The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is deeply concerned that the Presidential Inaugural Just Energy Transition Municipal Conference, as currently structured, does not adequately represent the interests and concerns of workers in South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
COSATU has consistently championed the need for a just transition; one that not only addresses the environmental imperatives of reducing carbon emissions but also protects the livelihoods and rights of workers who will be most affected by this transition. A truly just transition requires the active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, particularly the workers who are on the front lines of our economy.
Unfortunately, despite our efforts to engage constructively, the current format and agenda of the conference do not reflect this critical principle. The voices of workers and their representatives have been marginalised, with the focus seemingly more on technical and policy frameworks that overlook the human and social dimensions of the transition.
COSATU’s concerns include, but are not limited to:
1. Lack of Genuine Social Dialogue: The absence of meaningful dialogue with labour unions and worker representatives undermines the very foundation of a just transition. Decisions are being made without sufficient input from those whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.
2. Insufficient Focus on Job Protection and Creation: The conference has failed to provide concrete plans for safeguarding existing jobs in carbon-intensive industries or for creating new, decent jobs in the green economy. Workers cannot be expected to bear the brunt of the transition without assurances of fair compensation, retraining, and alternative employment opportunities.
3. Inadequate Social Protection Measures: There has been little discussion of the social protection measures that are essential to support workers and communities affected by the transition. These include unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and other safety nets that are crucial for ensuring that no one is left behind.
4. Corporate Influence Over Worker Concerns: We are deeply concerned about the undue influence of corporate interests in the conference’s agenda. The prioritization of profit-driven approaches over people-centred solutions is incompatible with the principles of a just transition.
COSATU remains committed to the goal of a low-carbon, sustainable future for South Africa, but this must be achieved through a process that is inclusive, fair, and just. The exclusion of workers from meaningful participation in this conference is a betrayal of the very concept of a just transition.
We call on the government and all relevant stakeholders to recommit to a truly inclusive process that places workers and their families at the heart of the energy transition. COSATU stands ready to engage in such a process, but it must be one that respects the rights and voices of all South Africans.
These essential principles must be upheld if COSATU is to continue participating in these forums. We urge all concerned parties to reflect on the importance of a genuinely inclusive and just approach to the energy transition and to work with us to build a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
Issued by COSATU
Boitumelo Molete(COSATU Social Development Policy Coordinator)
Cell:072 306 1994
Email:Boitumelo@cosatu.org.za