During an Industry Conference on decarbonization in South Africa, Deputy Minister Narend Singh highlighted the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy without compromising industry competitiveness. The discussion centered on how policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could impact developing countries like South Africa, potentially exacerbating inequality and unemployment. Singh emphasized the importance of a just transition and the government's efforts to collaborate with industry players and international organizations like the OECD to identify opportunities for a low-carbon shift. Green hydrogen was identified as a promising option for producing green steel, along with measures like sectoring scrap metal markets and adopting energy-efficient technologies. The Climate Change Act in South Africa aims to align policies for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy while minimizing job losses and promoting new opportunities in the green economy. Singh stressed the significance of compliance, enforcement, and legislative measures for downstream industries facing competition from imports. Overall, the article highlights the ongoing efforts in South Africa to navigate the complexities of decarbonization, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and policy alignment for a sustainable transition.