The South African government plans to introduce strategies to reaffirm Mpumalanga’s status as a national energy hub despite the declining role of coal in the country’s energy mix.
The departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) are leading the initiative, which aims to transition Mpumalanga towards renewable energy sources.
Narend Singh, Deputy DFFE Minister, announced the initiative during his keynote address at the Federation of Unions of South Africa Climate Change and Just Transition Summit in Johannesburg on September 5.
The DFFE and DTIC have undertaken a national employment vulnerability assessment and developed sector jobs resilience plans to counter job losses driven by climate change. Supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, these efforts focus on building sustainable energy systems. A key objective is to help Mpumalanga retain its status as an energy hub by developing renewable energy plants in municipalities affected by a decline in coal activity.
The assessment covers the coal, metals, transport, agriculture and tourism sectors with pilot projects already underway in the municipalities of eMalahleni, Steve Tshwete, Msukaligwa and Govan Mbeki. The projects include upskilling workers for renewable energy maintenance and repair, manufacturing renewable energy components and generating new employment opportunities by recycling coal combustion waste products like fly ash.
Local governments are crucial in implementing energy transition policies and there is a need for a skilled workforce and ongoing training for officials to manage tasks, including emissions compliance, Singh said.
He also stressed the role of labour in fostering a low-carbon economy, noting a just transition could address poverty, unemployment and inequality. By focusing on renewable energy development and leveraging local capabilities, government aims to ensure Mpumalanga remains a key player in South Africa's evolving energy landscape so no one is left behind, Singh added.
