The role of science in deepening democracy: the case for water in post-Apartheid South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is a water constrained country with a complex history of resource capture and human rights abuses. Science, as practiced by the national science councils, could play a significant role in deepening our democracy. This paper explores two possible paradigms -one where science is divorced from the national constitution, and the other where our science is embedded in the national constitution. The paper argues that the latter approach would make our national science more relevant, but of necessity would embroil it in issues of historic legacy and therefore become "messy".

Water research paradigm shifts in South Africa

“…It occurred in an era of the hydraulic mission in which ingenuity and engineering efforts abounded. 12 The second paradigm from the early to late 20th century was characterised by industrial modernity and again featured an increase in activity in the hydraulic mission. In this phase, water demand increased because agricultural activity shifted from subsistence to commercial-based economies, followed by further demands on water resources as a result of the rapid increase in industrial activity.…”

Environmental management complexities and rumours impeding the effective application of scientific research and results to address possible health risks in the West Rand gold mining region of South Africa

“…From a national point of view the question of environmental ethics and to what extent human rights can be demanded regarding individuals and communities whose health status may have been affected will become significant issues in research themes based on the impact of the destructed environment in the study area on the health of people. On the question then regarding what role science could play in the democratic South Africa Turton [52] If the environmental destructions in the West Rand continues in future without a sustainable plan to properly manage the variety of concerns raised, this area will not sufficiently recover to at least supply those living in it with a reasonable chance of survival. With the mines in a process of moving out as the dominant economic sector, the area indeed may be irreversibly destroyed for the people, for farming, as well as for cultural and environmental sustainability.…”

“…Undoubtedly all role-players will be engaged in order to explore the techniques and technologies for preventing and avoiding discharges to soil and groundwater as well as remediation programmes for the mining sector [51]. Currently individual gold mining companies are co-operating with academic institutions to address a variety of environmental impacts and to exploit the potential of wetlands to act as a sink for heavy metals [52]. However, on the Environmental Health Risk V 205 negative side of efforts, mining closures became a reality in which the quality of surface and groundwater can further deteriorate [53].…”

“…Also the underestimated role of environmental whistleblowing sometimes is branded by critics as "looney tune stuff." It will take wisdom, resources, ideas and knowledge to make a meaningful difference [52].…”

Priority water research questions for South Africa developed through participatory processes

“…Scientific research, in the context of this paper, is the 'human activity that aims at contributing to a coherent body of knowledge in a novel way by adopting a critical method' (Bortolotti, 2008 p. 15).Prominent views also state that knowledge and information from research ought to contribute to sustainable development (Pullin et al, 2009;Turton, 2009;Barbier and Homer-Dixon, 1996;Homer-Dixon, 1995). The solution to problems, particularly those 'wicked' problems that are complex and systemic, should be through innovation, and the generation of ideas and knowledge (Barbier and Homer-Dixon, 1996;Homer-Dixon, 1995).…”