Cape Town – Minister of Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated the importance of informing, consulting, and educating communities about the impact of South Africa’s transition from a carbon-intensive to a green economy.
Ramokgopa was Speaking at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) seminar on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and the Future of Work in Tshwane on Thursday.
He stressed the need for transparent consultations and education, particularly as coal-fired power stations are phased out.
“We need to answer that question by what we mean by [Just Energy Transition]. It’s also about the democratisation of the conversation. It’s important that when you move into [communities] you don’t undermine the agency and the ability of people in those areas to comprehend and understand the implications of the decisions that you want to take.
“You don’t suggest that you have the authority to decide on their behalf. We don’t have that authority. It’s important that they get to be educated [on] the impact of not transitioning to the environment, to their own health, what it means and the impact of doing that suddenly.
“And they must contribute to the generation of how best to do that Just Transition and don’t treat those people as unthinking [and] as people who don’t have a view. As we move this just transition, we [must] take communities with us,” the minister said.
Ramokgopa highlighted the significant cost of this transition, estimated at R1.6 trillion over five years, and called for financial support from developed nations responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions.
He also underscored that the renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, nuclear, and hydro, will lead the transition, creating jobs and growth despite some limitations like intermittency.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
