I recently had the privilege of attending the Fair Finance School, organized by Nu-Climate Vision with support from the Fair Finance Coalition of South Africa (FFCSA). The event took place in Klerksdorp, North West, and brought together 17 participants from across the country, each with diverse backgrounds and ties to the climate movement.

Focus on the Just Energy Transition (JET)
Over two days, the workshop focused on deepening participants’ understanding of the Just Energy Transition (JET) and the financial mechanisms needed to drive this shift. We explored the roles of institutions responsible for managing JET Partnership (JETP) grants and their place within the broader transition framework.
Key Topics Explored
The curriculum also addressed key topics, including human rights in development and climate change, accessing climate finance, and the importance of community engagement in financing. The program culminated in a collaborative strategy session, where we brainstormed innovative ideas for community finance campaigns.
Expert Facilitators and Engaging Sessions
The workshop featured expert facilitators, including Armando Ayalar from the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), Karabo Mokgonyane from Power Shift Africa, Brighton Phiri from Nu-Climate Vision, and Anda Dungulu from the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS). Their insightful presentations kept participants engaged, helping us navigate real-world scenarios around climate finance and its impacts on communities.

Equipping CSOs with Critical Skills
The program aimed to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the knowledge and tools to:
- Understand the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in financing
development projects.
- Advocate for sustainable climate solutions through responsible financing.
- Engage effectively with DFIs to promote transparency and accountability.
- Analyze DFI projects and push for investments aligned with climate action and sustainable development goals.
Stories from the Frontlines of Climate Change
Participants also shared personal stories, illustrating the urgent need for climate action. Some reflected on the recent unseasonal snowfall in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and expressed frustration with the South African government’s slow response to recurring weather-related disasters. Two years after devastating floods, many people in KZN remain displaced. The workshop reinforced the pressing need for a just transition and instilled in us a renewed sense of urgency to advance climate finance efforts within our communities.
I am deeply grateful to the FFCSA for this invaluable opportunity to enhance my understanding of climate finance and connect with other groups across South Africa committed to the climate movement.
-Tshepo Peele