South Africa, as an industrialized nation heavily reliant on coal for energy generation, has received substantial financial support from global donors to facilitate its transition to green energy. The funding, totaling millions of dollars, has been allocated towards projects focusing on electricity, development of a green hydrogen hub, and skills training in the coal belt province of Mpumalanga. Despite the country's ambitious emission-reduction targets for 2030, challenges such as internal politics and the intricate nature of the transition have slowed progress. There are concerns about the impact of phasing out coal on the livelihoods of coal workers and communities that depend on the industry. Efforts are being made to address these concerns by focusing on creating new skills and economic opportunities for vulnerable groups in the coal-belt region. South Africa's high carbon intensity and status as a top greenhouse gas emitter underscore the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Reforms, including the introduction of private companies into the power sector, are being supported through policy loans, with calls for increased grant funding to facilitate a smoother transition. Despite the challenges, there is optimism about leveraging South Africa's infrastructure and renewable energy potential to drive a successful shift towards a greener economy.