Seriti Institute, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led a research project to better understand the experiences of communities living in South Africa’s coal mining belt. These areas face serious challenges, from environmental damage to economic uncertainty, as the country moves away from coal.
This project engaged over 10 000 people and focused on key issues like climate change, mining, health, and the Just Energy Transition (JET). The aim was to ensure that the voices of local communities are heard and included.
Using surveys, focus groups, and community discussions, the research revealed the real-life struggles people face, such as poor air and water quality, health problems, job losses, and a lack of information about climate change and energy alternatives.
This work lays the critical foundation for future interventions surrounding JET – ensuring that the transition is not only environmentally conscious but also economically progressive and socially rooted by encompassing communities that are most affected.
