Just Transition Dialogue Hosted by SALGA Gauteng
On March 13, 2025, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Gauteng organized a Just Transition Dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of climate action and sustainable development in the region. The event featured prominent speakers from the Presidential Climate Commission, C40 Cities, and SALGA, each highlighting critical aspects of the Just Energy Transition (JET) and its implications for local governance. Dr. Khanyile, a Senior Researcher from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), participated in a panel discussion during the dialogue, focusing on aligning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Just Transition efforts at the community level. This emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable development goals into local climate action plans.
Presidential Climate Commission: The dialogue opened with insights from the Presidential Climate Commission, which addressed the impact of JET on revenue collection. As more people transition off the grid, municipalities may face potential revenue losses. Key recommendations for local governments included developing a JET Framework, reviewing disaster management systems, establishing a Climate Change Response Fund, and implementing a JET Municipal Support Programme. Notably, the Climate Change Response Fund has already been approved, marking a significant step forward. Additionally, aligning procurement standards with green requirements, such as green mobility and solar lighting, was emphasized.
C40 Cities: Yaseen Salie from C40 Cities' Inclusive Climate Action initiative advocated for integrating informal workers into the green economy to create sustainable jobs. He stressed the importance of cities co-designing and co-delivering local solutions that address the needs of informal workers. Outcomes from the Ekurhuleni Local Just Transition Commission included the development of a forum for resilience and a Just Transition forum. Salie also highlighted the availability of the C40 Just Transition Toolkit as a valuable resource for cities.
SALGA: Representatives from SALGA discussed the role of local government in the Just Transition, referencing the Climate Change Act passed in July 2024. The Act outlines responsibilities for municipalities, including policy alignment and institutional arrangements (Chapter 2) and implementation plans with financing mechanisms (Chapter 3). Opportunities for municipalities were identified in data collection and monitoring, with a focus on tracking and reporting local progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. However, cities require assistance in climate finance to effectively implement these initiatives.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion:
- Revenue Collection Challenges: The transition to renewable energy sources and off-grid solutions may lead to losses in municipal revenue. This underscores the need for innovative revenue collection strategies.
- Recommendations for Local Governments:
- Develop a Just Energy Transition (JET) Framework.
- Review disaster management systems.
- Establish a Climate Change Response Fund.
- Implement a JET Municipal Support Programme.
3. Climate Change Response Fund: The approval of this fund is a significant milestone,
providing financial support for climate action initiatives.
4. Green Procurement Standards: Aligning procurement standards with green
requirements, such as green mobility and solar lighting, is essential for sustainable
development.
5. Inclusive Climate Action: Integrating informal workers into the green economy can
create sustainable jobs. Cities should co-design and co-deliver solutions that meet
their needs.
6. Local Just Transition Commissions: Developing forums for resilience and Just Transition
can help cities navigate the transition effectively.
7. Climate Change Act: The Act outlines responsibilities for municipalities, including policy
alignment, institutional arrangements, and financing mechanisms.
8. Data Collection and Monitoring: Municipalities must track and report their progress
towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
9. Climate Finance: Cities need support in securing climate finance to implement their
climate action plans effectively.
These takeaways underscore the collaborative efforts and strategic planning required to achieve a just and sustainable transition for all communities in Gauteng.