4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Just Transition

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    The Political Economy of Energy Regulation in the Coal Mining Industry of Emalahleni
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Selebi, Elton Jimmy; Matshabaphala, Manamela
    This study explores the perspectives on the political economy of energy regulation in the coal mining industry of Emalahleni. It seeks to discuss whether there are adequate steps within the political and economic sphere that regulates the efficient supply of electricity. The goals of this study are to ascertain the extent of regulation and policy formulation in the coal mining business in Emalahleni, South Africa; examine the reasons for decision-makers’ inaction in promoting a sustainable energy transition in Emalahleni, South Africa, and to identify political channels and platforms that can garner public and/or political support to speed the region's transition to sustainable energy. This research draws upon theoretical discussions centred on the following: The Agency Theory, Classical Political Economy, Keynesian Economics, and the Political Theory of Governance. Informed by an interpretivist paradigm, the qualitative research approach will be employed to explore the political economy of energy regulation within the study area. A non-probability sampling approach through the use of judgemental sampling was used to select the research participants, and the research method utilised interviews through the distribution of a questionnaire. A sample size of 20 comprised individuals from mining organisations in Emalahleni, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Officials, CGS, Petroleum Agency SA, COSATU, and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition. The study noted that the political system has an impact on the energy and coal regulation markets at Emalahleni. It is recommended that an efficient energy resource policy and local governance are required to address the challenges of increased energy demand and pollution in South Africa.
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    Implications of the just energy transition for employees in the South African coal mining sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Njokwana, Zukiswa
    South Africa’s economy is heavily reliant on coal-fired power which greatly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, hence the country’s commitment to shift to renewable energy by 2030 as per the Paris agreement. However, this shift has the potential to leave employees in the coal mining sector uncertain of their jobs, thus, the need to implement the Just Energy Transition (JET) which aims to institute a just and fair transition for coal mining sector employees and affected communities. This research explored implications of the JET for employees in the South African mining energy sector in Mpumalanga province. It assessed employment benefits and challenges of the JET, and also examined forms of organisational employee support for employees in the coal mining sector in South Africa. Ten participants were interviewed and the collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The data incorporated evidence from participants which revealed that there are employment benefits and challenges of the JET for employees in the coal mining sector in South Africa. The data further exhibited that coal mining sector organisations can play a role in supporting employees in the transition process. In conclusion, the study contributed in revealing the JET implications on the South African coal mining sector employees related to employment benefits and challenges, and organisational support mechanisms. Another revelation is that there is a lack of strong awareness about the JET among employees which implies inadequate organisational communication to employees about the JET. This is a threat to the implementation of a just transition for employees
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    Understanding the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s Evolving Policies on the Role of Renewable Energy in South Africa’s Mineral Energy Complex
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-01-31) Monaisa, Chere; Pillay, Devan
    The concept of the just transition is widely regarded as organised labour’s response to the negative impact of climate change. It is used as a mechanism to reconcile the movement’s mandate to provide workers with decent jobs and the need to protect the environment. NUMSA is an example of a union that, during 2011-12, responded to the impact of climate change by developing its own policies and directly challenging government’s renewable energy policies. The union’s vision for South Africa is a socially owned renewable energy sector made up of a mix of energy parastatals, cooperatives, municipal-owned entities, and other forms of community energy enterprises. South Africa is heavily reliant on coal for its electricity generation. The government, the private sector, civil society, and organised labour mostly agree that there is a need to transition away from coal to renewable energy. Initially, the transition to renewable energy was framed as a choice between ‘jobs and environment’ and ‘jobs versus environment’. NUMSA’s vision of socially owned renewable energy displayed characteristics of active labour environmentalism that called for the transformative ‘jobs and environment with just transition’ despite its location in the fossil fuel sector. However, a series of events and decisions by a top leadership that is viewed as authoritarian and unenthusiastic about eco-socialism, has resulted in NUMSA adopting strategies in recent years that are, at best, seen as reactive and narrowly protecting workers – even though they purport to support a just transition to renewable energy. At worst, the union has been accused of anti-environmentalism and protecting coal and electricity workers regardless of the impact on the environment. It was this apparent shift and criticism of NUMSA that necessitated an analysis of its opposition to the closure of coal fired power stations to make way for renewable energy independent power producers. The findings point to a union that relies on its pioneering decarbonization policies to shield itself from legitimate criticism from labour climate activists and progressive environmental groups of its actual practice.
