Study warns SA’s green job boom is leaving some workers behind

South Africa’s transition to a greener economy is creating jobs, but the benefits are not being shared equally across sectors and workers, a new study has found. The research, conducted by economists from the University of Pretoria (UP) and Teesside University International Business School, shows that while green employment is on the rise, disparities remain in who benefits. “The country’s move towards a greener economy is often presented by policymakers, international development institutions and energy transition strategies as achieving two objectives: lower carbon emissions and more jobs,” said Dr Jessika Bohlmann, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at UP.

“Our study set out to determine whether the data supports this claim.” South Africa currently generates about 70% of its energy from coal, but is shifting towards renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon industries as part of its just energy transition. This comes amid persistently high unemployment, with the official rate at around 30%. Using labour force survey data and occupational classifications, researchers tracked green jobs, defined as work that contributes to environmental sustainability, across the economy.

Their findings show that green jobs increased from 12.4% in 2022 to 14.8% in 2024, indicating steady but uneven growth. “Some sectors and groups of workers are gaining ground, but others risk being left behind,” said Bohlmann. “South Africa’s commitment to a just energy transition implies that workers and communities affected by structural change should not bear disproportionate costs. But justice is not only about protecting workers in declining sectors, but it’s also about ensuring that new opportunities are broadly accessible.”