TIPS Podcast

Hosted by Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-ZA

About the show

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution established in 1996 to support economic policy development. Dive into a wealth of economic research and industrial policy insights from our researchers. Listen to the body of research today and empower yourself with knowledge on technological change, the just transition, industry data, trade trends, and much more.

Listen to episodes

36 recent

June 3, 202616 min

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.

June 2, 202613 min

JUST SA Polokwane — Fhumulani Perseverance Angwenyi

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K speaks with Fhumulani Perseverance Angwenyi from LEDET (Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) about the opportunities and challenges of implementing a Just Transition in the province. Angwenyi, who works in environmental research, planning and coordination, reflects on how a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme deepened her understanding of the relationship between economic development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. She discusses the importance of developing policies that balance ecological protection with economic growth while ensuring that vulnerable communities are not excluded from the transition. The conversation explores the role of evidence-based research in policy development and highlights one of the province's biggest implementation challenges: access to funding. While Limpopo has developed both Green Economy and Climate Change strategies, Angwenyi notes that many community-led initiatives in areas such as waste management, recycling, biodiversity-based enterprises, and green innovation struggle to scale due to limited financial support and market access. The discussion also examines the risks and opportunities associated with moving towards a low-carbon economy. Angwenyi argues that while the transition may create new jobs and industries, policymakers must carefully manage the impacts on workers and communities currently dependent on mining and other carbon-intensive sectors. She advocates for improved technologies and more sustainable practices rather than abrupt industry closures, emphasising that a successful Just Transition must balance environmental goals with economic realities and social wellbeing. Looking ahead, she expresses confidence in Limpopo's ability to adapt and innovate, arguing that the province's resilience and resourcefulness position it well to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the transition.

June 2, 20268 min

JUST SA Polokwane — Phathu Letsoalo

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K speaks with Phathu Letsoalo from the Office of the Premier in Limpopo about the role of government in guiding a just transition to a low-carbon economy and preparing communities for the impacts of climate change. Reflecting on a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme, Letsoalo explains how the workshop deepened his understanding of the need to balance South Africa’s current energy realities with the long-term imperative to transition away from fossil fuels. He highlights the critical role of the Office of the Premier in supporting policy development and implementation across provincial departments and municipalities, ensuring that climate and development priorities are integrated into government planning.The discussion explores the risks associated with climate change, including environmental degradation, changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and the impact these have on sectors such as agriculture and local economic development. Letsoalo stresses that failing to address these challenges could undermine sustainable growth and community resilience.At the same time, he identifies significant opportunities linked to the transition, particularly around skills development, innovation, and the emergence of new industries. From climate-smart agriculture to electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, Letsoalo argues that the transition will require continuous learning and adaptation. He concludes by emphasising the importance of equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a changing economy and climate.

May 23, 20267 min

JUST SA North West - Nosisi du Toit

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Ntombi Tshabalala speaks with Nosisi du Toit, researcher at the North West Development Corporation, about the implications of the Just Transition for provincial economies, investment planning, and local industrial development in the North West Province. Du Toit explains how her work focuses on research, investment promotion, and analysing socio-economic trends to position the North West as a destination for investment across sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and agro-processing. Reflecting on a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme, she highlights the importance of understanding that the transition is ultimately about people, livelihoods, and local economic value chains—not only climate targets or the closure of coal plants.The conversation explores how provinces will experience the transition differently depending on their economic structures and energy dependencies. Du Toit raises concerns around exclusion within green procurement systems, particularly the limited participation of black-owned SMMEs and women-owned businesses in large-scale green economy projects.The episode also examines opportunities for the province to develop green economic hubs, strengthen skills development, and diversify its energy mix. Du Toit argues that South Africa should pursue a balanced approach that includes renewable energy alongside hydrogen and nuclear energy, particularly given the energy-intensive nature of mining and smelting industries that remain central to the North West economy.

May 23, 20269 min

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.

May 23, 202614 min

JUST SA Gauteng — Is'haaq Akoon

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks with Is’haaq Akoon, Senior Manager for Climate Change at the City of Ekurhuleni, about how municipalities can translate climate policy into practical implementation through integrated planning, community-centred development, and Just Transition strategies. Akoon reflects on the key lessons from a recent Just Transition and Green Economy training programme, highlighting the importance of aligning national and provincial policy frameworks with local government implementation. The discussion explores how the City of Ekurhuleni is embedding Just Transition principles into its Climate Action Plan, with a focus on social protection, skills development, labour reskilling, and inclusive community participation.The conversation also examines major municipal challenges linked to economic restructuring, unemployment, informal labour vulnerability, and fragmented policy coordination, particularly in sectors connected to mining, manufacturing, transport, and waste management. At the same time, Akoon identifies significant opportunities in public transport expansion, waste-to-energy projects, recycling initiatives, methane reduction, health infrastructure upgrades, and pilot projects that can serve as “learning labs” for scaling future interventions.Throughout the episode, Akoon emphasises the importance of collaboration between municipalities, academia, private sector stakeholders, and institutions such as the Presidential Climate Commission to ensure that local climate action is evidence-based, coordinated, and capable of supporting a truly just and climate-resilient transition.

