Progress Playbook News Today

South Africa plans an $85 billion investment to transition from coal to renewable energy, aiming to reskill coal workers and develop new sectors. However, coal communities like those in Mpumalanga are fearful about job security, with little clarity on green job prospects. Political commitment to the transition remains contentious.

Growing up surrounded by the towering smokestacks of coal-fired power stations, 22-year-old Siya Mokoena's life is inextricably linked to the coal industry that dominates his hometown of Emalahleni in South Africa's eastern province of Mpumalanga. Like many in Emalahleni, generations of Mokoena's family have worked in the coal sector. His father, a miner, was laid off in March when his mine was shut down.

‘Eskom, despite all of the massive tariff increases that weve all been subjected to, still isnt making enough money to cover its costs. So its tariffs are still not cost-reflective, and thats just not enough to cover its costs, let alone ramp up maintenance to the levels needed,’ says Nick Hedley, sustainability researcher and founder of The Progress Playbook.

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