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South Africa’s economy is heavily reliant on coal-fired power, which contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; hence, it embraced the Just Energy Transition (JET) to realise a low-carbon economy. This ignited the emergence of competing discourses constituted of proponents of coal and advocates of renewable energy. Transforming a deeply entrenched coal-dependent energy system to renewables is not a straightforward endeavour. Thus, the JET in South Africa faces several obstacles, including political interference, financial constraints, high costs of renewables, and resistance from labour unions, among others. Coal proponents are resisting the JET under contestations that phasing coal out presents various socio-economic implications towards coal-dependent industries, communities, livelihoods and jobs, especially in provinces such as Mpumalanga and Limpopo. While renewable energy proponents are driven by the ambition to reduce GHG emissions, responding to climate change, with the promise of green industries and jobs. Through a systematic literature review, the paper examines competing discourses of the JET in the pursuit of harmonising them. The paper argues that it is important for South Africa to transition, however, not with precipitous haste. The paper recommends that the JET needs to be well-sequenced and judicious to foster energy diversification and readiness, rather than rapidly abandoning coal. This narrows the gap between the two competing discourses, protects energy security and socio-economic stability. The recommendations put forth include policy coherence, multilevel coordination, investments in storage systems, and means such as re-skilling labourers from the coal industry into the renewable energy sector to realise a genuinely just transition. 

This article conducts a thorough analysis of the potential impacts of environmentally friendly policies on the long-term viability of renewable energy and waste management policies on the economics of local regions within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The research examines how these policies intersect with the development of intra-African enterprise and local employment rates. The study employs a qualitative methodology, utilising an exploratory research design to investigate African economic performance metrics. It also uses qualitative data to gain a deeper understanding of the subtle implications of policies. The research evaluates the economic consequences of these policies in African contexts by utilising a range of secondary sources, such as governmental reports, peer-reviewed studies, and policy evaluations. Initial results indicate that although green policies have resulted in substantial environmental advantages, their influence on intra-African economies is intricate and diverse.  The report asserts that comprehending these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who have an interest in fostering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Africa. The study suggests the adoption of environmentally friendly policies that take into account the economic conditions inside Africa and aim to achieve a local economy that is both environmentally sustainable and inclusive.