, and community experiences that influence this development. Interviews, focus group discussions, and data were collected from 100 participants using qualitative data collection instruments, like interviews, focus groups, informal interactions, and observations. This approach ensured that a wide range of stakeholder groups' points of view were represented. The study found that, amongst others, the decommissioning was a consequence of economic considerations connected to the power station's operating lifespan. However, the process had major flaws that left the affected community and workers worried and suspicious. Key findings highlight the need for early, inclusive, and transparent planning processes that incorporate community assets, concerns, and local development goals. The closing of the Komati coal power station underscores the complexity of the energy transitions that are fair, especially when they are mostly caused by ageing infrastructure and the economy rather than clear decarbonisation plans. The Komati project is a good example for future just energy transition projects in South Africa because it focuses on using renewable energy to power a coal-fired plant and also works on social development. The study's recommendations contribute to policy discussions by underscoring the imperative of harmonising climate priorities with local socio-economic needs, so ensuring that the transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable for livelihoods. The study emphasises the importance of integrating regional economic diversification, infrastructure enhancements, and skill development to foster sustainable livelihoods.

 

Author(s) Details

Bongani June Mwale
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Cnr. Mirriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Mfanelo Ntsobi
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Cnr. Mirriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nabme/v10/6142

Study of Inclusive Urban Campus, Okahandja, Namibia: An Integrated Developmental Approach | Chapter 1 | Technological Innovation in Engineering Research Vol. 7

 Due to the unchecked rapid urbanisation, the inevitable rise in housing demand, and the development of informal settlements in sub-Saharan African countries like Namibia, governments are increasingly concerned about the emergence of cities. Unchecked urbanisation is acknowledged as a threat to sustainable and equitable development given the obvious socioeconomic and environmental challenges that affect infrastructure and services, quality of life, health, and well-being of the populace, as mentioned in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) Number 11. Governments are aware of these massive issues, but they have not yet been able to come up with any long-term, all-encompassing solutions. As a result, there are more unpermitted settlements popping up, there is a housing shortage, there is stress on the infrastructure and services, there is unemployment, and there is urban poverty. Examining the viability of inclusive urban campus (IUC) integrated infrastructure development using Okahandja town is one of the main goals. The specific goal is to look into integrated land-use platforms that address housing, education, community health, and co-creation of work prospects. The research employed an innovative multi-focused workshop technique for data collection with interactive engagement from stakeholders and the community in order to strengthen the bottom-up development strategy. The objectives were to identify the dynamics of integrated development and formal housing delivery in Okahandja, identify policy impediments, and present workable solutions. In the end, it was proven that Dololo could serve as a platform for the IUC project. The IUC concept emphasises community and infrastructure needs for informal commerce, housing, health care, youth centres, cooperatives, roads, and transportation in addition to education, small and medium enterprises (SME), vocational training centres (VTC), and informal trade.

Author(s) Details:

Sampson Umenne,
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Namibia.

Madelein Stoffberg,
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Namibia.

Laudika Kandjinga,
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Namibia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/TIER-V7/article/view/7916