Gibberd, Jeremy TKarsten, CarikeBeetge, CarlaBurger, Paul AMans, Gerbrand GCooper, Antony KNapier, MarkGodfrey, Linda K2025-07-222025-07-222025http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14319This study explores the potential of the circular economy for human settlements in South Africa. It reviews current human settlement development pathways and draws on emerging concepts from the circular economy to identify and evaluate more sustainable alternatives. Seventeen (17) circular economy interventions (CEIs) were assessed to determine their appropriateness for South Africa, the sector's readiness to implement them, and the current level of implementation in South African human settlements. Engagement with private and public sector stakeholders showed a high level of familiarity with the 17 identified CEIs. The three most familiar interventions were virtualisation, roof gardens and composting. The three least familiar CEIs were found to be loose-fit, long-life design; equipment libraries; and design for disassembly. There was consensus amongst stakeholders that the adoption of circular practices would be beneficial for South African human settlements. The three most beneficial and appropriate circular interventions to South African human settlements included: greywater reuse; localising supply chains; and urban agriculture. The three least beneficial circular interventions were seen to be biobased construction materials, composting, and reuse of materials and products.FulltextenCircular economyHuman settlementResource efficiencyBookn/a