Samkelisiwe Khanyile is a senior researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory focusing on collaborative knowledge creation and the role of transdisciplinary research in informing policy.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of research and policy-making, with a focus on mining landscapes, urban sustainability, infrastructure transitions, environmental governance and social justice.
Khanyile says: “As G20 finance ministers gather to discuss sustainable growth, social justice (must be) at the centre of deliberations on climate change and sustainable development.
“Often, the focus is on technological innovations, decarbonisation and green finance, while ignoring issues such as inequality, poverty, and access to basic services. In this context, for example, the energy crisis in South Africa saw wealthier households shield themselves with off-grid solutions, while poorer households were trapped with unreliable services and unable to afford alternative solutions.
“The voices of urban and rural poor, who face exclusion as well as environmental and socio-economic crises, should be at the core of solutions. Without inclusive access and equitable distribution of resources, a transition to low-carbon economies could exacerbate poverty and inequality.”
