The 2025 Just Energy Transition (JET) Conference, held at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, brought together leaders from government, business, civil society, academia and the energy sector to accelerate South Africa’s low-carbon transition while keeping equity and people at the centre.
Keynotes from development economist Kalnisha Singh and Masopha Moshoeshoe, Chief Advisor: Energy and Planning at the Ministry of Electricity, set the tone for a programme that examined the JET Investment Plan and its role in driving social equity, job creation, skills development and regional revitalisation.
Headline sponsor Standard Chartered Bank led discussions on innovative financing, with Senior Sustainability Advisor John Murton noting: “Private capital has to align with public purpose. Only then can we unlock the scale of funding needed for South Africa’s green economy.”
The programme also highlighted the social dimensions of transition. Leanne Emery-Hunter, CEO of Tshikululu Social Investments, reminded delegates that: “The Just Transition is not only about energy infrastructure, it is about people’s lives. Communities must see and feel the benefits if the transition is to be truly just.”
Highlights included NECSA’s Sengiphile Simelane outlining nuclear’s contribution to energy security and innovation, and Eskom’s Rivoningo Mnisi closing with a call for climate resilience, social justice and opportunity to advance together.
