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To be just and promote equality, the energy transition must mean business unusual

Liz McDaid
By Liz McDaid
1 Aug 2024
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A just energy transition is not only about reducing carbon emissions. A just transition is about restructuring power dynamics, fostering inclusivity, and safeguarding our environment and communities for future generations.

I always say that South Africans are among the most tenacious and resilient people in the world. But how many more poor decisions and weak governance impacts can we endure?

For instance, on 9 July 2024, the South African government celebrated 100 days without load shedding, following months of energy uncertainty. Yay!

However, this ‘celebration’ was completely overshadowed by the electricity price hike that took effect in municipalities at the start of the month. Even with a stable electricity supply, fewer South Africans can afford the exorbitant costs of this basic service.

In the heart of winter, when energy consumption typically increases for heating and cooking, life is becoming even harder for our vulnerable communities who make up the majority, while the elite continue to flourish. 

This is why the just energy transition is crucial because it provides an opportunity after 30 years to promote equity and justice and transform our approach to energy, which directly links to the country’s social and economic development. These are all principles promoted by Nelson Mandela. 

Fairness and inclusivity


South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Climate change impacts are visibly intensifying, and levels of poverty and inequality continue to rise. Therefore, we must learn from our past and the path forward must be guided by principles of fairness and inclusivity.

Unfortunately, our current approach to energy implementation far too often ignores the voices and concerns of those most affected, thereby perpetuating inequality and exacerbating environmental injustices. 

To genuinely embrace a sustainable future, we must commit to operating in an unconventional way; one that prioritises community engagement, transparency, and equitable participation.

We hope the new minister of energy and the new minister of environment will focus on empowering grassroots voices to participate meaningfully in decision-making. They have been ignored for too long and left to bear the negative impacts. 

Law is clear


The National Environmental Management Framework is clear: section 2(4)(c) demands that adverse impacts not unfairly burden vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Yet, in practice, energy transition plans are frequently formulated in a top-down manner, with decisions pre-packaged and merely presented for public consumption. This one-sided approach is not consultation, stifles meaningful participation, and risks imposing projects on communities without their consent or consideration of local realities. 

Take for instance the ambitious plans for green hydrogen production aimed at European export. The proposal includes building a massive port on the West Coast, threatening coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of Northern Cape fisher communities.

It was not surprising to find that these communities were not consulted until after international agreements had already been made. Is this not a very disturbing and clear violation of these communities’ participatory rights, enshrined in our laws? 

Moreover, the advent of false climate solutions such as gas, oil and nuclear, coupled with ill-conceived energy projects and opaque deals with global corporations, underscores the urgent need for transparent, evidence-based energy planning.

Karpowerships


The promotion of potentially harmful projects like nuclear deals and controversial ventures like Karpowerships are prime examples of failure to first do proper public consultation and rigorous planning.

In recent years, civil society organisations have been forced to turn to the courts to challenge unjust energy decisions and advocate for proper governance. Such actions underscore the failure of current approaches and demonstrate why systemic change is imperative. 

The ministers in the energy and environment portfolios have pivotal roles in this transformation. Energy planning and the just energy transition must be participatory, transparent, and informed by diverse perspectives. 

This means allocating adequate resources to facilitate broad-based engagement and rejecting the status quo of closed-door negotiations between business elites and government officials.

The people must be involved 


Furthermore, justice demands that we learn from past mistakes. For example, the choice of a nuclear waste site under apartheid excluded the people who lived in that area. We cannot blindly continue to state that this nuclear waste site must continue – surely the people of that area must decide? 

A just energy transition is not only about reducing carbon emissions. 

A just transition is about restructuring power dynamics, fostering inclusivity, and safeguarding our environment and communities for future generations. This is what we needed from the start of our democracy, coupled with bold leadership, ethical governance, and a commitment to democratic principles. 

With the reality of climate change, business as usual is no longer an option. 

It’s time for business to step aside in favour of society – business unusual! DM

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