WATCH | A just and inclusive energy transition for SA

Concerns about the impact of climate change has accelerated the global shift away from coal and towards the use of alternative energy sources. As a coal-rich country, the call to turn to renewable energy has caused consternation among stakeholders in the SA, especially communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to coal mining.

While the comprehensive uptake of renewables as part of the energy mix seems inevitable, it is crucial to ensure the transition is just and inclusive. Issues to consider include ways of restructuring work and maximizing the employment potential of energy alternatives, mitigating job losses in the coal mining value chain, and catering for the country’s short-, medium- and long-term energy security needs.  

What measures should be taken to ensure the transition to green energy is beneficial to local communities? 

A panel of experts unpacked this question during a recent Business Day Dialogue, hosted in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Ecumenical Foundation of Southern Africa.

Moderated by media personality and best-selling author Joanne Joseph, the panel included:

• Bishop Dr Sithembele Sipuka, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference;
• Bishop Geoff Davies, founder of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute; and
• Hilton Trollip, research fellow with the UCT's Global Risk Governance Programme.

Watch the recording of this event above.