The regional implications of just transition in the world's most coal-dependent economy: The case of Mpumalanga, South Africa

Overview

This paper examines the regional implications of South Africa's just transition from coal, focusing on Mpumalanga, the world's most coal-dependent economy. It highlights the significant socio-economic trauma expected from mine closures and worker reskilling challenges, affecting over 100,000 workers. While international support for decarbonization is welcomed, the paper argues that substantial challenges remain in transitioning this mono-economy. It calls for targeted financial and management strategies, as well as mechanisms to empower and engage citizens unable to transition, to prevent social disturbance and ensure a just and equitable shift to a low-carbon future.

Key Recommendations

South Africa's just transition in Mpumalanga requires robust strategies to manage the socio-economic impact of coal phase-out. Key takeaways include establishing mechanisms for targeted finance and management to ensure effective transition to renewables. Crucially, the state and investors must empower and engage citizens who cannot transition, mitigating potential social disturbance. The paper emphasizes the need to adapt international lessons to Mpumalanga's unique context, fostering regional resilience to create new economic pathways and avoid being "locked-in" by declining industries. Effective implementation requires addressing the capacity of existing struggling organizations.

Publisher: Frontiers in Sustainable Cities

Download here or follow this link: https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2022.1059312
Citation: Nel, E., Marais, L., & Mqotyana, Z. (2023)