Municipalities Hold the Key to South Africa’s Just Transition Future

South Africa’s journey toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon economy hinges on the strength and vision of one key player—its municipalities. Positioned on the frontlines of service delivery, economic development, and public engagement, local governments are uniquely placed to drive the country’s Just Transition forward. But doing so requires more than ambition—it demands funding, leadership, and collaboration.

Local Action, Global Impact

While national policy provides the blueprint for climate action, it is at the municipal level where the Just Transition will truly be tested. From maintaining basic services to fostering local economies, municipalities carry the constitutional mandate to uplift communities—many of which are already vulnerable to both economic shifts and climate change.

Municipalities are already developing and implementing local climate strategies, including plans for green infrastructure, emissions reduction, and community resilience. But they often face these tasks with limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and a heavy reliance on Eskom for electricity.

Tackling Infrastructure and Energy Challenges

A major challenge is the ageing energy infrastructure—especially in smaller municipalities—where substations and distribution grids are often in disrepair. These conditions significantly limit the ability to integrate renewable energy into local grids.

Most municipalities also lack the financial capacity to invest in renewable solutions. Debt to Eskom and weak revenue collection systems further complicate efforts. Recognising this, the Presidential Climate Commission has launched the Municipal JET Support Programme, aimed at helping municipalities develop practical, city-level Just Energy Transition (JET) plans.

These plans emphasise:

• Renewable energy integration

• Equitable access to energy services

• Financially sustainable service delivery

• Functional distribution grids

Reimagining Local Economies Beyond Coal

In provinces like Mpumalanga, where local economies have long depended on coal, the need for economic diversification is urgent. As South Africa moves away from fossil fuels, municipalities must actively support new sectors, retrain workers, and create space for new industries.

Reducing bureaucratic red tape is a key step. Streamlining zoning laws, permitting, and licensing can attract sustainable investors and foster local enterprise. More importantly, municipalities must align these efforts with their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Local Economic Development (LED) strategies—not just for compliance, but for real impact.

Community Voices at the Centre

For the transition to be truly just, it must be inclusive. Municipalities are best placed to facilitate community conversations, ensuring that local voices shape development priorities. While NGOs and civil society play a role, municipalities can prevent consultation fatigue and ensure discussions remain grounded and consistent.

Through platforms like the Just Transition Framework, municipalities must support workers, small businesses, and residents in understanding and co-defining their futures. Procedural justice—open, transparent decision-making—is essential.

Collaboration is Key

To realise this vision, municipalities need strong partnerships—with the private sector, civil society, and international funders and development agencies. These relationships can bring in the technical support, capital, and innovation needed to build greener, more resilient local economies.

The Road Ahead

South Africa’s municipalities are not just service providers—they are catalysts for a better, fairer future. With the right support and leadership, they can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, paving the way for a transition that benefits people, the planet, and the economy alike.

As the country continues its shift toward sustainability, the role of local governments will only grow in importance. The Just Transition begins—meaningfully—at the municipal level.

{Source IOL}

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