The classical environmental theories and their usefulness in the SA context.

Buckle’s classical theory focused on the flourishment of nations. He identified two eras in world history; eastern and northern nations. he stated that eastern nations flourished because of warm climates, rain, and fertile soils.  For example, Limpopo has a warm climate and fertile soils to produce enough food. He also mentioned that northern nations were industrious and innovative to produce enough food and to survive cold weather. In Gauteng, people can produce food in cold weather by using greenhouse technologies that protect crops from harsh climate conditions.

Herbert Spencer's theory focused on the "competition of life", he contended that humans do not only struggle with other species for survival in the natural universe, but with each other in a social universe. He also stated that people who have accumulated in enterprises and markets through clever and ruthless dealings are seen as natural selection products who can drive society further on the path of change.