Exploring Transition Tensions in Public Opinion on the COP26 Coal Phase-out Deal for South Africa as Expressed on Facebook

Abstract

The 2021 COP26 meeting presented South Africa with an $8.5 billion deal to reduce its heavy reliance on coal, sparking a renewed public debate about transforming the country's coal-fired energy system to address emissions, energy deficits, and declining services. This paper examines public opinion on this important energy transition initiative as expressed on social media. While the use of social media platforms for public deliberation on policy matters is increasing in Africa, research exploring the African social media landscape in the context of energy transition is limited. This paper addresses this gap by qualitatively analysing 3,980 Facebook comments on 31 news posts related to the COP26 deal using sentiment and thematic approaches in ATLAS.ti 22. The findings reveal a prevalent negative sentiment and delegitimizing opinions that challenge the deal's credibility. Prominent topics within the discourse encompass concerns about corruption, distrust in public institutions, and perceptions of foreign involvement. Although some motivating factors supporting the deal emerged, negative sentiments and viewpoints dominated the discourse. Studying symbolic practices related to energy visions in this underexplored Global South context yields valuable insights into public opinions on energy transitions, highlighting the link between governance institutions and societal attitudes toward energy transition.