🎙In S1E25 Olivia Taylor (@olivia_earth) speaks to Bathandwa Vazi about the impact of decommissioning coal mines on the South African economy, and unpacks the employment concerns and opportunities surrounding the transition to renewables. Bathandwa explains energy access and poverty, and dives into the topic of the decentralisation of power, and the role that trade unions could play in the just energy transition. This is followed by a discussion about how Eskom can adapt to become efficient and profitable, and so much more! Bathandwa Vazi is a qualified town and regional planner with an Honours degree in Public Administration and holds an MBA. She is an established professional with 10 years of experience in local and provincial government across South Africa, advising and supporting them on best practices, as well as developing various plans and strategies including climate action plans and revenue enhancement strategies. Bathandwa’s experience broadly ranges across sustainable energy and climate change approaches in urban development including the areas of local-level energy data and policy development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, informal sector electrification and related local government structures, mandates and project implementation. This includes capacity building, facilitation, training, a learning network and, materials development specifically towards the re-skilling of professionals in the area of local government and sustainable energy. 🎙To follow more of Bathandwa’s work, you can find her on LinkedIn.