Exploring Coastal Access in South Africa: A Historical Perspective

(1) Background: Coastal spaces have been highly contested terrains in South Africa, dating from the colonial period to the present time. Inclusive documentation of the history of coastal access in South Africa is inadequate. The current paper aims to explore the history of coastal access in South Africa, dating back to precolonial times until the present. (2) Methods: this research includes the review of documents in order to understand the phenomenon. Documents ranging from pre-colonial times to the present regarding access to the coast in South Africa were explored. (3) Results: the alienation of the African majority from coastal access in South Africa has been systematically executed through various legislations. Although 1994 (democratic era) ushered in a political change, coastal spaces in South Africa still reflect historical racial divide, with former Caucasian areas well-endowed with facilities whilst others are still underdeveloped. The lack of access to coastal resources remains a challenge to many previously disadvantaged communities, owing to South Africa’s history of Apartheid. Apartheid spatial planning remains a factor that undermines equitable access to the coast. (4) Conclusions: Our conclusions show that, although the Native Land Act of 1913 was abolished, the failure to implement meaningful land redress continues to perpetuate Apartheid spatial order. Furthermore, a drastic shift in spatial planning and socio-economic development must be implemented to address the imbalances of the past. Although the Integrated Coastal Management Act (2008) is a progressive legislation, capacity and boldness is needed to implement the expropriation of coastal land for public interest. South African jurisprudence also needs to deal with the perceived unequal regard for private property rights and public property rights.