TIPS Podcast

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies

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Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution established in 1996 to support economic policy development.Dive into a wealth of economic research and industrial policy insights from our researchers. Listen to the body of research today and empower yourself with knowledge on technological change, the just transition, industry data, trade trends, and much more.

MAR 4

Just Transition Labour Centre: Interview with Newton Masuku

In this episode , host Thobani Khumalo speaks with Newton Masuku, National Spokesperson of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), about the role of the Just Transition Labour Centre (JTLC) in strengthening labour’s voice in the climate transition. Masuku reflects on why independent research from a working-class perspective is essential as South Africa moves toward a low-carbon economy. He discusses the potential impacts of technological change and automation on employment, the importance of social protection for workers displaced by the transition, and the need for a stronger role for the state in driving green industrialisation. The conversation also explores the challenges facing the labour movement today and the future role of the JTLC as a platform for research, education, and policy engagement that equips trade unions to participate more effectively in shaping a just transition for workers and communities.

6 min
JAN 15

Just Transition Labour Centre: Interview with Waheed Hoosen

In this episode, we speak with Waheed Hoosen of HOSPERSA (an affiliate of FEDUSA) and Vice President within FEDUSA responsible for youth and climate change. Waheed explains why the Just Transition Labour Centre (JTLC) matters for organised labour: it strengthens unions’ ability to produce evidence-based policy positions for collective bargaining, social dialogue and legislation. He discusses why workers and communities will be among the most affected by the transition, the need for government leadership, and the importance of moving from research into implementation—while ensuring decent work, labour rights, and real pathways for re-skilling and social protection.

12 min
12/12/2025

Just Transition Labour Centre: Interview with Rudi Dicks

In this episode, we speak with Rudi Dicks, Head of the Project Management Office in the Office of the President, about the role and future of South Africa’s Just Transition Labour Centre. Rudi explains why evidence-based research, policy development, and worker representation are essential during complex climate and energy transitions. The conversation explores how the Labour Centre can support organised labour, shape industrial policy, and ensure that workers and communities are not left behind as South Africa decarbonises its economy.

9 min
11/29/2025

JUST SA Northern Cape — Nthuseng Rabohome

In this episode, host Elize Hattingh speaks with Ms Nthuseng Rabohome from John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, based in Kuruman in the Northern Cape. They discuss how a mining-dependent, rural district with nearly 300 villages is grappling with climate impacts such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and fires. Ntuseng reflects on challenges around waste management, limited infrastructure, traditional land allocation practices, and deep energy poverty – and how these all shape the pace and nature of the Just Transition. About JUST SA JUST SA is a five-year programme supporting South Africa’s transition toward an environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, low-carbon and socially just economy. At national level, the programme advances the implementation of the Just Transition Framework and facilitates meaningful dialogue. At provincial and local levels—particularly in Mpumalanga—JUST SA supports stakeholders to design inclusive development pathways and diversify local economies. The programme also advances research, policy, and community engagement on the rehabilitation of coal mining land and water. JUST SA is implemented by GIZ in partnership with TIPS, NBI, and WWF South Africa, on behalf of the German Government through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in close collaboration with Indalo Inclusive, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, the JET PMU, the Presidential Climate Commission, and other partners.

12 min
11/27/2025

JUST SA Northern Cape - Mzwandile Raymond Mene

In this episode, host Elize Hattingh speaks to Mzwandile Raymond Mene, a local government official from Kimberley, about the vital role municipalities play in climate action, decarbonisation, and building a just and inclusive economy. Recorded during the JUST SA capacity-building workshop in Kimberley, the conversation explores how local government can turn policy into practice, why youth inclusion and fair access to opportunities are essential, and how collaborative governance (not siloed planning) can strengthen climate adaptation, service delivery, and economic diversification. About JUST SA JUST SA is a five-year programme supporting South Africa’s transition toward an environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, low-carbon and socially just economy. At national level, the programme advances the implementation of the Just Transition Framework and facilitates meaningful dialogue. At provincial and local levels—particularly in Mpumalanga—JUST SA supports stakeholders to design inclusive development pathways and diversify local economies. The programme also advances research, policy, and community engagement on the rehabilitation of coal mining land and water. JUST SA is implemented by GIZ in partnership with TIPS, NBI, and WWF South Africa, on behalf of the German Government through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in close collaboration with Indalo Inclusive, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, the JET PMU, the Presidential Climate Commission, and other partners.

