The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa was in Mpumalanga, on Tuesday, addressing among others, the Just Energy Transition, a bid to move away from coal.
The President said all spheres of Government must work towards cleaner technologies in consultation with communities, “there is an obligation on all spheres of Government to cooperate, collaborate and consult on matters of common interest. At the same time, it is important to respect the scope of the respective powers and functions of each sphere. Our experience over the last 30 years of democracy is that economic and social development requires greater integration of the work of national, provincial and local government.”
In November, a judgement by the High Court, set aside the decision by the Minister of Mineral Energy and Resources, to procure 1,500 Megawatts from coal-fired coal plants.
The case was brought to the High Court by the Youth-led African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement and groundWork.
Mpumalanga’s reserves account for 83% of South Africa’s coal. eMalahleni is the biggest coal producer in Africa.
The five largest companies investing in Mpumalanga are Seriti, Sasol, Exxaro, Thungela and Glencore.