JUST SA Polokwane — Kashrinda Mailula

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K speaks with Kashrinda Mailula, Senior Environmental Practitioner at Mopani District Municipality, about the opportunities and challenges of implementing climate action and Just Transition principles at local government level in Limpopo. 

Mailula, whose work focuses on air quality management, climate change response, environmental compliance, and sustainability planning, reflects on how a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme strengthened her understanding of the relationship between climate change, green economic development, and inclusive policy implementation. She explains how Mopani’s recently approved Climate Change Response Strategy incorporates Just Transition principles, with a focus on reducing emissions, promoting sustainable development, and building resilience within communities. 

The discussion explores the unique characteristics of the Mopani economy, which is heavily dependent on mining and agriculture, and the implications this has for a low-carbon transition. Mailula highlights both the risks and opportunities associated with the transition, including the potential for job losses in carbon-intensive sectors, the need for reskilling and climate-smart agricultural practices, and opportunities linked to solar energy, biogas production, and public-private partnerships. 

Throughout the conversation, she emphasises that a successful Just Transition must be inclusive and people-centred. Communities, workers, industry, government, and educational institutions all have a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind as South Africa moves towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.