Preparing for the Future of a Just Transition: Impact Catalyst Embarks on a Collective Participation Approach with Mpumalanga Communities

The Impact Catalyst was commissioned by the Presidential Climate Committee (PCC) to facilitate Just Energy Transition (JET) community engagement sessions in Mpumalanga. More recently, with the support of Indalo Inclusive, the Impact Catalyst led community engagements in nine local municipalities, such as: Steve Tshwete, Emalahleni, and Emakhazeni. These sessions aimed to build partnerships and enhance residents' understanding and knowledge of the Just Energy Transition and its implications for the Mpumalanga Province.

JET is typically defined as a process of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, however, it goes beyond that to ensure that nobody is left behind in the process. This transition aims to minimise the impacts of climate change while ensuring a just and equitable transition for all stakeholders.

Currently, more than 80% of coal production and South Africa’s coal-fired power stations are situated in Mpumalanga, making the province the heart of South Africa’s energy sector. With the government’s commitment to reducing emissions due to climate change, plans are underway to decommission >11GW of Eskom power stations in Mpumalanga by 2030.

Although, the energy crisis has derailed these plans, the requirement for sustainable strategies for a just transition still remains. In a province where the biggest source of employment opportunities is the power stations, there is an urgent need for an action plan to prepare the local citizens of Mpumalanga for the eventual closure of coal power stations. This plan will encourage a new way of thinking that will lead to a more vibrant and diversified economy.

In an effort ensure that no one is left behind, the Impact Catalyst is leveraging its expertise in community engagement and knowledge on JET to foster partnerships, share information on and gather valuable insights from the community on how they perceive the transition and envision JET unfolding in their respective communities. Furthermore, the idea is to support participatory justice within communities and across all stakeholder groupings for the JET.

"We want to identify priority projects that we can co-create and eventually co-implement with the communities. The goal is to provide procedural justice to everyone, ensuring that the community is informed and empowered to make decisions,” said Aradhna Pandarum.

The JET projects follow three justice principles, as stipulated in the Presidential Climate Commission’s (PCCs) Just Transition Framework: distributive justice, procedural justice, and restorative justice. Distributive justice ensures fair distribution of energy transition benefits and costs among stakeholders. Procedural justice promotes democratic participation and accountability. Restorative justice addresses past injustices and environmental harm, promoting healing and reconciliation.

These principles are the basis for the country to ensure that there is a just transition. It enables opportunities for the country to alleviate the triple challenge already being faced within the transition. The benefits envisaged include self-sustaining communities, increased sustainable employment, ownership and accountability, reduction of inequalities and poverty and lastly increased health benefits for the community.

This consultative approach to the engagement sessions is also informed by key learnings from the decommissioning process of the Komati Power Station.

“There are case studies showing that while the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station was necessary, it was not particularly smooth. It led to economic disruption and job losses because the community members of Middleburg were not well-prepared for the winds of change. The lack of consultation and involvement by the community in the decommissioning process put the affected communities at a disadvantage. This is something we can learn from as a country and rectify in future decommissioning processes” added Pandarum.

Therefore, using a collective impact model, the Impact Catalyst worked together with community members of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to map the future of Mpumalanga post the decommissioning of the power stations in 2030. The discussions focused on understanding the current projects, assets, and economic activities in the community, identifying strategies for building strategic partnerships to reduce unemployment, exploring potential alternative economic sectors that can ensure sustainability, and the relevant skills required to participate in these economic sectors.

During the session, community members participated in an interactive activity where they identified their current state, visions, and challenges, and brainstormed solutions to ensure economic stability and prevent socio-economic issues such as crime, unemployment, drug addiction, and lack of opportunities and resources in their community. This exercise empowered community members to take an active role in shaping their desired future.

“We want to ensure that we leave no one behind. The JET project is a long journey, and it is important for us to move together. We are committed to fostering a collaborative approach that prioritises the needs and aspirations of the community, ensuring a just and equitable transition for all.”

Although community members expressed their enthusiasm for the future, they also shared some of their fears. Some expressed concerns about the potential consequences of this transition on their livelihoods. Many fear that the shift away from fossil fuels will lead to job losses for those employed in mines and power stations, truck drivers involved in the transportation of coal, and vendors who sell food outside these power stations.

As a result, the community welcomed the importance of their involvement in the decision-making processes and skills development of the transition to prepare for the projects that will come into effect once the transition sets in. They emphasised the need for sustainable solutions that prioritise their well-being and economic development.

“2030 may feel like it is still far off, but it is knocking at our doorstep. So, we must prepare now and gradually introduce the transition to community members so that they are well-positioned to actively participate in the economy post-transition.”