The University of Venda (UNIVEN) recently hosted the eighth day of National Science Week under the theme: “Promoting the Understanding of a Just Energy Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy Technologies.” The event brought together students, researchers, government and industry professionals to explore sustainable energy solutions and engage in meaningful dialogue about building a greener, more equitable future. This event took place on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at the Green Technology Confucius Institute building.
Prof Grace GE, Co-Director of Green Technology Confucius Institute
Prof GE encouraged attendees to engage with the theme of just energy, urging participants to ask questions, share ideas, and contribute to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable tech-nologies.
Prof Eric Maluta – Co-Director Green Technology Confucius Institute (Left) Mrs Randela Ronell Junior Lectur-er, University of Venda (Right)
Ms Randela Ronell, serving as Co-Programme Director, opened the event with a warm greeting to the audience. Prof Eric Maluta who was the Programme Director outlined the purpose of the gathering and introduced the keynote focus, emphasising the importance of inclusive energy reform and the role of higher education in shaping policy and practice. As the Co-Director of the GTCI, Prof Maluta emphasised that the issue of the energy transitions must be looked at on dif-ferent perspective which needs to include the social sciences in relation to the closure of Komati Power Station and its impact to the surrounding communities.
Dr David Tinarwo, Senior Lecturer at UNIVEN
The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr David Tinarwo, who offered a comprehensive overview of the Just Energy Transition, raising critical questions around access, equity, and tech-nological readiness. His insights laid the foundation for the day’s discussions.
Dr Tinarwo unpacked the concept of the Just Energy Transition, encouraging participants to be-gin with its literal meaning. “We complicate our lives,” he remarked, “by starting to get into the technology before we take it literally.”
He explained that the energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro. The term just introduces a vital dimen-sion, ensuring that this shift does not marginalise workers and communities dependent on fossil fuel industries, particularly in areas such as Mpumalanga.
Dr Tinarwo emphasised that, in the South African context, the transition should strike a balance between climate objectives, social justice, and energy security. He cautioned that without fair-ness, the shift could exacerbate inequality in a country already recognised as one of the most unequal in the world. He also highlighted key statistics: coal continues to generate over 80% of South Africa’s electricity, despite renewable energy bids being significantly more affordable.
The highlight of the programme was the panel dialogue, which convened a diverse range of voices for a dynamic exchange on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Discussions explored youth involvement in green innovation, community-led energy initiatives, and the so-cio-economic aspects of energy justice. The panellists include Mrs Makhadzi Makheda (Head, Waste Management), Mr Mushaphi (Vhembe District), Mr Vusi Mokoena (SRC President), Dr. Da-vid Tinarwo (Department of Physics), Mr Hakamela (International Relations and Partnerships) and Mr Matidza a community leader from Ngovhela.
Several issues related to energy to waste were part of the discussion and the question which needs to be continued in the next discussions related to who gain, who loose and who wins. Mat-ters pertaining to the social economic activities were discussed as well as the issue of using the new technologies. The importance of training the people working on the fossil fuels industries to gain new skills needed on the renewable energy industries was also considered.
Dr Sophie Tshimangadzo Mulaudzi, Physics Lecturer, University of Venda
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Sophie Mulaudzi, who warmly acknowledged GTCI for organising the gathering. She extended her appreciation to the panellists for their valu-able insights and encouraged students to take what they had learned and apply it meaningfully within their respective academic and professional journeys.
As National Science Week continues, UNIVEN remains at the forefront of interdisciplinary collab-oration, championing the values of equity, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
