Innovating tech opportunities in SA’s communities

As Africa shifts its focus to the energy transition, the importance of ensuring a just transition cannot be overstated. This transition requires active input and consideration of communities, many of whom rely on income from fossil fuel energy, particularly coal. Balancing the needs of all stakeholders in the ESG equation is crucial but comes with its complexities. Fezeka Stuurman, the CEO of Cultiver Group, joins CNBC Africa to shed light on the innovative approaches being taken to bridge the gap between companies and communities in achieving a better balance in implementing their ESG strategies. Fezeka, with over a decade of experience in working with communities and private sector companies, emphasizes the significance of effective community engagement in the just energy transition. The key differentiating factor between companies that are successful in this aspect and those that are not lies in their ability to engage effectively with affected stakeholders. Innovative community engagement with affected stakeholder groups is proving to be a game-changer in communities impacted by the transition. Cultiver Group has developed an app called 'Engage', the first of its kind, to connect communities and project owners to facilitate dialogue about the way forward. This toll-free platform allows community members to share their sentiments, grievances, and requests directly with the project owners, aiming to make social investment decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions. By bridging the gap between stakeholders, Engage plays a crucial role in socially de-risking projects and ensuring investments align with the needs of impacted communities. The mechanics of Engage involve facilitating discussions between various stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors, using evidence to center conversations. In cases where stakeholders do not see eye to eye on a particular project, presenting evidence from the source helps shift the conversation and foster progress. Crowd-sourcing other stakeholders who may not be directly involved also proves effective in resolving potential deadlocks on the path towards a just energy transition. While South Africa has made significant progress on the technical aspects of the energy transition, there is still room for improvement in the non-technical developmental outcomes. Fezeka points out that the industry has a significant opportunity to enhance developmental objectives and outcomes to support the country in achieving its mandates through the transition. The journey towards a just energy transition is not without its challenges, but with innovative solutions like Engage and a proactive approach to community engagement, companies and communities can work together effectively to achieve a more balanced and sustainable future.