The opening of Parliament’s address held on Thursday 18 marked the official beginning of the new Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa. This is an important moment for the country’s climate agenda going forward. The Climate Change Bill, passed earlier this year, aims to enhance South Africa’s climate response and help facilitate the country’s long-term transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. Additionally, the bill is intended to promote sustainable economic development by balancing environmental protection with socio-economic well-being. It takes a holistic approach by integrating climate objectives and considerations across various policy areas, aligning South Africa’s climate policies with international commitments, and ensuring local accountability and stakeholder engagement.
The GNU comprises different parties with diverging policy perspectives and priorities, which will impact the Climate Change Bill in terms of prioritisation, legislative support, policy direction, public discourse consultation, budget allocation, and international commitments.
The bill has its critics, with some environmental advocacy groups believing it is not extensive enough in sanctioning actors that contribute to an increased carbon footprint and greenhouse gases (GHGs). Furthermore, interest groups from the energy sector, such as mining companies, trade unions, and other stakeholders, have sometimes pushed back against goals aimed at accelerating the country’s Just Transition, citing fears of lower profits, job losses, and other economic trade-offs. Livelihoods have already been negatively affected by the closure of various coal-powered plants across the country, such as the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station in Mpumalanga, where unemployment rose despite efforts to create renewable energy projects and jobs, which have not adequately translated into opportunities for many community members.
Opposition political parties often see climate action as less of a direct and immediate priority than other socio-economic issues. In a country with 32.9% unemployment and rising inequality, balancing the socio-economic aspects of the climate agenda is of utmost importance. The implications of climate change are increasingly having detrimental effects on livelihoods, further exacerbating existing socio-economic issues. This is evident through climatic events like water scarcity in parts of Gauteng and floods in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, which have had significant socio-economic impacts on communities.
Going forward, the GNU will need to balance the needs of various stakeholders carefully to effectively implement the Climate Change Bill and achieve its key objectives. How well the GNU drives the implementation of the bill will significantly impact the effectiveness of the green sector in advancing South Africa’s climate agenda.
Author: Kennedy Simango
Research Analyst
