Trade Union Engagement for a just transition in South Africa: A report for the Hans Böckler Foundation

This report maps out the terrain of climate policy in South Africa and, in particular, the country's promotion of a "just transition" toward netzero. At the centre of the planetary crisis generated by fossil capitalism, the Minerals Energy Complex (MEC) presents a source of existential threat to humanity (through its environmental devastation), as well as a source of wealth and security for vested interests. Building the MEC was central to colonial transformation and violence. Dismantling it represents the most profound reconfiguration of South Africa's economy in living memory, generating fear, anguish and anxieties for those communities (and their unions) most impacted. This article explores the labour movement's role in promoting a "just transition" in South Africa. Trade unions have been central actors initiating these debates. However, despite their early calls for a transition from fossil fuels labour's support has always been heavily caveated, particularly where unions in carbon-heavy sectors push back against the need for change. The labour movement is increasingly divided over whether to embrace a transition and this is feeding into a wider political backlash against climate action in general.