Experts say that green jobs cannot solve South African unemployment.

* South Africans are unemployed in almost a third

Green jobs are on the rise

The closure of coal plants will result in the loss of thousands jobs

By Kate Bartlett

According to the most recent government statistics, nearly one in three South Africans is unemployed. Experts say that the true level of unemployment is likely to be around 10% higher. They say that youth unemployment is about 60%.

As part of the Just Energy Transition Investment plan, South Africa has phased out only one coal-fired plant, Komati, in Mpumalanga Province. This closure resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, and very few new opportunities.

The government has plans to close three additional coal-fired plants by 2030, and many more in the future. Eskom, and the coal mining sector together employ thousands of workers. Many thousands more depend on these workers.

In a report published in March, Bohlmann, her co-authors and their colleagues discovered that the percentage of green jobs has increased from 12.4% in 2022 to 14.8% by 2024.

They found that there was a shortage in the skilled labour needed for green industries. Green employment was also concentrated within a few industries, namely mining, utilities, and construction.

The report stated that "in South Africa, green economy has a significant potential for creating jobs, particularly in renewable energy, but it is also faced with challenges, such as low economic?growth, skills shortages and outdated energy infrastructure. It is also challenged by political constraints, weak institutions, and limited technological capability.

Researchers noted that the distribution of green jobs was also unequal, with most being held by men in their 20s and 30s, who have a moderate level of education, whereas women and workers from the informal sector were frequently left out.

BUT WE NEED MORE GREEN JOBS

Official statistics don't give a clear picture of green jobs. According to the latest data on jobs, mining and agriculture are two of few sectors that have seen a growth in jobs. However, it was not specified what kind of mining or jobs were involved.

David Hallowes is a researcher at the South African environmental non profit groundWork. He said, while government statistics do not break down mining jobs, "I would be surprised if this?increase' actually pertains coal".

The Minerals Council South Africa, the Labour and Energy Ministries and the Minerals Council South Africa have not responded to requests for comment.

The government appears to have backed down from its promise to clean up energy. The Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said at the opening last month of a mine in Mpumalanga Province that "king coal was back".

South Africa has a decreased reliance on coal. Coal generated 90% of its energy in ten years, but only 83% now. There are no plans at this time to stop the planned mine closings.

Hallowes stated that as coal plants shut down, "major job creation should come from mine closings, rehabilitation, and the rehabilitation catchments." Many of these 'jobs' would be suitable for miners.

Construction of renewable energy plants would also provide jobs.

"So, even though a construction project might last only 18 months, new projects should be on their way. "Whether that is the case or not, it's a completely different issue," he said.

It is still too much to hope that green jobs will make a dent in the unemployment rates.

Hallowes replied, "I don't know how realistic it is." (Reporting and editing by Jon Hemming; Kate Bartlett)

(source: Reuters)