INSPIRE was pleased to participate in the Climate Change and Energy Awareness Workshop, hosted by Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) and Kouga Local Municipality, in partnership with the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), in Kouga on 19–20 August 2026.
Across the two days, the workshop created an interactive space for climate learning, reflection on local climate risks, exploration of practical energy solutions, and conversations about strengthening community voice in the Just Energy Transition.
The workshop was centred around four core objectives:
- Building an accessible and shared understanding of climate change and its drivers
- Strengthening community awareness of policy and governance tools, including opportunities for communities to participate in decision-making
- Exploring practical, community-scale energy solutions and energy efficiency as pathways towards improved energy access and a just transition
- Taking a step towards ongoing climate change engagement between Kouga Local Municipality and its communities.
As both participants and presenters, INSPIRE contributed to discussions on large-scale renewable energy projects, Community Trusts and Communal Property Associations (CPAs), exploring how these structures can support community participation, ownership and benefit from renewable energy development. The session also drew on case studies of large-scale renewable energy projects situated on communally owned land.
The engagement reinforced the importance of bringing communities, local government and civil society into the same space to strengthen climate and energy literacy and enable more meaningful community participation in South Africa’s energy transition.
Thank you to SEA, Kouga Local Municipality, SAFCEI, UK PACT, and all the faith and community leaders and participants who contributed to a rich and participatory workshop.
