Cabinet has approved the Just Transition Framework, which was published by the Presidential Climate Commission in July following extensive consultation, for implementation and has indicated that a detailed implementation plan will be developed for integration into government planning and budgeting.

The framework includes an estimate that South Africa will require at least $250-billion over the next three decades to transform its energy system and at least $10-billion to support workers and communities with compensation, retraining, relocation, and rehabilitation of regions and communities.

South Africa is currently working on a Just Energy Transition Partnership Investment Plan that could unlock $8.5-billion in concessional finance from developed-country governments to accelerate South Africa’s transition from coal to renewables and support workers and communities currently reliant on the coal value-chain.

The framework defines the principles and policy measures for transitioning to greater climate-resiliency and outlines the actions social partners should take to minimise the negative social and economic impacts of such a transition on those either linked to carbon-intensive activities or who are most vulnerable to climate-change impacts.

The Cabinet statement notes that the transition framework will impact everyone in South Africa, and argues that it also provides an opportunity to address historical inequities and create new economic opportunities.

“The Presidential Climate Commission conducted an extensive consultation process with social partners and received broad support for the framework.

“Cabinet affirmed that the shift to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 must support national development aspirations, including decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty,” the statement reads.

Cabinet also called on all social partners to rally behind and embrace this framework.