Thank you to the members of CLES who organized this year’s conference, as well as a word of thanks to all the presenters, participants, and the chairs for leading the discussion, listening and engaging in this year's conference. #CLESconference

SARChI CLES wishes to congratulate Gisela Diedericks (NWU) Mildred Nakkungu (UCT), and Francesca Visagé (UWC) for obtaining the first, second, and third prizes, respectively, for best presentations at the 3rd Annual National Postgraduate Student Conference. #CLESconference2022

Speaking: Meeschka Diedericks on "The South African Human Rights Commission and the Protection of the Environmental Right". She discusses the accountability of the SAHRC in the SAHRC v Msunduzi Local Municipality judgement. #CLESconference2022

Speaker: Patience Nyaruwanga. "The Role of Rule of Law and Good Governance in Development" She addresses law and development using a historical analysis through the lens of David Trubek. Giving us some lessons relevant to governance in SA. #CLESconference2022

Our first speaker: Gisela Diedericks, NWU. We live in a consumerist era, where products are built to last only two years. This creates a lot of waste-related and other challenges. We should therefore transition from a linear to a circular economy. #CLESconference2022

Speaker: Tafadzwa Moyo. We need an integrated approach for the implementation of a circular economy in SA cities. Circular economies promote sustainability and creates much needed income streams for residents

Current speaker: Ledile Sekwakwa on "The Role of Local Government in Managing and Regulating Food Waste in Cities" Ledile discusses food waste issues in urban areas from a South African perspective.

Today is the last day of the 3rd Annual National Postgraduate Student Conference, hosted by SARChI CLES. The conference has begun, and we're excited to listen to today's presentation! #CLESconference2022

Speaking: Nonhlanhla Ngcobo on"Governance in the Era of Change: The Role of Political Parties in Transformative Environmental Governance". The Constitution can be used to promote transformative environmental governance, but what role does party politics play? #CLESconference2022

Krisdan Bezuidenhout, is presenting on "Municipal Service Delivery in South Africa: The Legal Relevance of Emerging Modes of Collaboration". Krisdan is discussing the context of service delivery in SA and the importance of collaborative governance. #CLESconference2022

Speaking: Mildred Nakkungu on the topic "Buffalo City Metro – Is Bigger Better? The Hierarchy of Urban Labels and Why They Matter" A detailed discussion on city categories as they relate to municipal labels and metropolitan cities. #CLESconference2022

Speaking: Mpahathesithe Mkhize on the topic of "Small Municipalities Continue to Struggle to Effectively Deliver Basic Services in the KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa" currently discussing the performance of municipalities in SA as per the Auditor General (2022) report.

Speaking: Jevon Jacobs. The housing sector requires the institutionalising of residence-led governance approaches. Jevon discusses the case of Ruo Emoh a development situated close to Mitchell's Plain. #CLESconference2022

Speaking: Maricélle Botes on the topic of "City-level Legislation Towards Urban Climate Resilience in South Africa" Maricélle discusses the present issues preventing climate resilience in urban areas. #CLESconference2022

Currently speaking: Zunaida Wadiwala, Wits. Interesting insights on spatial justice for sustainable human settlements.

Speaking: Hugo Uys, Stellenbosch University. How should we think of relationships between animals and humans? Hugo investigates different theories from various disciplines.

Speaking: Chantelle Moyo, NWU. The Legal Conundrum and Opportunities in the Generation and Procurement of Electricity in SA Cities: Challenges such as corruption, lack of investment in the energy sector, population growth has created a large energy shortage. #CLESconference2022

Currently Speaking: Melandri Steenkamp, NWU. Urban water security - Best dealt with in a holistic and dynamic framework. It includes social, economic, technological, infrastructural, political, legal and environmental components.

Our last Speaker for the day: Cassius Lathlang, NWU. How does the spatial planning law of Botswana assist in the protection of urban green spaces? This is asked in the context of rapid urbanisation. #CLESconference2022

Henrike Saunders, NWU. Spoke on Cities accross SA are becomming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate chaange. Water stress in cities affect the well-being of the population. This highlights a need for disaster preparedness which includes droughts.#CLESconference2022