Finally, the world is waking up to the fact that non-renewable energy sources, specifically coal, truly are just that – non-renewable, not to mention horrifically damaging to the planet on which we depend for survival.

However, South Africa appears to be in denial or maybe we are simply caught between a rock and a hard place.  The renewable energy contracts due to be signed with Independent Power Producers on March 13 were put on hold for 'further consultation'. It is said that NUMSA and Transform RSA obtained an interdict to stop the signing of the contracts, which was denied by Eskom. Another denial. The reason given was that too many jobs in the coal industry would be lost. Between a rock and a hard place indeed.

This is where education is so very vital, as renewable energy should be seen as an opportunity for workers, instead of an attack on their livelihood. Realistically, when the coal runs out, as it inevitably will, there will be no power and therefore no jobs, which will lead to economic disaster, on a massive scale. 

Is another supposed alternative, nuclear, still the preferred option in this country, in spite of the many assertions by financial experts that it is too expensive and therefore not viable? Again – would nuclear provide the same number of jobs, and the much-vaunted job security, given the technical expertise and essential training required for this form of power generation?

These renewable energy contracts would ensure the continuity of power-production for this country, not simply for the next few years, but indefinitely, and without the obscene and completely unaffordable costs of nuclear power. The consequences of running out of fuel, and in this current situation that means coal, a non-renewable resource, seem to be irrelevant, unimportant or completely misunderstood by far too many people.

In the end, from a purely cynical point of view, is it really about keeping jobs, or simply about keeping votes?