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    The Role of Sector Education and Training Authorities in South Africa’s transition to a just and green economy
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Josopu, Thembinkosi Matthews; Vergotine, Glynnis; Ramsarup, Presha
    Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are South African organisations tasked through legislation to play a key role in developing skills through their Sector Skills Plans (SSPs). However, the country’s sustainable development pathways have not been sufficiently integrated into Sector Skills Plans. Hence, developing environmentally sustainable skills planning in South Africa is considered inept and fragmented. Planning related to environmental sustainability and associated skills has not been embarked upon on a substantial scale. This research explores the role of Sector Education and Training Authorities in relation to knowledge and skills for a just transition to a greener economy. In conducting the research, a qualitative methodology was employed, with documents collected and interviews used as data collection methods. The findings from the data analysis illustrate a lack of coordination in relation to integrating environmental sustainability into the Sector Skills Plan for improving knowledge and skills for just transition to a greener economy. Sector Education and Training Authorities continue to operate in silos as there is no central coordinating mechanism to ensure coherence and that national priorities are considered in skills planning for environmental sustainability. Some Sector Education and Training Authorities aim to adapt to changes presented by the transition to a green economy by developing new qualifications. However, the inability of regulatory bodies to respond timeously to qualifications submitted by SETAs for approval may be detrimental to those workers who will need upskilling and reskilling to support the just transition to greener economy. Implications of these findings are that the Department of Higher Education and Training should explore the establishment of a central coordinating body with a specific focus on knowledge and skills that will enhance environmental sustainability. Such a body should be empowered by legislation to direct and prescribe skills planning in SETAs. In addition, the capacity of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations should be enhanced to improve turnaround time in relation to the approval of skills programmes submitted by Sector Education and Training Authorities.
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    Corporate Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability in South Africa’s Chemicals Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ntshani, Itukiseng; Pooe, Kagiso (TK)
    Companies in the South African chemicals industry are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations while ensuring job preservation andvalue creation for all their stakeholders. Greenhouse gases primarily emanate from burning and processing fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas. Over 90% of the feedstock for chemical production is obtained from fossil fuels (IEA, 2018), which is not environmentally sustainable. Literature suggests that applying the concept of corporate entrepreneurship can play a vital role in developing solutions to enhance a company’s economic, environmental, and social outcomes (Aparicio et al., 2020). Despite this suggestion, the amount of research done on the application of corporate entrepreneurship to address environmental sustainability challenges is limited, especially in the South African context. This study applies a qualitative research methodology, using a case study research method to investigate if corporate entrepreneurship can address environmental sustainability challenges in South Africa’s chemicals manufacturing sector. Secondary data on companies in South Africa’s chemicals manufacturing value chain was obtained from various digital platforms and triangulated with primary data from interviews to conduct this research. Interview participants included individuals from environmental conservation NGOs and government agencies. The collected data was analyzed in ATLAS.ti through coding and visualization techniques. The results indicate that companies in South Africa’s chemicals manufacturing sector are applying elements of corporate entrepreneurship theory to develop strategies to address environmental sustainability challenges. Individuals from environmental conservation NGOs and government agencies believe corporate entrepreneurship can effectively address environmental sustainability challenges in the chemical manufacturing sector. Most strategies, plans, and projects announced by the companies are yet to be implemented. Therefore, it is yet to be confirmed if these strategies will effectively address the environmental sustainability challenges
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    The Political Economy of Energy Regulation in the Coal Mining Industry of Emalahleni
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Selebi, Elton J; Matshabaphala, M.
    This study explores the perspectives on the political economy of energy regulation in the coal mining industry of Emalahleni. It seeks to discuss whether there are adequate steps within the political and economic sphere that regulates the efficient supply of electricity. The goals of this study are to ascertain the extent of regulation and policy formulation in the coal mining business in Emalahleni, South Africa; examine the reasons for decision-makers’ inaction in promoting a sustainable energy transition in Emalahleni, South Africa, and to identify political channels and platforms that can garner public and/or political support to speed the region's transition to sustainable energy. This research draws upon theoretical discussions centred on the following: The Agency Theory, Classical Political Economy, Keynesian Economics, and the Political Theory of Governance. Informed by an interpretivist paradigm, the qualitative research approach will be employed to explore the political economy of energy regulation within the study area. A non-probability sampling approach through the use of judgemental sampling was used to select the research participants, and the research method utilised interviews through the distribution of a questionnaire. A sample size of 20 comprised individuals from mining organisations in Emalahleni, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Officials, CGS, Petroleum Agency SA, COSATU, and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition. The study noted that the political system has an impact on the energy and coal regulation markets at Emalahleni. It is recommended that an efficient energy resource policy and local governance are required to address the challenges of increased energy demand and pollution in South Africa
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    Developing our financial markets to finance the energy transition
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Madungandaba, Gcebile F.
    Developing a financial market is complex and tedious; therefore, the needs of various stakeholders must be considered, and market efficiency must be ensured to develop the renewable energy (RE) market effectively. This study offers valuable guidance on the effective allocation of capital resources in the renewable energy (RE) market to facilitate a smooth transition to renewable energy. To achieve this aim, panel data from 42 developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South America, spanning 1990-2019, are analysed. This study uses a panel fixed effects model to investigate the relationship between renewable energy production and credit, equity, and bond market development. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that all three dimensions of financial development, namely credit, equity, and bond, are positively associated with renewable energy production, albeit to varying degrees. This work also proposes a framework to promote renewable energy production in developing countries based on the empirical findings and existing literature. The framework highlights the leading renewable energy policy categories and specific policies most effectively promoting renewable energy production in emerging markets