Workshop: The Just Transition in South Africa – Size, Shape and Determinants

13 Nov 2023
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13 Nov 2023

This workshop launches the collaborative research report authored by the DPRU and Oxford Martin: “Just Transition and the Labour Market in South Africa: Measuring Individual and Household Coal Economy Dependence”. The report provides a robust quantitative estimate of jobs – both direct and indirect – associated with the coal sector in South Africa, and in so doing, explores the labour market profile and characteristics of the individuals and households linked to the coal sector. 

For South Africa’s energy transition to truly be just, livelihoods must be at the centre of our policy focus as we endeavour to move towards a greener economy. This workshop aims to gather stakeholders to discuss the pressing issue of jobs that are at risk of being lost during the repurposing of coal mines in Mpumalanga. This event is the first in a series of workshops convened by the DPRU and the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Development. The research is at the intersection of labour markets and climate change and focuses on the labour market implications of decarbonisation in low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on human capital and skills.

In future events, we hope to identify and discuss a menu of feasible and considered economic policy options that aim to ensure that the green energy transition leaves no South African. Ultimately, we envisage that through research-driven policy implementation, South Africa can become the gold standard amongst countries for prioritising justice while transitioning towards a greener economy.

When: Monday 20 November 2023

What time: 13h00 Lunch, 14h00-17h00 Workshop

Where: UCT-GSB Academic Conference Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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Just Transition Workshop 20nov2023

The workshop will also feature a panel discussion featuring:

  • Dr Crispian Olver - Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission

  • Ms Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly  - World Bank Country Director for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini

  • Ms Nomvuyo Guma  -  Chief Director Microeconomic Policy at the National Treasury

  • Ms Joanne Yawitch  - Head of the Presidency’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) project management unit