Through dialogue and collaboration, the conference aims to deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with South Africa’s Just Transition and the impacts faced by the working class and communities. It aims to highlight critical insights from ongoing, evidence-based research projects and foster discussions on policy frameworks that balance environmental imperatives with social and economic justice. Ultimately, the conference represents a step forward in shaping sustainable and equitable transition pathways for the working class — ensuring that climate action protects livelihoods, promotes decent work, and places social justice at the core of South Africa’s economic transformation.

COMMISSIONED RESEARCH

Introduction and context of the programme - Matthew Grant (JTLC Manager) 
Opening and welcome: Rudi Dicks - Presidency
Annual Report on South Africa and Climate Change - Mamokete Modiba (PBS Development Consulting)
The Future of SASOL - Rod Crompton (Employment Relations Exchange)
Quarterly Tracker on Key Just Transition Policy Development and Debates - Dr Nedson Pophiwa (Fuchsia Africa Consulting)
An Analysis of Structures Promoting Participation in the Development of a Just Transition in South Africa - Lethabo Rametsi and Ntandokazi Masimula  (Urban-Econ:NIKELA) 
Discussant - Dr Saul Levin (TIPS)

INTERNAL RESEARCH

Decarbonising the South African economy in response to the impact of climate change and in line with the country's global commitments is already having an impact on the workers and associated communities in the coal value chain. TIPS is conducting research under multiple projects to assess the impact of the energy transition on coal workers and the necessary conditions for a just transition in line with the PCC’s Framework for Just Transition.

Elements of this research were presented at a Learning Event on 5 November 2025.

Nokwanda Maseko (TIPS) - Welcome and Opening Remarks

Chere Monisa (TIPS) - Attitudes of coal workers towards the Just Transition

Muhammed Patel (TIPS)  - Coal Sector Vulnerability Assessment

Simbarashe Mhaka  and Nothembi Mahlangu (JUST SA) - Existing Industry Provisions for South African Coal Workers in Transition

Gaylor Montmasson-Clair (Southern Transitions) - Discussant

Mfanelo is a seasoned communications and marketing professional with a strong background in projects and events management across both the public and private sectors. With more than six years of experience, he has successfully led and supported strategic campaigns, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and high-impact events that align with organisational goals. Mfanelo holds an Honours Degree in Marketing and Communications, a BA in Communications, and a Diploma in Project Management, which collectively equip him with a well-rounded skill set to deliver impactful, results-driven events and solutions.

Over the 10-year period spanning the second quarter of 2015 (Q2 2015) to the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2025), exports have trended in an overall upward direction, and have outperformed imports in several instances. In Q2 2025, exports increased on a quarterly basis, and remained higher than imports. It is anticipated that the impact of the United States’ tariffs, implemented on 7 August 2025, will likely show in the third quarter of the year.

TIPS industry studies provide a comprehensive overview of key trends in leading industries in South Africa. They aim to provide background for policymakers and researchers, and to strengthen our understanding of current challenges and opportunities in each industry as a basis for a more strategic response.

This paper updates the TIPS Electronics Industry study. The update outlines some developments at the company level, along with the potential impacts of the United States, regulatory changes related to waste management, as well as new investments.

TIPS industry studies provide a comprehensive overview of key trends in leading industries in South Africa. They aim to provide background for policymakers and researchers, and to strengthen our understanding of current challenges and opportunities in each industry as a basis for a more strategic response.

This note provides an update on the key developments that have shaped South Africa’s wood and paper industry over the past year.

TIPS industry studies provide a comprehensive overview of key trends in leading industries in South Africa. They aim to provide background for policymakers and researchers, and to strengthen our understanding of current challenges and opportunities in each industry as a basis for a more strategic response.

This note is an update to the TIPS Food Processing Industry Study. The update focuses on the impact of United States (US) tariffs, changes in the local regulatory environment, and a brief review of changes in food prices.

TIPS industry studies provide a comprehensive overview of key trends in leading industries in South Africa. They aim to provide background for policymakers and researchers, and to strengthen our understanding of current challenges and opportunities in each industry as a basis for a more strategic response.

This note provides an update of recent developments in the South African iron and steel industry, building on the TIPS Industry Study on Steel and Related Products. The update highlights the implications of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the effects of the United States tariffs on the local industry. It also outlines recent changes in the European Union’s climate and steel policy landscape; reviews recent key developments in South Africa, including the steel tariff review and the enactment of the Climate Change Act No. 22 of 2024, with a focus on on its implications for the steel industry; and finally assesses recent developments in long steel.

TIPS is hosting a three-part Development Dialogue series on key manufacturing subsectors, focusing on sustainability, technological change, and the evolving trade environment. The first dialogue examined sustainability issues in the iron and steel, automotive, and plastics industries. The second dialogue focuses on technological change, looking at how digitalisation, automation, and innovation are reshaping South Africa’s manufacturing sector.

Invitation

Development Dialgoue I South Africa's Manufacturing Subsectors: Findings from TIPS Research - Series: 2

Agenda

Saul Levin (TIPS) - Welcome and opening remarks

Danae Govender (TIPS) - Insights from paper: Technological change in the electrical equipment industry

Luthandolwethu Zondi (TIPS) - Insights from paper: Technological change in the electronics industry

Lucas Mthembu (TIPS) - Insights from paper: Technological change in the clothing and textile industries

Dr Shawn Cunningham (TIPS/Mesopartner) - Discussant

Resources

Manufacturing Industries and Subsectors: Industry Studies

Industry Studies are available for the following sectors: Automotive, Capital Goods, Clothing and Textiles, Electrical Equipment, Electronics, Food Processing, Horticulture, Plastics, Steel, and Wood and Paper

Technological Change and Innovation System Observatory

The Technological Change and Innovation System Observatory project tracks and create awareness of disruptive innovation and discontinuous technological change by organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

In constant 2025 Rand, South Africa had a trade surplus of R55 billion in the second quarter of 2025, with exports amounting to R510 billion and imports amounting to R455 billion. However, exports declined by R24 billion in the year to the second quarter of 2025, while imports declined by R23 billion. In this period, the surplus declined by less than R400 million. The decline in imports was in part due to a R15 billion decline in the value of the top five imports. The value of the top five exports decreased by R5 billion in the year to the second quarter of 2025. Ferrochromium exports show the largest decrease, falling by almost R12 billion, followed by a R7 billion decrease in exports of goods vehicles, and an almost R6 billion fall in bituminous coal exports.