This webinar featured a distinguished panel of experts to unpack the needs and concerns of coal affected regions in Mpumalanga, focusing on the case Steve Tshwete Municipality. The challenges faced by the municipality, navigating the transformation of the national electricity system and associated value chains was outlined by the municipality. The direct and indirect risks and vulnerabilities were surfaced. This included the increasing vulnerability and precarity of household incomes as coal power stations are decommissioned. The consequences for municipal revenues and demand for subsidised service delivery was central to the discussion. Additionally, there shifting opportunities for service delivery and local economic development were also raised.
The municipality is undertaking significant work with different partners. This work is contextualised within the multi-level planning and action driven by the national and provincial governments, the private sector and civil society. Responding to representations from Steve Tshwete, corresponding inputs were made by Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Office, the Green Economy Cluster (Mpumalanga Provincial Government and GreenCape provided insights) and TIPS. These inputs allowed for a broader understanding of common issues and solutions. This session ultimately contributed to creating a shared understanding of what local governments can feasibly do to ensure their own functionality, ensure optimal service delivery outcomes, and facilitate local economic development (LED) as the coal value chain declines in line with national plans.
