Latest news with #JustTransitionFramework
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Nation building and social dialogue for a just transition
To achieve this transition, we must engage in robust, meaningful, and inclusive social dialogue, ensuring that the transition is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all South Africans – a Just Transition. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Every year, Freedom Day enables us to reflect on and pay tribute to the day South Africa initiated an irreversible transition grounded in the principles of inclusivity, equality, and justice through the country's first democratic elections. That momentous occasion 31 years ago elected 490 able South Africans to constitute the Constitutional Assembly and entrusted them with the responsivity of drafting our democratic Constitution which would serve as the supreme law and a blueprint for a just and equal society. Transitions have long been a part of South Africa's journey, and now, the crucial shift toward a low-carbon future presents an extraordinary opportunity to transform our nation. The transition is not just an environmental necessity to ward off the climate crisis; it is a pivotal moment for nation-building that we cannot afford to overlook. To achieve this transition, we must engage in robust, meaningful, and inclusive social dialogue, ensuring that the transition is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all South Africans – a Just Transition. The concept of nation-building has deep roots in South Africa. Emerging from a negotiated settlement that ended years of oppression and systemic exclusion, our nation appreciates the significant role of social dialogue in fostering transformation. Our Constitution was drafted through a process characterised by transparency and inclusivity, initiating the largest public participation effort in South Africa's history. This foundational document was developed through social dialogue, supported by combined investments from the government, the private sector, and the international community, all standing in solidarity with South Africa's journey towards becoming a sovereign democratic state. Today, we face new challenges, and social dialogue must be leveraged to navigate the complexities of transitioning from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to one that is sustainable and climate-resilient. The just transition presents us with an opportunity to deepen our nation-building efforts, guided by the Constitution and the Just Transition Framework. The Just Transition Framework identifies procedural justice as one of the key principles underpinning the transition to a low-carbon future, emphasising inclusive social dialogue and ensuring that affected groups actively participate in transition decisions. Effective nation-building through social dialogue necessitates inclusive participation. Historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, often marginalised in national debates, must have meaningful seats at the table. Their voices should not merely be consulted but they must actively shape the decisions that directly impact their futures. Such inclusive dialogue ensures co-creation and legitimacy, fosters mutual trust, and promotes collective ownership of the outcomes, creating a foundation for societal cohesion in transition. Social dialogue extends beyond structured forums to broader societal engagements, embracing educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and community-level dialogues. This expansive approach helps demystify the complexities of the just transition, making the dialogue accessible to all South Africans and fostering a widespread culture of environmental consciousness and social solidarity. We must meet people where they are for meaningful and sustained dialogue. Tailoring our engagements and outreach to the realities of different communities—geographically, culturally, linguistically, and digitally—so that no one is left out of the conversation. The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has adopted an expansive, inclusive, and meaningful approach in their social dialogues for their work programmes and also in the development of the Just Transition Framework, which serves as the blueprint for guiding South Africa's transition to a low-carbon future. What is impactful about this approach is that dialogue it is not a once-off engagement, but rather a considered and continuous one. The PCC does and must continue to work collaboratively with other stakeholders such as government, business, labour, youth, and civil society in leading and promoting social dialogue for the just transition. The private sector holds substantial responsibilities in the nation-building process. Businesses must actively engage in dialogue, recognising that sustainable practices are no longer optional but integral to their operational resilience and long-term profitability. Through genuine participation in social dialogue, businesses can collaborate with labour and communities to innovate sustainable solutions, invest in local economic diversification, and contribute positively to social stability. Labour unions, integral actors in South Africa's historical social compacts, likewise play a critical role in advocating for workers' interests while engaging in dialogue aimed at shaping just transition strategies. Labour's active involvement ensures that the transition does not exacerbate inequality but instead promote decent work, fair wages, and improved conditions, preserving dignity and economic stability for workers and their families. Government, tasked with the stewardship of national interests, must facilitate and sustain these dialogues transparently and inclusively, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible policy actions. Transparent governance builds trust, mitigates potential conflicts, and enhances accountability. Freedom Day is a powerful declaration. It reminds us that it is the responsibility of every individual and sector of society to build a thriving democracy. Imagine a South Africa where everyone reaps the rewards of freedom, has their basic needs met, and voices heard. Together, through open dialogue and decisive action, the just transition will be a powerful catalyst for nation-building, a nation where no one is left behind. Mbali Baduza, Presidential Climate Commissioner and CEO of We the People South Africa (an initiative of Constitution Hill Trust) and Zimasa Vazi, Senior Manager: Stakeholder Engagement, PCC Secretariat. Mbali Baduza, Presidential Climate Commissioner and CEO of We the People South Africa (an initiative of Constitution Hill Trust). Image: Supplied. Zimasa Vazi, Senior Manager: Stakeholder Engagement, PCC Secretariat. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Powering a just transition for people, planet and prosperity
