Implementing Just Energy Transitions: A Ground Up Approach

Just energy transitions aim to ensure that the shift to renewable energy is inclusive and fair for communities and workforces, Register now for a lunchtime discussion on just energy transitions and policy implementation in South Africa, featuring Nkosinathi (Nathi) Nkonyane and Pheladi Mohlala.  
  
Nkonyane is the CEO and executive director of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), a non-profit organization supporting sustainability and green economy initiatives in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Mohlala is a senior specialist of climate adaptation and policy at Sasol, one of the largest integrated energy companies in South Africa. 

During this event, Nkonyane and Mohlala will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of implementing South Africa’s just energy transition policies into actionable practice. The exchange will highlight socioeconomic factors involved in the clean energy transition in South Africa and will tap into the speakers’ extensive experience with bottom-up, community-driven approaches.  

Open to the entire Duke community, the event is hosted by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project, and   the Global Energy Access Network.  
 
Lunch will be provided, and advance registration is required. 

 
Speakers  
 
Nkosinathi (Nathi) Nkonyane 
CEO and Executive Director 
Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA) 
Nikosinathi (Nathi) Nkonyane is a development economist with vast experience in both the private and public sectors, focusing on economic research and policy development. He served as a member of various intergovernmental structures for policy-making in South Africa, across different sectors of the economy. Nkonyane is currently serving as CEO of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, working to advance economic growth, investment, and renewable energy development in the Mpumalanga province.  

Pheladi Mohlala 
Senior Specialist of Climate Adaptation and Policy 
Sasol 
 

Pheladi Mohlala is a climate change and sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience. She earned a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, with expertise in climate risk, resilience planning, and ESG integration. Mohlala is a senior specialist of climate adaptation and policy at Sasol, one of the largest energy and chemical companies in South Africa. She also serves as a board member for the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, advising on regulatory insight and climate response.