Navigating by the Southern Cross: Local Leadership, Municipal Realities & the Search for a Just Transition in South Africa
Rather than waiting for ideal conditions, discussions about implementing the Just Transition must begin in the places where the impacts of both climate change and economic exclusion are already most deeply felt: rural towns, coal belt municipalities, informal settlements and under-resourced districts.
Partners
Alongside their partners, the EDP Energy team co-designed a series of multi-stakeholder dialogues that were spaces for reckoning. Places where municipal leaders, traditional authorities, youth organisers and community members could sit together and name what the Just Transition really means when experienced on the ground.Â
An effective Local Just Transition must be based on municipal realities and be led by local leaders. It will draw strength from a coordinated response.Â
Limpopo
The Just Transition is not only about moving away from coal. It's about moving toward justice.
The Just Transition is not only about moving away from coal. It's about moving toward justice.
North West
The Just Transition must be translated into practical, place-based actions that respond to the realities of North West municipalities.
The Just Transition must be translated into practical, place-based actions that respond to the realities of North West municipalities.
Gauteng
Young people are not only beneficiaries of the transition—they are innovators and leaders of change.
Young people are not only beneficiaries of the transition—they are innovators and leaders of change.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga's experience provides valuable lessons for implementing the Just Transition across South Africa.
Mpumalanga's experience provides valuable lessons for implementing the Just Transition across South Africa.
Northern Cape
The Just Transition must reflect the realities of rural communities and ensure that no municipality is left behind.
The Just Transition must reflect the realities of rural communities and ensure that no municipality is left behind.
Free State
The province's abundant solar resources present a unique opportunity to lead in renewable energy production.
The province's abundant solar resources present a unique opportunity to lead in renewable energy production.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
The transition presents an opportunity to strengthen local economies while improving climate resilience.
The transition presents an opportunity to strengthen local economies while improving climate resilience.
Western Cape
The Just Transition is not additional work—it is about making climate action more inclusive, equitable, and locally relevant.
The Just Transition is not additional work—it is about making climate action more inclusive, equitable, and locally relevant.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape has significant potential to create green jobs through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.
The Eastern Cape has significant potential to create green jobs through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.