South Africa won’t be ‘short changed’ in climate finance talks, Ramaphosa insists

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that government will not allow itself to be “short changed” or lumped with conditions that will undermine its developmental objectives when negotiating the details of a $8.5-billion climate-finance package with developed countries over the coming months. Responding to questions in Parliament on the issue, including one posed by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, Ramaphosa said that South Africa’s negotiating stance would be premised on ensuring that the eventual transaction took account of South Africa’s social and economic challenges, while affirming “our right to develop our economy in a sustainable and inclusive manner”.
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Green economy will drive inclusive economic growth, social upliftment – Nedbank

Financial services company Nedbank on November 25 launched its revised corporate social investment (CSI) strategy, which will focus on the green economy elements of agriculture, water, energy and waste, in recognition that a green economy approach is a key enabler of economic growth, social upliftment and inclusivity, while protecting the country’s natural ecosystems, said Nedbank group market and corporate affairs group executive Khensani Nobanda. “Building a green economy is the only viable path to a resource-efficient, low-carbon and pro-employment future for our country, and our commitment to the green economy as the anchor for our strategy is one of the key ways we can contribute to the realisation of this goal and the economy’s sustainability and effectiveness,” she added.
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Probe Corporation, Sinetech prepares consolidated portfolio for solar market

Energy solutions companies Probe Corporation and Sinetech have joined forces to offer a complete range of solutions for the solar and broader renewable energy market. Probe acquired a 51% stake in Sinetech in October.
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Necsa advocates for further investment in nuclear power

The National Nuclear Regulator on November 23 and 24 hosted public hearings into the Thyspunt nuclear installation site licence application made by power utility Eskom, during which the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) highlighted its support for the installation. The corporation said a nuclear power project could contribute to the country’s security of electricity supply at a low cost and provide stable employment over the lifetime of the plant.
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Ramaphosa to chair inter-Ministerial committee to oversee R131bn just transition offer

President Cyril Ramaphosa will chair an inter-Ministerial committee that is being established to coordinate further work on the country’s just transition plan, as well as the R131-billion climate-finance offer made to South Africa at the recent COP26 climate gathering. Following a briefing on the outcomes of the Glasgow summit by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy this week, Cabinet welcomed what it described as the “historic Just Transition Partnership” established with France, Germany, the UK, the US and the European Union, which was announced at COP26.
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