Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga powers South Africa—the province hosts the coal-fired power stations that generate most of the nation's electricity, making it ground zero for both energy security and climate transition debates. Mining dominates provincial GDP: coal, gold, and other minerals concentrate around Emalahleni (Witbank), whose name means 'place of coal.' The Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon attract tourism that diversifies beyond extraction, but the coal economy remains foundational. The 2024 GDP growth of just 0.3% (lowest among growing provinces) reflects structural challenges as the energy transition threatens coal jobs and revenue. Load-shedding electricity blackouts that cripple the national economy originate from Mpumalanga's aging power stations, creating paradox: the province that produces power cannot prevent power failures. The incorporated former Bantustan territories (parts of KaNgwane, Lebowa, and KwaNdebele) contribute to spatial inequality where mining wealth bypasses rural communities. By 2026, Mpumalanga's just energy transition—replacing coal jobs with renewable alternatives—will determine whether the province's economy can survive decarbonization.