Germany’s State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, Jennifer Morgan, visited South Africa last week, marking an important step in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations on climate change and energy transition.
The visit comes as Germany seeks clarity on South Africa’s plans to decelerate the closure of its coal-fired power stations and review the terms of the landmark climate-finance pact, known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This $9.3 billion agreement, backed by Germany and other leading nations, aims to support South Africa’s transition away from coal in exchange for loans and grants that promote a shift to cleaner energy.
South Africa’s recent decision to slow the pace of coal plant closures follows the significant economic impact of shutting down the Komati power station. The State Secretary’s visit aimed to better understand South Africa’s evolving approach to managing this delicate balance between economic stability and environmental sustainability.
“Germany wants to know what South Africa’s priorities are,” Morgan emphasized during her visit, highlighting the importance of dialogue between the two nations. Her engagements included high-level meetings with South African government officials, as well as critical discussions with the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), the province’s secretariat for the Just Energy Transition (JET) committee.
At the MGCA, Acting Chief Executive Officer Nkosinathi Nkonyane outlined the agency’s mission and its pivotal role in ensuring that South Africa’s energy transition is both just and equitable. Nkonyane emphasized the need to consider the livelihoods of Mpumalanga’s communities, many of whom are deeply reliant on the coal sector. “Our projects are focused on creating alternative economic opportunities that will benefit communities and support their transition while addressing local concerns,” he said.
Nkonyane also emphasized the support from JustSA, a key player in South Africa’s Just Transition landscape. JustSA, has been instrumental in aligning stakeholders, providing technical assistance, and coordinating financial resources to support Mpumalanga’s shift from coal to a greener economy. This partnership has enhanced MGCA’s capacity to execute impactful projects that prioritize community well-being and inclusive growth. The collaboration with JustSA ensures that the transition is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically inclusive, especially for vulnerable communities.
One of the flagship initiatives supported by this partnership is the MGCA’s Green Innovation Challenge, which invites local entrepreneurs in the green economy to present their innovative business ideas. Winners receive financial support, courtesy of JustSA, aimed at scaling their ventures, creating employment opportunities, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship—particularly among young people. “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to plant the seeds of sustainable growth and entrepreneurship in Mpumalanga,” Nkonyane added.
Through the backing of JustSA, the MGCA has been able to expand its impact, especially in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. These interventions not only aim to preserve jobs lost in the coal sector but also introduce new opportunities for youth and women-led enterprises in Mpumalanga’s emerging green economy.
The visit concluded with discussions on deepening collaboration between Germany, JustSA, and the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to further actualize key projects that align with the Just Energy Transition’s goals. With strong backing from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and international partners like Germany, the MGCA looks forward to ensuring that Mpumalanga’s transition to a green economy is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
The State Secretary’s visit underscored the importance of international cooperation and coordinated local efforts, like those of JustSA, in addressing the complex challenges of climate change while ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to cleaner energy.
