Putting Communities at the Centre of Just Transitions: The Catalytic Role of Philanthropy in South Africa’s Coal Regions

As the global Just Transition Work Programme moves towards implementation, a critical question is how just transition pathways will be financed in communities facing the real economic and social impacts of transition. South Africa’s coal regions illustrate this challenge, where coal mine and power station closures intersect with unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Drawing on experience from Komati and Dipaleseng, this panel will explore how philanthropic financing through the African Climate Foundation can support locally led solutions that conventional finance may struggle to reach because they are early-stage, risky or prioritise livelihoods and long-term community development over scale and immediate returns.

A short impact video will ground the discussion in community experience, followed by perspectives from government, philanthropy, implementation and communities.
The panel will explore how patient philanthropy can generate proof of concept, strengthen local agency and unlock additional resources, and what partnerships are needed to take community-led solutions to scale.