About Just Urban Transitions
What is the Just Urban Transitions Project?
There are many actors who work to support municipal governments in mediating this interface. Notably, the South African Local Governments Association (SALGA) provides both technical and political support. The Just Urban Transitions project exists to support these efforts.
The Just Urban Transitions project is designed and implemented by Adapt.
The Just Urban Transitions project is funded by Agora Energiewende.
Objectives
There is an urgent need for a coherent investigation and delineation of the just transition for cities and towns, and proposals for a policy framework and practical implementation strategies. South Africa’s inequalities exist between different provinces, different cities and towns, and within these towns. Each level of inequality has consequences for what is possible and what is necessary for just urban transitions. The role of SALGA, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and other organisations that can facilitate a coherent approach to a just urban transition is critical to achieving fair, equitable and democratic processes and outcomes.
In terms of the energy transition, in particular, South African subnational face a range of challenges, given their constitutionally mandated authority and duty to implement electricity reticulation, together with a range of other basic services. In the context of South Africa’s constrained and coal-dependent energy supply, and increasingly frequently experienced climate change impacts, local governments also have to facilitate local economic development. These complex challenges are compounded by a national economic recession, deep socio-economic inequality and now COVID-19.
These municipal challenges are underrepresented in the national conversation on a just and sustainable energy transition. Much of the current discourse is focused on Eskom and its current troubles. While this is undeniably important, concurrent attention to other important parts of the system is necessary.
Our Partners
We work closely with SALGA
Our other collaborators include:
Years Established
Completed Projects
Our Team
Chris Brannan
Instructor
Nilson Smith
Instructor
Jenny Hammond
Instructor
Nathan Tolly
Instructor
Claudia Domini
Instructor
Nicole Smith
Instructor