Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Onke Ngcuka
Published on 2024-03-26 21:28:59
After the Komati Power Station in Mpumalanga was shut down and decommissioned, the community faced challenges in understanding and participating in the Just Energy Transition (JET) process. According to Carlos Vilankulu, a community leader in Komati, they were only consulted by Eskom two years after the power plant was closed. He expressed frustration at the lack of communication and information given to the community, leaving them in the dark about the details of the transition.
The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) highlighted several mistakes made during the decommissioning process, emphasizing the need for additional support, inclusive community engagement, and financial assistance. The commission’s report on Komati’s decommissioning project pointed out delays in informing the community, a lack of economic diversification efforts post-decommissioning, and the necessity of an intersectional approach along with significant financial resources.
Eskom, in partnership with various organizations, initiated projects at the old power station site to provide training and create employment opportunities in renewable energy and agriculture. Despite these efforts, Vilankulu expressed concerns about unemployment in his community and questioned the relevance of initiatives like aquaponics and mushroom farming to a community struggling with poverty. He lamented the lack of support for families and children in need, highlighting the disconnect between decision-makers and the realities faced by the local community.
South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, along with international funding support, aimed to facilitate the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station and transition to renewable energy sources. The World Bank approved a project to support the decommissioning process, repurposing the plant, and minimizing the social impacts of closure. However, challenges remain as the country navigates its just transition, learning from the Komati project’s successes and failures.
Eskom acknowledged its shortcomings and expressed a commitment to addressing the social imbalances caused by the transition. Vilankulu and local municipalities shared concerns about the future of their communities, urging for early engagement, training, transparency, and inclusivity to avoid negative outcomes. Recommendations from the PCC report emphasized the importance of local governments diversifying economies and collaborating with the national government to mitigate the effects of plant closures.
As South Africa grapples with energy and climate challenges, Vilankulu expressed skepticism about the utility’s understanding of the transition process. He and other community members fear the potential exodus of experts and the impact on local economies. The gradual decommissioning of other power plants adds urgency to implementing effective strategies to support affected communities and ensure a just energy transition for all.
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