SEO Riders:
– South African mining communities advocate for inclusive, community-led energy transition
- – Cooperative solar projects proposed to empower local communities in renewable energy shift
- – Calls for policy reforms to support socially owned renewable energy initiatives in South Africa
South African mining communities are advocating for a community-led approach to the country’s energy transition, emphasizing the need for inclusive and socially owned renewable energy initiatives. The Sekhukhune Combined Mining Affected Communities (SCMAC) in Burgersfort, Limpopo, proposes a cooperative model to establish a community-owned solar farm, aiming to generate income and development opportunities for local residents.
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report highlights that only 36% of respondents from coal mining communities are aware of the Just Energy Transition (JET), with 58% feeling inadequately involved in decision-making processes. Concerns about job losses and economic disruptions are prevalent, underscoring the importance of engaging communities in meaningful dialogues to address their unique challenges and aspirations.
The Climate Justice Coalition (CJC) supports socially owned renewable energy projects, like the Saltuba Community Cooperative, which faces regulatory barriers despite generating electricity since 2019. The CJC calls for policy reforms to facilitate community ownership and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are equitably shared.
