Conservation, economics, non-state actors, and local perspectives are the four environmental storylines recognized in South Africa.

- The conservation viewpoint is influenced by the authoritarian approach, which holds that people should not be granted land rights and, as a result, often leads to forced relocations and resettlements. Because it is centered on colonial times rather than the present, this story does not help to a better knowledge of the SA environment.

- From an economic standpoint, the land is utilized for farming and selling, and it is viewed as a valuable asset that contributes to a country's socio-economic growth. This viewpoint is influenced by the capitalist method, which places people of power in a position of power. The non-state actor perspective is one that is shaped by persons who do not live in the community.
These people fight the government when they disagree with particular policies because they believe that environmental or natural resources are in decline and should be safeguarded. This viewpoint can lead to a better understanding of the SA environment because it promotes communal benefit with the goal of reducing poverty

Classic environmental theories and their applicability in South Africa

Classical theorists, in my opinion, are the fundamental theorists, pioneer thinkers like as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmer. Although they did not formalize the notion of modernity, their writings show that they are concerned with modernization processes. Food waste is an environmental issue in South Africa since food intended for human consumption is produced in excess of 1 billion tons, with half of it being discarded in the ground, causing pollution and trash in our environment. Statistically, more than 11 million tons of plastic enter the oceans and rivers in South Africa every year, according to the year 2020. Animals and the environment can be damaged by plastic pollution, which also contributes to forest fires.
Deforestation contributes to adverse environmental conditions because of its impact on agriculture.

Anthropogenic nature of environmental problems

Environmental issues and human beings are inextricably intertwined, and we see the outcomes in the environmental issues that we see and experience today. Humans, not nature, are mostly to blame for these issues. Our country's electrical generation necessitates the extraction of coal. It is not only expensive, but it also has an influence on our health. We end up inhaling air that has been poisoned by chemicals emitted by the companies, and we occasionally end up drinking water that has also been tainted by harmful substances.

Due to global warming, grass fires in Cape Town could also contribute to global warming.
The migration from rural to urban places many species at risk of deforestation. Civilization has suffered most from environmental problems, because they have had the greatest impact. They are at the root of society's problems. Air pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other severe environmental challenges are all hurting civilization.

Participatory Development

is a term that refers to aThis method allows society to develop its own capability and self-reliance? Participation is a mechanism for community members and other stakeholders involved to collaborate and share information.

Because corruption is so prevalent in South Africa, the notion of Ubuntu cannot be implemented in our communities. Everyone wants to gain from the labor of the other without having to perform it themselves. When those in positions of power take advantage of the poor rather than working together, they steal from them.

Women in the development field (WID)

Modernization in western countries emphasized men's advancement while women were relegated to the background. Consequently, they were not able to fully benefit from development, and in some cases, it made matters worse. The participation of women in the development process was treated as if they didn't exist. This strategy pushed for women's inclusion in development initiatives in order to improve women's status in society.

Women and Development (WAD)

Women's participation in development is not the focus of this approach, but rather their interaction with development processes. Due to limited resources, global economic arrangements do not benefit either men or women due to global inequities.