mmegi

The politics of weaning Africa off coal

Friday, March 04, 2022 | 1200 Views |

Going strong: Operations at Morupule Coal Mine where the Motheo expansion is being finalised. Capital for new coal projects is rapidly drying up globally
PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

South African energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, this week stuck to his guns insisting that Africa should not be hurried into moving from coal to cleaner energy, given its unique developmental challenges. The debate over the pace of change, how it is funded and who stands to lose and gain, rages on. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

“Someone came to me and said renewable energy will create 330,000 jobs in South Africa and I said give me the formula looking at the 90,000 jobs we have in coal.

“I have not found that formula.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Ryder Gabathuse |
28 November 2025

Busy, busy: T/he Main Mall is always a hive of activity

When defiance becomes personal brand equity

Ndaba Nkomo |
02 December 2025

De Beers’ new owner should be the one who can fix it

Mbongeni Mguni |
02 December 2025

New pathways: De Beers’ shareholding is set to change

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Larona Makhaiza | 13 h ago

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

correspondent | 16 h ago

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

Laone Choeunyane | 20 h ago

GAYO Botswana and BA ISAGO University Forge Major Partnership to Advance Climate Education and Youth Leadership

correspondent | 20 h ago

Pastor accused of defiling Teen during counselling session

Larona Makhaiza | 20 h ago

FIFA World Cup draw – The countdown begins!

correspondent | 23 h ago

DIS Director's daughter rape case stalls

Larona Makhaiza,Opelo Rakereng | 23 h ago

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Ryder Gabathuse | 28 Nov 2025

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

The Monitor Editor | 02 December 2025

Explore

More

The politics of weaning Africa off coal

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

GAYO Botswana and BA ISAGO University Forge Major Partnership to Advance Climate Education and Youth Leadership

Pastor accused of defiling Teen during counselling session

FIFA World Cup draw – The countdown begins!

DIS Director's daughter rape case stalls

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health