JUST TRANSITION OP-ED: How civil society safeguards South Africa’s energy future

Civil society organisations and communities are playing a crucial role in shaping South Africa's energy future, ensuring that it is lawful, evidence-based, and benefits all citizens. The country has committed to a Just Energy Transition (JET), moving away from coal, oil, and gas towards renewable energy sources while safeguarding workers and communities.

Recent court cases have demonstrated the power of civil society in protecting public funds, upholding constitutional rights, and holding both the state and industry accountable for major energy projects. For instance, the Constitutional Court's recent judgment blocking Shell and Impact Africa's Wild Coast exploration project is just one example of this trend.

The Constitutional Court's decision not only highlights the importance of transparency and public participation in decision-making processes but also serves as a warning to powerful interests attempting to undermine energy accountability. It is worth noting that South African organization "Daily Maverick" has exposed attempts by those with vested interests to limit the capacity of non-governmental organizations (NPOs) and non-profit organizations (NGOs) through proposed constitutional amendments.

Furthermore, the government's failure to heed the lessons from the Cancel Coal judgment, which emphasizes the need to consider the interests of children and future generations in energy planning, is another area where civil society organizations have raised concerns. Despite the ruling's significance, the government is contesting it, thereby prioritizing the interests of the coal lobby over the long-term welfare of South Africans.

In summary, civil society organizations and communities are essential in ensuring that South Africa's energy future is lawful, evidence-based, and inclusive, as they work tirelessly to protect public finances, democratic governance, and the rights of future generations.