Scientists, thought leaders, and academics engaged in in-depth discussions with labour representatives, communities, businesses, and government on policy perspectives and challenges surrounding the Just Transition, during the 6th Forum of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
The forum, recently held at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Mbombela Campus, provided a platform for balanced discussions on key issues, including:
- Contextualising the Just Transition towards systemic change.
- The economics and science of the transition and employment: policy perspectives for impact.
- Civil society engagement and perspectives on the Just Transition.
- National System of Innovation challenges relating to the Just Transition.
In her opening address, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering opportunities through teaching, learning, research, and engagement within the Just Transition framework.
“We are dedicated to using the University's knowledge assets to actively promote a vibrant economic, social, and political democracy, where all members of society, particularly the poor, can find their rightful place,” she said.
“We believe that knowledge and skills are essential assets for deepening equality and enhancing the scope of democratic life, both nationally and globally. May we be inspired today to make a meaningful difference, fostering innovation, creativity, collaboration, and partnerships, and optimising resources to accelerate research and development initiatives."
Professor Mayekiso emphasised the importance of context in the Just Transition: "Humans do not live in a vacuum. We must be bold in sharing perspectives that illuminate the policy environment about the Just Energy Transition.
"We also need to bring civil society along with us, ensuring our proposals are relevant, actionable, and positively impact the lives of our fellow South Africans," she added.
The Forum brought together stakeholders from academia to businesses and communities.
In a session focused on "Contextualising the Just Transition towards Systemic Change," Professor Rasigan Maharajh, Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and ASSAf Forum member underscored the urgent need to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change.
“There is a pressing need to tackle climate change and other environmental issues through a comprehensive, pluralistic approach. The effort to meet these challenges and achieve the SDGs is collective - it is the responsibility of all, not just a few. It's also vital to train educators, trainers, and teachers to spread knowledge about climate change and its implications,” he said.
Professor Maharajh further highlighted unemployment, poverty, and inequality as critical obstacles to a successful Just Transition.
UMP’s Dean of Economic Development and Business Sciences, Professor Vusi Gumede, presented "The Economics and Science of the Transition and Employment: Policy Perspectives for Impact". He explored the relationship between the Just Energy Transition and employment, focusing on industries expected to lose jobs, and communities reliant on coal.
“Coal continues to play a significant role in South Africa's economy, although its influence is declining. Mineral exports contribute to the GDP and support employment. The transition to renewable energy, however, will inevitably affect coal-dependent communities, as some power plants will need to close,” he said.
Professor Gumede stressed the need for interventions to mitigate job losses and support affected communities within the broader context of the science of the transition.
"We must think ahead, training people with new skills to be absorbed into growing sectors."
Speakers during the Forum delivered presentations aimed at providing solutions to the Just Transition discussions.
Dr Melody Mentz-Coetzee, Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, closed the forum by addressing the funding challenge for the Just Transition.
“We are straining the planet’s capacity, fast approaching tipping points that are highly concerning. While the transition will impact jobs and equality, potentially worsening the situation, if well-managed, it can be a powerful driver for new and better jobs, social justice, and poverty eradication," she said.
“As we work to preserve the planet and provide energy security, we must also ensure a good quality of life for all - decent work, social inclusion, and zero poverty. People are at the heart of this transition, and we must empower them for the future, ensuring we have the data and analysis to make informed decisions about the timing and pace of implementation.”
Additional presentations and discussions included Mr Devan Pillay, Head of Institutional Support at the Presidential Climate Commission, who spoke on Civil Society Engagement. Dr Rendani Mamphiswana, Head of Research and Innovation at Nafasi Water Technologies, and DSI/NRF Research Chair in Industrial Development at the University of Johannesburg, addressed the National System of Innovation challenges of the Just Transition.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Photos by ChrisIPhoto.