By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the establishment of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) played a pivotal role in shaping government policy to advance a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society.
Ramaphosa was presiding over 20th Ordinary Commission Session and Inauguration Ceremony of the PCC at the Sefako Makgatho, Presidential Guest House in Tshwane.
This comes at a time when global momentum on climate action is waning, raising concerns about the world’s ability to meet the Paris Agreement targets.
“Nine years since the signing of the Paris Agreement and with just five years to go before the world aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals – countries of the world are way off track on climate goals, “the President said.
Ramaphosa said based on recommendations from the Commission, we released our Just Transition Framework, that sets out the actions that government and social partners will take to achieve to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy and society.
“It contains outcomes to be achieved over the short-medium, and long-run. On the advice of this Commission, we have been clear that the Just Transition must find expression in the Medium Term Development Plan, Annual Performance Plans as well as in the budget processes of every department, “the President said.
Furthermore, sectoral policies, including around energy, agriculture and industrial policy, should be aligned with a robust climate regulatory system.
“The Framework lays out the skills development, economic diversification, social support, governance and finance mechanisms required to make low carbon economy a reality. It also highlights the need to provide comprehensive social security safety for displaced workers and communities.
“In 2023, the Commission supported the release of the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan 2023-2027. This Plan, developed under the guidance of the Commission and international partners, is what we have been able to take to the international climate finance community and international forums as tangible proof of our resolve to walk the talk on climate action, “Ramaphosa explained.
It covers the necessary reforms, investments and concrete projects for the energy transition, with a strong focus on social justice.
“At COP30 in Brazil last month, having a credible, tangible plan in place to support meeting our climate targets bolstered South Africa’s credibility, and lent weight to our commitment to equity, ambition and international cooperation.
The President hailed the Commission for its counsel on the restructuring of the energy sector, notably Eskom – and to aiding government in resolving contradictory policy pronouncements.
Furthermore, the Commission initiated a three-sector study into water, built environment and agriculture, and into the development of an adaptation and resilience investment plan.
It has held consultations around the updated Integrated Resource Plan; supporting the development of municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) readiness assessments; and working on a Climate Finance Landscape report.
“The Commission’s evidence-based recommendations, inclusive processes, internationally respected thought leadership and engagements with international partners have raised South Africa’s profile in multilateral forums. This is particularly so with respect to the climate finance negotiations.
“It would be no understatement to say that the past five years have seen our reputation grow as a respected, principled, and above all pragmatic contributor to the global climate effort,” the President said.
By convening business, labour, civil society, academia and government around the Just Transition, the Commission has helped shape conversations around equity, transition financing and the various dimensions of climate action not just domestically but globally.
“The prominence accorded to a just transition at the recent Group Twenty (G20) Summit bears testimony to this.
“The G20 Leaders’ Summit pledged to amongst other things increase the quality and quantity of climate finance to developing economies, and support country platforms like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships.