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.