Beyond the coalface: navigating South Africa's energy and social transformation

Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, Simbarashe Mhaka, Ian Steuart and Ntombifuthi Tshabalala

Chapter 10 in Handbook on Energy Transitions in Africa, 2026, pp 160-179 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Coal has been central to South Africa's modern history, driving a Minerals–Energy Complex that has shaped industrialisation, infrastructure, socio-economic development, and ecosystems. As coal-dependent systems decline and renewable energy expands, South Africa faces a ‘double transition’ involving both technological shifts in the energy industry and a broader socio-economic transformation. This transition requires careful management through a just transition that puts people at the centre. While addressing historical injustices and minimising negative impacts on workers and communities, the development of new green economy opportunities is equally central. The country stands at a critical juncture. The coal-based paradigm is no longer sustainable or valid, necessitating a fundamental transformation toward a low-carbon future. The success or failure of South Africa's just transition will have implications extending beyond its borders to the broader Global South, making the country's navigation of this double transition crucial for regional and international climate action.

Keywords: Just Transition; Double Transition; Energy; Coal; Green Economy; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332236
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