Sustainable Development and Legal Frameworks in South Africa: An Integrated Mixed Methods Inquiry

Sustainable development is a critical component of legal frameworks in South Africa, addressing environmental protection and socio-economic disparities. A mixed methods approach combining semi-structured interviews and a web-based questionnaire was employed. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis for qualitative insights and descriptive statistics for quantitative findings. The survey revealed that 75% of respondents believed the current legal frameworks adequately address sustainable development goals, while thematic analysis highlighted recurring themes regarding enforcement challenges and public engagement strategies. Despite initial optimism from stakeholders, significant gaps remain in enforcing sustainable practices, necessitating a reevaluation of legal frameworks to enhance their efficacy. Enhanced public participation initiatives and robust enforcement mechanisms are recommended to strengthen the current legal framework's impact on sustainable development goals. Sustainable Development, Legal Frameworks, South Africa, Mixed Methods Study