Ramaphosa stresses ‘just transition’ in SA’s shift to renewable energy

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for a “just transition” as South Africa shifts towards renewable energy.

Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, he highlighted the importance of ensuring that the transition benefits ordinary people, especially those whose livelihoods depend on fossil fuels.

He also pointed out the vast opportunities in renewable energy, urging the use of available resources to drive economic growth.

“As we can go towards renewable energy, there must be a just transition. There is a transition that we in South Africa have to go through and it must be the type of transition that advances the interests of ordinary people, as it grows the economy.

“The opportunities are enormous, and we just need to utilise the enablers to ensure it benefits everyone,” Ramphosa said on Sunday.

Ramaphosa shared South Africa’s efforts to reskill workers, particularly in Mpumalanga, where many power stations are located, through collaborations with various organisations.

🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa and 🇪🇺European Commission President Her Excellency Ursula @vonderLeyen jointly launched the global campaign on Renewable Energy for Africa during a panel discussion with co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, ahead of the… pic.twitter.com/9yP7dNya7Q

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 17, 2024

He stressed that Africa’s rich natural resources, such as sun and wind, should be harnessed to address energy access and foster economic growth.

However, he noted that the transition requires significant global investment and cooperation.

“This does not come as cheap as one would think. It requires finance, it requires clear decisions by leaders, not only on the African continent but by leaders globally,” Ramaphosa said.