For the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), every day is Earth Day. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Each year on April 22, the world pauses to mark Earth Day — a moment to reflect on our collective relationship with the planet. For the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), every day is Earth Day. Still, this global observance provides a vital opportunity to take stock, deepen reflection, and recommit to a world that is fair and just, a task of which we must undertake for posterity through a transition that must centre not only on people, but also on the health of the planet that sustains us and all of life. As the PCC, our role is to provide an evidence-based platform to support South Africa's shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient, and more equal economy. We do this through robust research, broad and meaningful stakeholder engagement, and also independent oversight of national climate commitments. Our work is rooted in the belief that the climate crisis is not just an environmental challenge, but a fundamental development challenge, with far-reaching implications for jobs, livelihoods, health, and justice. Charting the Path to Net Zero by 2050 South Africa's commitment to net zero by 2050 will require bold shifts across the economy — including a move from coal to renewables in electricity, cleaner fuels and mass transit in transport, and decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and mining. The agriculture sector must also cut methane emissions and improve land use through better stewardship. Any residual emissions will need to be balanced through carbon removal efforts, including nature-based solutions like reforestation. These transitions will not be easy. They raise tough questions about industrial competitiveness, economic restructuring, energy security, and climate finance. Recognising this, the PCC launched the Net Zero Pathways Programme, focused on developing climate-informed economic strategies through science, modelling, and deep dialogue with government, business, labour, and civil society. Across the country, we are seeing communities begin to lead this change: from coal workers seeking new opportunities, to youth innovators building green enterprises, to municipalities investing in sustainable infrastructure. Yet this is just the beginning. The road ahead requires all sectors of society to align around a shared vision and pathway. As we navigate this complex transition, the Just Transition Framework is clear on how we must not allow the costs of change to fall unfairly on those least equipped to bear them. A truly just transition must be deliberate in protecting and uplifting workers in declining industries, supporting affected communities, and addressing the vulnerabilities of women, youth, disabled and the poor. It means planning for transitions with retraining opportunities, building resilient local economies, and enhancing social protection mechanisms. The PCC's work is centred on building an inclusive transition — one that delivers climate resilience and equity. Building Resilience in a Warming World Climate change is already here — and it's intensifying. South Africa is increasingly experiencing extreme weather events, from devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal to record-breaking heat in our urban centres. For many communities, the climate crisis is not abstract — it is a daily reality. So, it is important for us to act now. The PCC recently completed a review of South Africa's disaster risk management system, identifying strong legislative frameworks, but also serious implementation gaps, particularly at the local level. Municipalities — often the first responders — need better resources, clearer mandates, and stronger coordination. We are now developing a Just Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan, aimed at unlocking finance for critical adaptation interventions, while strengthening institutional capacity and early warning systems. Climate resilience must be seen as a public good — essential for development, dignity, and disaster preparedness. Earth Day: A Call to Action This year's Earth Day theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet,' resonates with the PCC's mission and the belief that climate action is about empowering people — to shape decisions, hold institutions accountable, an opportunity for businesses to accelerate a culture for corporate climate action, and drive change from the ground up. We reaffirm our commitment to a just transition that delivers on both environmental integrity and social justice by accelerating low-carbon energy development — investing in solar, wind, and clean technologies that reduce emissions and create green jobs. At the same time, it is necessary for the transition to support skills development and reskilling for workers, especially in communities affected by the decline of fossil fuels. The journey to net zero is not only about reducing emissions. It's about building a society where all people — especially the most vulnerable — can thrive in a changing climate. Earth Day must mark not just a moment of reflection but a point of no return in building a just, climate-resilient South Africa for all. Climate action is not optional, but it is a moral imperative, an economic necessity, and an opportunity to reimagine the future. If we harness our collective power with courage and compassion, South Africa can become a global model of a fair, inclusive, and climate-smart transition. Dorah Modise- Executive Director, Presidential Climate Commission.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
South Africa finally has a masterplan for a renewable energy industry: here's what it says
