Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) as a support mechanism for a Just Transition in South Africa's coal and metals value chains

Summary:

The paper evaluates South Africa’s Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) as instruments to support a just transition in coal and metals value chains. It finds SLPs are largely compliance‑driven, project‑based and poorly aligned with municipal IDPs, with weak worker transition planning, limited community participation, and inadequate monitoring, transparency and funding certainty at closure. It recommends reforming SLPs into place‑based, lifecycle mechanisms: regional SLPs, ring‑fenced transition funds, skills and jobs mapping, integration with municipal planning and JETP finance, stronger MRV and grievance systems, and co‑governance with labour, communities and local government.

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