BL Premium reports that Cosatu has rejected ‘just transition’ moves to a low-carbon economy, saying there are more pressing issues to be addressed.

The just transition approach is intended to reduce use of fossil fuels without disadvantaging workers and communities. Coal is by far SA’s major energy source, comprising about 80% of the country’s energy mix. The trade union federation fears that just transition will have a huge harmful effect on its affiliates’ members, their families and all coal-mining towns. On Tuesday, it said SA’s failure to mobilise around a sound industrial policy and a basic income grant were among the outstanding issues that needed to be addressed before a “just transition” could be committed to. Cosatu’s stance is contained in its policy documents to be discussed at its national congress later in September. Last week the cabinet approved its just transition framework, which signalled that any implementation would have to include intensive consultation with social partners. The cabinet affirmed that the shift to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 should support national development aspirations, including decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty. But Cosatu has proposed that instead of a just transition, a programme for eco-socialism be adopted. That would entail democratic ownership of mines, as a step before any discussion on decommissioning them. It also pointed out that there could be no just transition without the redistribution of land.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)

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