About 85% of South Africa's electricity is produced by burning coal. The country's move to renewable energy means that the coal industry will be phased out. To this end, the South African cabinet recently approved the country's first renewable energy masterplan, which sets out what's needed to establish new renewable energy industries. Ricardo Amansure of the Centre for Sustainability Transitions researches the move towards renewable energy and how communities can benefit from this. He explains what the masterplan aims to achieve, what problems it might face, and how it can succeed. It is an industrial strategy that sets out how South Africa can set up a new manufacturing industry in renewable energy and battery storage value chains. The masterplan was developed by the government, some sections of organised labour, a non-profit organisation advocating for renewable energy, and representatives of the renewable energy industries. It sets out a framework to produce renewable technologies locally. These include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and batteries. Read more: The masterplan has been drawn up so that it aligns with South Africa's existing national target of adding 3–5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year to 2030. This is a scale that can support the development of local manufacturing hubs. (One gigawatt can supply electricity to about 700,000 average homes.) This steady supply will be enough to give businesses and investors the confidence to commit to long-term investments in local manufacturing hubs. These are zones where renewable systems and components are produced or assembled for domestic and export markets. The state-owned electricity company, Eskom, has not directly guaranteed that it will buy 3-5 gigawatts of renewable energy each year. But the government's national electricity plan (the Integrated Resource Plan) provides a strong indication of future demand. The masterplan also aims to attract at least R15 billion (US$784 million) in investment by 2030 and train 'green workers' for employment in 25,000 direct jobs. These roles range from factory work and logistics to engineering and construction. Many will be for youth and semi-skilled workers. Read more: South Africa already has a Just Transition Framework to ensure that the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair, and does not leave workers, communities or regions behind. The masterplan is aligned with this. It aims to support Black-owned companies and small-scale and community-based initiatives, especially in places affected by the looming loss of jobs in the coal industry. However, it is not a response to the country's frequent power cuts and won't decide how electricity is generated. Energy system plans like the integrated resource plan and Energy Action Plan do this. (They focus on power generation, securing a constant energy supply, and expanding the electricity grid.) In 2023 alone, the country spent over R17.5 billion (US$905 million) on solar and battery imports. This is unnecessary because South Africa sits on reserves of manganese, vanadium, platinum and other rare earth elements. These are the critical ingredients for manufacturing clean energy systems and storage, which could be made locally. South Africa already produces solar panels, steel towers for wind turbines, and electrical cabling. Some local firms also assemble inverters and balance-of-system technologies used in solar and battery systems. The potential to grow renewable energy industries is there. Factories making solar, wind and battery storage components will be financed through private sector investment and government incentives and support. These include tax breaks, localisation requirements, and support in special economic zones. As manufacturing demand increases, expansion is planned into offshore wind and next-generation (longer duration) batteries. Between now and 2030, the masterplan has these aims: To fast-track government procurement of renewable energy, ensuring reliable energy planning, and expand the electricity grid to handle new projects. To develop an industry producing key components like wind turbine towers, solar mounting structures and batteries. To promote inclusive development by supporting Black-owned firms, small businesses and former coal communities. This is to make sure that everyone gets their fair chance to take part in green economic opportunities. To grow local skills and innovation. Training and education institutes and the energy industry will partner to make renewable energy skills part of national curricula and workplace training pipelines. They will need the support of government's higher education ministry. South Africa has a history of ambitious strategies to localise production in energy and car manufacturing. They struggled to get off the ground. These plans were often undermined by delays and mismatched approaches by government departments. The masterplan could face similar obstacles if these governance and execution gaps are not addressed with urgency. Another bottleneck is the electricity grid, which cannot accommodate new renewable energy connections. Eskom needs about US$21 billion to expand the grid, which will take time. Read more: This is a problem because renewable energy manufacturers need certainty now about future demand if they are to invest in new factories and training programmes. South Africa also has a huge shortage of renewable energy technicians, electricians, installers and engineers. A few urgent actions are required: The government must publish updated procurement rules with a clear and enforceable set of localisation targets. This will give local manufacturers confidence that they'll have a market to sell renewable energy to. South Africa's official electricity plan, which still emphasises the role for coal-fired power, must be realigned with the renewable energy masterplan. Eskom may need support from government and development financiers to expand the grid at the pace needed. Training institutions must modernise their courses and train more students to work in the solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen sectors. The government must create incentives that make it easier for local and international investors to be part of the industry. Red tape – long waits for environmental approvals, land rezoning and licensing processes – must be cut. Simplifying and speeding up these procedures, while maintaining safety and environmental standards, would improve investor confidence. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Ricardo Amansure, Stellenbosch University Read more: COP28: South Africa pioneered plans to transition to renewable energy – what went wrong South Africa and renewable energy: a 12-year-old programme offers insights for countries moving to cleaner power sources South Africa's coal workers face an uncertain future – Mpumalanga study flags they're being left out of the green transition Ricardo Amansure does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
