Youth in Transition - Short to medium-term policy support for South Africa’s young coal workforce.

This policy brief is the first in a two-part series derived from the report “Building a Just Future: Policy Solutions for South Africa’s Coal Workforce Transition - Insights from Global Experience”. Young workers account for 51% of South Africa’s coal mining workforce and face significant labour market barriers that could be intensified by the transition to a low carbon economy. A targeted support package is therefore essential to address their unique vulnerabilities and expand pathways into sustainable employment. Drawing on international experience, this policy brief outlines short to medium-term policy interventions and institutional arrangements that can support young coal workers through the transition while promoting long-term economic inclusion.

International experience highlights the importance of strong institutions, proactive planning, and comprehensive worker support. Effective transition frameworks are underpinned by coordinated mine restructuring processes, formal agreements between government, workers, unions, and mining companies, and early planning for the repurposing of coal related assets to create alternative employment opportunities. Evidence also points to the need for well-designed voluntary exit packages, stronger support for entrepreneurship, demand-led training aligned with worker preferences and labour market needs, and enhanced collaboration between government and the private sector to co-design and co-finance transition measures.