Page 26 - EngineerIT December 2021

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

sustainable resource management. It is reduced use of virgin resources; reduced
about managing South Africa’s future waste and pollution; the regeneration
development risks by understanding the of natural systems; and a significant
availability of resources and keeping these contribution to meeting climate targets.
resources circulating productively within The circular economy is increasingly
the economy,” says Godfrey. recognised as a key driver of a post-
The circular economy has pandemic economic recovery, and a
gathered international support, with new source of more sustained and
countries recognising the importance resilient economic growth, particularly
of understanding national resource in developing countries. Other BRICS
availability, scarcity and consumption. countries, particularly China and India,
“Access to resources is the foundation of have taken the lead in exploring the
every economy,” she says. significant opportunities associated with
But what does the circular economy the transition to a more circular economy.
mean for a relatively resource-rich country It provides an opportunity for emerging
such as South Africa, and do the circular economies to “leapfrog” the development
economy ideals of the global north models of the Global North, through Prof. Linda Godfrey, principal scientist at the
have relevance in a developing country? innovation and early adoption of more CSIR, and manager of the STI4CE Project
With its multisectoral expertise, the sustainable and inclusive growth paths.
CSIR is well positioned to answer these It also provides an opportunity to build induced natural disasters such as droughts
questions through science, technology more resilient, sustainable economies and floods, and resource shortages, all of
and innovation. “It is important for us to that are better able to withstand future which are predicted to increase in both
understand what the circular economy shocks – not only pandemics; but climate- frequency and intensity in future. n
means for South Africa, and where our
unique opportunities lie,” says Godfrey. The CSIR have developed eight briefing notes exploring opportunities in
“It is also clear from our initial various sectors of the economy.
studies that the circular economy is not
new to South Africa. There are a lot of • Introduction: Nahman, A. et al. (2021). Driving economic growth in South Africa
activities already underway aligned with through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. CSIR: Pretoria
the principles of the circular economy. • Mining: Khan, S. et al. (2021). Placing the South African mining sector in the context
However, we have not yet achieved the of a circular economy transition. CSIR: Pretoria
scale required for meaningful impact,” • Agriculture: Okole, B. et al. (2021). Supporting food security and economic
continues Godfrey. “We must find ways development through circular agriculture. CSIR: Pretoria
to encourage and incentivise circular • Manufacturing: Fazluddin, S. (2020). Supporting the development of a globally
interventions to create a space for the competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. CSIR: Pretoria
demonstration and piloting of ideas, in • Human settlements: Cooper, A. et al. (2020). Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving
order to fast-track their uptake in South human settlements through a more circular economy. CSIR: Pretoria
Africa,” concludes Roman • Mobility: Mokoena, R. et al. (2020). Facilitating sustainable economic development
through circular mobility. CSIR: Pretoria
Benefits of a circular economy for • Energy: Msimanga, X. et al. (2020). Decoupling South Africa’s development from
developing countries energy demand through a more circular economy. CSIR: Pretoria
International studies show that a transition • Water: Seetal, A. et al. (2020). Decoupling South Africa’s development from water
to a more circular economy can create demand through a circular economy. CSIR: Pretoria
direct socio-economic benefits, including
GDP growth; new sources of job creation; South Africa has a very linear, resource extractive-based economy, with large throughputs
more robust employment; increased of resources; predominantly inland extraction and manufacturing of goods; export of
profits (through both cost savings and resources for further international beneficiation; little resource ‘investment’ in local stocks;
increased revenue from new business and even smaller resource returns into the economy, placing the country at risk in terms
services); reduced reliance on increasingly of resource depletion or over exploitation, with the potential to directly disrupt the South
scarce raw materials; increased disposable African economy. At the same time, there is growing demand by industrialised countries
income for individuals; enhanced utility for access to finite resources.
and convenience; and improved living
conditions and health. For further information contact Prof Linda Godfrey, CSIR Hosted National Programmes
In addition, a circular economy creates Visit: https://www.circulareconomy.co.za/csir
direct environmental benefits, including

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