TIPS Podcast

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K  speaks with Dr Bonginkosi Robert Dlamini , Chief Director for Environmental Management in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) , about the opportunities and challenges of implementing a Just Transition in one of South Africa’s most diverse provinces.  Dr Dlamini outlines the wide-...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K  speaks with Sindi Shozi , Chief Engineer for Advanced Metering Infrastructure at the eThekwini Municipality , about the practical role that technology, infrastructure planning, and energy management can play in advancing a Just Energy Transition.  Shozi explains how her work focuses on strategic planning, smart metering systems, energy da...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks with Omogolo Tlape , Deputy Director for Macroeconomic Analysis at the North West Provincial Treasury , about the role of economic planning and evidence-based policymaking in supporting a Just Transition and green economy.  Tlape explains how his work focuses on analysing socioeconomic and macroeconomic trends, assessing mun...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Elize Hattingh speaks with Edwin Mametja from the Nkangala District Municipality about the realities of implementing a Just Transition in one of South Africa’s most coal-dependent regions. Situated at the heart of the country’s coal-based economy and home to several power stations, Nkangala faces both the challenges and opportunities associated with...

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 compli...

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 u...

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 train...

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 impa...

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-e...

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 int...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 f...

In this episode , host Thobani Khumalo speaks with Newton Masuku , National Spokesperson of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) , about the role of the Just Transition Labour Centre (JTLC) in strengthening labour’s voice in the climate transition. Masuku reflects on why independent research from a working-class perspective is essential as South Africa moves toward a low-carbon eco...

In this episode, we speak with Waheed Hoosen of HOSPERSA (an affiliate of FEDUSA) and Vice President within FEDUSA responsible for youth and climate change . Waheed explains why the Just Transition Labour Centre (JTLC) matters for organised labour: it strengthens unions’ ability to produce evidence-based policy positions for collective bargaining, social dialogue and legislation. He discusses why...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast Series in the JUST SA series, host Elize Hattingh records two conversations in Kimberley with officials from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), exploring how the province is turning Just Transition policy into practical economic strategy. First, Elize speaks with Riaan Warie and Hendrik Louw about the Northern Cape’s renewa...

In this episode, we speak with Rudi Dicks , Head of the Project Management Office in the Office of the President, about the role and future of South Africa’s Just Transition Labour Centre . Rudi explains why evidence-based research, policy development, and worker representation are essential during complex climate and energy transitions. The conversation explores how the Labour Centre can support...

In this episode, host Elize Hattingh speaks with Ms Nthuseng Rabohome from John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, based in Kuruman in the Northern Cape. They discuss how a mining-dependent, rural district with nearly 300 villages is grappling with climate impacts such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and fires. Ntuseng reflects on challenges around waste management, limited infrastructure, tradi...

In this episode, we travel to Kimberley for a two-day JUST SA capacity-building workshop with provincial and local government officials. Host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks to Jessica Makgetla from the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NEDA) and Kabelo Moremi from the Office of the Premier. Together, they unpack why it is crucial for provincial and local governme...

In this episode, host Elize Hattingh speaks to Mzwandile Raymond Mene , a local government official from Kimberley, about the vital role municipalities play in climate action, decarbonisation, and building a just and inclusive economy. Recorded during the JUST SA capacity-building workshop in Kimberley, the conversation explores how local government can turn policy into practice, why youth inclusi...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast, recorded at the Just Transition Labour Centre , host Thobani Khumalo speaks with Lebogang Mulaisi , Head of Research and Policy at the Presidential Climate Commission . Mulaisi explains why the JTLC was created by trade unions: to build a trusted, worker-led evidence base on South Africa’s transition, strengthen collective bargaining beyond wages, and ensure wo...

At the Reclaiming Industrial Policy for the People conference—convened by the TIDE Centre , Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) , and the Transnational Institute (TNI) —host Thobani K speaks with filmmaker, futurist, and Princeton visiting lecturer Indrani Pal-Chaudri . From her early discovery by David Bowie to founding Open Origin and the Shakti Regeneration Institute , Indrani makes a...

Host Thobani K  speaks with David Mparutsa , Head of Enterprise & Supply Chain Development at Absa Corporate & Investment Bank , on how Africa can move from exporting raw minerals to building competitive regional industries. Drawing on insights from the 2025 TIPS Forum, Mparutsa unpacks why intra-African trade remains low, the case for a hub-and-spoke model across SADC, and the fundamental...

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast Series, recorded at the 2025 TIPS Forum, host Dr. Michael Hector sits down with former Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Rob Davies to unpack the opportunities and challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for South Africa and the continent. From trade rules to climate policy, and from industrial strategy to continental cooperation, this ep...