Local stakeholders explore community participation, climate resilience and a just energy transition

Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) and Kouga Local Municipality (KLM), in partnership with the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), hosted a two-day workshop in Kouga on 19–20 August 2026, bringing together around 35 local stakeholders to explore climate action, community participation and a more inclusive energy future.

The workshop forms part of the Inclusive Energy Models in South African Municipalities project, supported by UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT). The project explores practical energy models that can strengthen community participation, local ownership and resilience while supporting a just energy transition.

Participants included municipal representatives, community organisations, businesses, faith-based organisations and key local stakeholders. Discussions focused on the climate risks facing Kouga and how these intersect with issues such as energy access, water, infrastructure and municipal services.

The workshop also explored how communities can participate more meaningfully in municipal decision-making and contribute to local climate and energy planning. Through discussions and practical activities, participants shared experiences, identified local challenges and considered opportunities for collective action.

A key focus was the importance of building trust and strengthening relationships between communities and local institutions. As Simisha Pather-Elias, Project Manager at SEA, noted:

“Building trust between communities and municipalities takes time. This is the start of the municipality working towards deep collaborative governance that sees communities playing an active part in the energy transition.”

She emphasised that this would require knowledge sharing, transparency, a willingness to engage and organised community structures.

The workshop highlighted that a just energy transition requires more than technological change. Meaningful community participation, local knowledge and inclusive decision-making will be essential to ensuring that the transition responds to local needs.

The engagement marks an important step in strengthening community–municipality dialogue in Kouga and advancing practical, inclusive approaches to climate and energy action.