This initiative seeks to tackle youth unemployment with green skills programme

South Africa is making strides towards sustainable energy in a bid to curb the crippling cost of load shedding on the economy. The Just Energy Transition initiative aims to leverage green energy to boost the South African economy and potentially eradicate the country's unemployment crisis through the development of green skills. Experts Joanne Dean, Vice Chair at the South African Renewable Energy Council, and Nonjabulo Sokhela, CEO at Nepoworx, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the impact of this initiative in detail. Joanne Dean highlighted the shift towards a decentralized project structure in the renewable energy space. Moving away from centralized fossil fuel plants, South Africa is now embracing smaller, decentralized projects. This transition opens up significant opportunities for job creation, especially in the renewable energy sector. With a focus on local capacity and content, the initiative aims to unlock manufacturing and installation opportunities for local companies, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation. Nonjabulo Sokhela emphasized the scale and potential of the green energy market in South Africa. With projects like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) program, significant investments are being made in renewable energy, leading to job creation and economic growth. The initiative targets the engagement of youth in the sector, with programs aimed at upskilling and providing practical knowledge to create a workforce prepared for the renewable energy industry. One key aspect discussed was the range of skills required to maximize the benefits of the initiative. Joanne Dean highlighted the importance of a diverse skill set, including technical, engineering, and soft skills like creativity and adaptability. The focus is on aligning these skills with the goals of environmental sustainability to ensure a holistic approach that addresses the country's energy needs while creating employment opportunities. In terms of job creation and youth empowerment, both experts underscored the vast potential of the renewable energy sector. With targets set to train and engage hundreds of youth over the next few years, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between unemployment and the growing green economy. By equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program seeks to empower them to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the renewable energy industry. As South Africa navigates its energy transition, the focus on green skills development emerges as a promising solution to not only address unemployment but also drive sustainable economic growth. With a clear commitment to local capacity building and youth empowerment, the country is poised to leverage its renewable energy potential to create a brighter future for its citizens.