by Lolo Malatji
As the first consultation happened last year around March where the people of Lephalale submitted their comments regarding the just transition, the PCC decided to come back to the people of Lephalale to engage with them as what have been agreed on.
People were waiting to hear responses as they have submitted their comments. Most of the people were not happy as they have realized that what they commented on is not taken into consideration.
Business companies and different departments were invited to ensure that the framework is adopted. Some of the departments supported the framework meanwhile the business companies are not happy about the implementation of the just transition framework.
The unions, the NGO’s and the community organization raised their voices not supporting the implementation framework as their comments were not covered.
The concern was many people will lose their jobs and the economy of Lephalale is based on coal. They also indicated that youth need to be trained so that when this transition takes place, it will benefit them.
Solutions: Building of new other energy projects around Lephalale. Encourage companies to go renewable and workshop the workers about the new methods of just transition. Monitoring of funds during the process of just transition so that they can benefit the people. Engage with the municipality and other departments about the just transition concepts.
