South Africa’s move away from coal-fired power is facing renewed scrutiny, as lessons from the shutdown of the Komati Power Station continue to raise concerns about the real impact of the Just Energy Transition (JET). While the transition aims to move the country toward cleaner energy, both policymakers and analysts warn that the process must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
According to insights from Daily Maverick, the closure of Komati exposed significant socio-economic challenges, including job losses and limited economic alternatives for affected communities. Reports indicate that hundreds of workers were impacted, with broader ripple effects felt across the local economy. These experiences are now shaping Eskom’s approach to future decommissioning projects, with a stronger focus on planning and community support.
At the same time, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity has echoed similar concerns, warning that the broader JET programme could lead to further job losses if not properly managed. The committee emphasised that while the transition is necessary, it must protect workers and local economies through reskilling, consultation, and inclusive planning.
The Komati case has effectively become a cautionary example of what can go wrong when energy transition efforts move faster than social and economic support systems. As Eskom continues with plans to retire ageing coal stations, including those in Mpumalanga, the focus is now shifting toward ensuring that future closures do not repeat the same mistakes.
With more power stations set for decommissioning in the coming years, the challenge remains balancing environmental goals with economic realities—ensuring that South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy is not only sustainable, but also truly “just” for the communities most affected.