JUST SA North West - Lillian Sefike

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Ntombi Tshabalala speaks with Lilian Sefike, Unit Manager for Integrated Environmental Management at the Rustenburg Local Municipality, about the realities of implementing climate action and Just Transition strategies at local government level in the North West Province. 

Sefike explains how her work spans air quality monitoring, environmental impact assessments, climate change awareness, and environmental education within the municipality. Reflecting on a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme, she highlights the importance of understanding both the risks of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and the risks of failing to transition at all. She emphasises that climate change impacts are unavoidable and that municipalities must proactively prepare communities, particularly vulnerable groups, for the transition ahead.

The discussion also explores how local governments can align municipal climate strategies with broader national frameworks, including the Presidential Climate Commission’s Just Transition Framework and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions. Sefike stresses the importance of policy alignment, integrated planning, and mainstreaming climate considerations across municipal departments.

The episode further examines key challenges facing municipalities, particularly the lack of funding for implementation despite growing policy support and strategic planning efforts. At the same time, Sefike points to emerging opportunities linked to green economy catalytic projects, cross-departmental collaboration, and the growing recognition that local government will play a central role in South Africa’s climate transition.