13 min
11/27/2025

JUST SA Northern Cape — Jessica Makgetla and Kabelo Moremi

In this episode, we travel to Kimberley for a two-day JUST SA capacity-building workshop with provincial and local government officials. Host Nothembi Mahlangu speaks to Jessica Makgetla from the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NEDA) and Kabelo Moremi from the Office of the Premier. Together, they unpack why it is crucial for provincial and local government to understand climate impacts, decarbonisation imperatives, and the just transition. They reflect on the training experience, discuss investment opportunities in renewable energy, highlight policy and planning challenges, and explore how the Northern Cape can position itself as a leader in South Africa’s green economy. About JUST SA JUST SA is a five-year programme supporting South Africa’s transition toward an environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, low-carbon and socially just economy. At national level, the programme advances the implementation of the Just Transition Framework and facilitates meaningful dialogue. At provincial and local levels—particularly in Mpumalanga—JUST SA supports stakeholders to design inclusive development pathways and diversify local economies. The programme also advances research, policy, and community engagement on the rehabilitation of coal mining land and water. JUST SA is implemented by GIZ in partnership with TIPS, NBI, and WWF South Africa, on behalf of the German Government through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in close collaboration with Indalo Inclusive, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, the JET PMU, the Presidential Climate Commission, and other partners.

19 min
11/26/2025

Just Transition Labour Centre: Interview with Lebogang Mulaisi

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast, recorded at the Just Transition Labour Centre, host Thobani Khumalo speaks with Lebogang Mulaisi, Head of Research and Policy at the Presidential Climate Commission. Mulaisi explains why the JTLC was created by trade unions: to build a trusted, worker-led evidence base on South Africa’s transition, strengthen collective bargaining beyond wages, and ensure workers and communities are informed and protected as coal regions face disruption. The discussion tackles core transition dilemmas: how a coal-dependent, ageing energy system shapes South Africa’s vulnerabilities; why green industrialisation offers real economic opportunity rather than a top-down agenda from the Global North; and what structural shifts are needed to create new sectors, jobs, and inclusive ownership models. Mulaisi also emphasises the importance of African regional coordination, arguing that the transition must deepen continental solidarity, technology sharing, and integrated industrial policy—rather than intensify national competition. Looking ahead, she sees the JTLC becoming a model for the continent: a hub of worker-driven research, strategic insight, and policy influence that places employment, equity, and participation at the centre of a fair and prosperous green transition.

18 min
11/19/2025

Visual Storytelling with Indrani Pal-Chaudri: Civil Society on Industrial Policy and Green Structural Transformation

At the Reclaiming Industrial Policy for the People conference—convened by the TIDE Centre, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), and the Transnational Institute (TNI)—host Thobani K speaks with filmmaker, futurist, and Princeton visiting lecturer Indrani Pal-Chaudri. From her early discovery by David Bowie to founding Open Origin and the Shakti Regeneration Institute, Indrani makes a powerful case that imagination is an essential but overlooked component of green structural transformation. She explores how storytelling, indigenous wisdom, and visual activism can challenge extractive “green growth” models and open space for regenerative, people-centred development. Their discussion moves from art to action: rethinking film distribution outside the constraints of Hollywood, using creative narratives to mobilise civil society, and applying business-model discipline to scale practical climate solutions—from green energy for AI data centres to community-embedded models of decarbonisation. Anchored in the wider aims of the conference, Indrani argues that science, technology, and markets follow stories—and that by reclaiming narrative power, societies can accelerate inclusive industrial policy and imagine futures worth building.

21 min

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution established in 1996 to support economic policy development.Dive into a wealth of economic research and industrial policy insights from our researchers. Listen to the body of research today and empower yourself with knowledge on technological change, the just transition, industry data, trade trends, and much more.

Creator

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Clean
Copyright

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