When we talk about energy transitions, we often focus on megawatts and infrastructure. But what about the children growing up in the shadow of coal plants, or the caregivers navigating disrupted livelihoods?

In this episode, I sit down with @sikhulekileduma —a leading voice in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition-to explore how national policy, climate goals, and early childhood development are deeply intertwined.

Drawing lessons from Komati and other transitioning towns, we explore how building a greener future is impossible without first investing in human capacity. We further examine why national energy planning must integrate early childhood development and local capacity-building-not as peripheral concerns, but as central pillars of a truly sustainable transition.

This conversation reminds us: a just transition is only just if it includes everyone.