A Community Engagement Model for an Inclusive Just Energy Transition in the South

Abstract

Within a dynamic global political arena, the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, energy impoverishment, ever-increasing global awareness of climate change, energy justice and just energy transition have emerged as important aspects that require critical reflexive deliberation to ensure that those on the margins of the energy divide do not pay the price for such a transition. Existing models to ensure energy justice were described as failing to consider stakeholder perspectives and needs. It was therefore proposed that such models be inclusive and reflective of diverse stakeholders, including local households, communities, utilities and governments. To this end, the University of South Africa’s Institute for Social and Health Sciences has developed a Transformational Model of community engagement in collaboration with communities which can be applied to articulate and guide the community engagement processes in an inclusive just energy transition. In this article, I present the model which offers opportunities to integrate multiple perspectives, prioritise the needs of diverse community stakeholders, interrogate power imbalances, and enhance working collaborations and partnerships, while also facilitating ongoing oversight and sustainable programme implementation. This model is a viable framework to achieve energy justice through an inclusive equitable transition to renewable energy technologies and by extension to reduce energy poverty. It has been applied in diverse community contexts across two provinces (Gauteng and the Western Cape) to engage with and build lasting community–institutional relationships. It has also been used to design, develop and evaluate contextually applicable sustainable initiatives, including a community-wide campaign.