May 23, 202620 min

JUST SA Gauteng — Motlanalo Mautla

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks with Motlanalo Mautla, Project Manager within the Environmental Resources and Waste Management Department at the City of Ekurhuleni, about how municipalities can embed Just Transition principles into waste management, environmental planning, and climate resilience strategies. Mautla explains how the City of Ekurhuleni is working to integrate sustainability into infrastructure planning, landfill management, recycling systems, and environmental compliance processes, while aligning these efforts with broader climate action goals. The conversation highlights how the Just Transition framework encourages “systems thinking” across departments, requiring collaboration between waste management, transport, energy, land use planning, and environmental management rather than silo-based approaches.The episode also explores practical opportunities linked to circular economy initiatives, waste diversion, methane reduction, composting, and the formal integration of waste pickers into municipal systems. Mautla emphasises that a truly just transition must remain people-centred, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups such as informal waste reclaimers and unemployed youth.The discussion further reflects on the major challenges facing municipalities, including increasing waste generation, limited landfill space, illegal dumping, ageing infrastructure, funding constraints, and gaps in environmental data systems. Despite these pressures, Mautla argues that municipalities have a critical opportunity to transform waste management into a driver of inclusive economic development, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

May 23, 202624 min

JUST SA Gauteng — Dr Samukelisiwe Mdlalose

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks with Dr Samukelisiwe Mdlalose, Manager for Environmental Management, about the role municipalities play in advancing a just transition and building climate resilience in Gauteng. Dr Mdlalose explains how environmental compliance, climate change planning, air quality management, and infrastructure development are deeply interconnected with economic growth, public health, and community wellbeing. The conversation explores how municipalities can integrate environmental considerations into planning processes from the outset to improve investor confidence, avoid costly non-compliance, and create more sustainable urban development pathways.The episode also highlights practical local initiatives already underway, including partnerships with universities, electronic waste recycling programmes, separation-at-source waste projects, urban agriculture initiatives, and environmental education campaigns in schools. Dr Mdlalose emphasises the importance of community participation, low-cost practical interventions, and collaboration with academic institutions and the private sector.The discussion further reflects on key challenges facing municipalities, including ageing infrastructure, limited funding, flood risks linked to urbanisation, and the need for greater investment in solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and climate-smart infrastructure. The episode concludes with reflections on future opportunities linked to agriculture, renewable energy, and the development of a proposed smart city corridor in Gauteng.

May 23, 202618 min

JUST SA Polokwane — Modjadji Rangwato and Stanley Phahladira

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K speaks with Modjadji Rangwato and Stanley Phahladira from the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo about the importance of embedding Just Transition principles into local government planning and implementation. Both guests reflect on how a recent JUST SA training workshop deepened their understanding of climate change, green economy planning, and the need for inclusive and restorative development approaches. The discussion explores how municipalities can mainstream climate change and Just Transition principles into Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), environmental planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development.The conversation also highlights key challenges facing municipalities, including silo planning, limited financial and human resources, policy misalignment, and the need for stronger political buy-in and stakeholder collaboration. At the same time, the guests identify significant opportunities around renewable energy, agriculture, and coordinated planning approaches such as the District Development Model.Throughout the episode, Rangwato and Phahladira emphasize that successful implementation depends on collaboration across all spheres of government, partnerships with communities and industry, and ensuring that no one is left behind as South Africa transitions toward a greener and more climate-resilient economy.

April 7, 202615 min

Avantika Goswami and Thobani K on Climate Finance

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast, we speak with Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager for Climate Change at the Centre for Science and Environment in India, about the evolving landscape of climate finance and development in the Global South.Drawing on her work and recent report Beyond Climate Finance, Goswami argues that increasing financial flows alone is not sufficient. Instead, she calls for deeper systemic reforms to global financial and trade systems, alongside stronger South–South cooperation, to enable equitable and effective climate action.The conversation explores the role of developing countries in shaping a new climate and development agenda, the challenges of accessing finance and technology, and the importance of solidarity and civil society in advancing a shared Global South vision for green industrialisation and sustainable growth. Please note: due to unforeseen circumstances during recording, the audio quality in parts of this episode is compromised. We appreciate your understanding.