The discussions explored not just the opportunities of a lower-carbon economy, but also the difficult questions: particularly how to ensure that workers and communities in mining and agriculture are protected as the country decarbonises.

• A provincial vulnerability assessment presented by Simbarashe Mhaka offered powerful insights:
  Mining remains central to Limpopo’s economy and employment contributing at least 22% towards GVA and providing around 58,000 jobs (5% to regional employment)
• The province accounts for 36% of national metals mining, making it the second largest producer in South Africa.
• Agriculture contributes 4% to the provincial economy, employing roughly 142,000 workers (13% of region's employment but remains highly exposed to rising temperatures, droughts, and erratic rainfall

• Women in agriculture earn a median of R2,500 per month, with only 15% contributing to retirement funds — a reminder of considering gender vulnerability in this transition.

  These figures underline a crucial point: as South Africa transitions to a green economy, we must ensure that new industries create real pathways for local employment and that no worker or community is left behind. The just transition is not only about resilience, it’s about innovation and inclusion. We must equip South Africans with skills to design and use homegrown green technologies, rather than becoming consumers of imported solutions.

  
  Let’s position Limpopo, and the country at large, to thrive in the green economy, not by reacting to global shifts, but by leading them.

#Just Transition #GreenJobs #Limpopo #Polokwane #JUSTSA