South Africa – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) South Africa, together with its implementing partner, Seriti Institute, is proud to announce the release of the groundbreaking report “The Just Energy Transition: From the Perspectives of South African Mining Communities”. This significant study comes at a pivotal moment as South Africa faces the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, particularly within communities that have long supported the country’s economic growth through coal mining.

A Nation Vulnerable to Climate Change

South Africa ranks among the top 30 countries globally most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. With average temperatures increasing by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the 20th century, the country is experiencing extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, and wildfires. These climate impacts pose severe threats to agriculture, water resources, and natural ecosystems, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of these changes.

In addition to being highly susceptible to climate change, South Africa is also a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, ranking 14th globally and as the largest emitter on the African continent. In 2021 alone, the country emitted approximately 420 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report underscores that South Africa accounts for about 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, a considerable share given the country's limited resources.

Understanding the Just Energy Transition

The Just Energy Transition (JET) is a critical component of South Africa’s climate strategy. This transition involves transforming the nation’s energy systems to achieve net-zero carbon emissions while ensuring fairness, equity, and social justice for all citizens. The implementation of JET is uniquely influenced by South Africa’s specific context, where socio-economic inequalities and energy poverty play significant roles in shaping the transition process.

As the country moves towards renewable energy sources, it is essential to create new job opportunities, ensure access to affordable energy, and develop local skills, all while making sure that no one is left behind. The global Just Energy Transition Partnership, launched in 2021, aims to provide up to $8.5 billion to support South Africa's shift away from coal dependency towards renewable energy, marking a critical step forward in this transition.

Highlighting Community Voices

A key focus of this report is the inclusion of voices from coal mining communities, which have historically played a vital role in South Africa's economic development. The transition to renewable energy presents challenges for these communities, including potential job losses and economic disruptions. By engaging these communities in meaningful dialogues, the report seeks to ensure that their unique challenges and aspirations are understood and addressed.

The report gathered data from 10,017 respondents across coal mining communities in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. The data collection model provided short-term work opportunities and skills development to 89 local community members, with 67% of data collectors being women and 86% youth. This approach also ensured the collection of data in local languages, fostering trust within communities.

Key Findings

The report reveals several important findings:

• Only 36% of respondents were aware of the Just Energy Transition.

• 52% were aware of climate change, with 48% expressing concern about its effects on their daily lives.

• When asked about the potential impact of JET on employment, responses were nearly evenly split between “Yes,” “No,” and “I don’t know.”

• 26% of respondents feared that JET would result in job losses, while 29% believed they might have to relocate to find work. 28% preferred Gauteng for relocation. Additionally, 45% estimated their chances of finding work outside the mining sector as low, uncertain, or non-existent. 

• Key barriers to getting new jobs included the level of experience, level of education, lack of savings (finances) and childcare.  

58% of respondents feel that the community is inadequately involved in JET decision-making. There is a strong interest among community members in acquiring new skills for alternative industries, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, transport, and tourism. Moreover, 39% of respondents expressed an interest in entrepreneurship.

These findings offer valuable insights for planning reskilling initiatives, local economic development, communication and awareness campaigns, and strategies for social security and potential migration. 

“As we discuss the future, let's remember that the Just Energy Transition is not merely a technological or economic shift. It's a profound social imperative—an opportunity to uplift and empower the most vulnerable among us. It calls for a whole-of-society approach to ensure that justice and equity are not just ideals, but realities,” Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa. 

“At the heart of our work is a people-centred design approach. We engaged directly with communities, listening to their concerns, and understanding their challenges. Today’s report is a product of this approach,” Juanita Pardesi, Chief Executive Officer of Seriti Institute.

Download the report here: https://www.undp.org/south-africa/publications/just-energy-transition-perspectives-south-african-mining-communities

For further information, please contact:

Ntokozo Mahlangu – UNDP Communications Analyst

Ntokozo.mahlangu@undp.org

060 533 6760