South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the critical need for a balanced approach to economic development and environmental sustainability, placing low-carbon and climate-resilient growth at the forefront of national policy. Speaking at the inaugural Just Energy Transition (JET) Municipal Conference in Johannesburg on Monday, President Ramaphosa made it clear that the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, must be addressed to mitigate the significant risks posed to the economy, society, and the environment.
Ramaphosa identified coal-fired power stations as the primary source of South Africa’s carbon emissions, acknowledging the urgency of diversifying the nation’s energy mix. “If we do not manage this transition in a manner that is sensitive to our national and local contexts, the reliance on coal could present grave threats to our economic and environmental well-being,” he stated.
The President also called attention to the dangers of unilateral and coercive carbon adjustment measures imposed by developed economies, which could have detrimental effects on South Africa’s economy. Instead, he advocated for a collaborative and inclusive global approach to addressing climate change, affirming the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
In his address, Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s pursuit of a just energy transition would be conducted with careful consideration of the country’s socio-economic trajectory. “Our commitment to combating climate change must yield just outcomes for those most impacted by the energy transition. It is imperative that we balance this with inclusive economic growth, ensuring energy security and creating employment opportunities,” he asserted.
A pivotal aspect of this strategy, according to Ramaphosa, is the role of municipalities in spearheading the provision of clean, affordable energy to various sectors. “One of the objectives of this conference is to catalyse the institutional frameworks necessary to propel the decarbonisation effort,” he said, highlighting the strategic significance of municipalities in the energy transition.
Following the Cabinet’s approval of the Just Energy Transition Plan in 2023, Ramaphosa noted that municipalities now possess the authority to procure electricity directly from independent power producers and establish their power-generating entities. This development is seen as a crucial step in decentralising the energy sector and fostering local energy initiatives.
However, the President cautioned against the potential adverse effects of the energy transition on vulnerable populations. He stressed that the government is actively working to ensure that the transition does not exacerbate energy poverty or deepen social inequalities. “We must safeguard against the risk of increased energy costs that could further entrench poverty and inequality,” Ramaphosa warned.
The President concluded his remarks by calling for enhanced collaboration between the government, business, labour, and civil society to achieve a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future for all South Africans.
