What role for social policies in the framework of the Just Transition in South Africa

This paper discusses the entrenched historical implications of coal use, overlaying these with a description of some of the policies developed to address energy and climate change. It further analyse the extent to which current social protection policies might be harnessed towards a more equitable society and a just transition.

Key Findings/Recommendations: Although there are many laudable policies and frameworks supporting a transition to a low carbon economy, the current implementation offers only the minimum protection and is unlikely to be able to plug the gaps that will open up due to water, food and energy shortages as a result of the transition and climate change. The study recommends a holistic and coordinated, cross -cutting approach which recognise that a low carbon transition and social protection are part of the same package. The country must address the levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment as they adapt to a low carbon pathway. The transformative role of social policy must engage with transforming not only the economy but also social institutions therefore a low carbon transition must include social protection.

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