Provides an assessment of the coal industry, theoretical debates about coal, and government's role in a just transition and sustainability This book investigates the consequences of shifting social responsibilities, new inequalities and the sustainability concerns created by the likely energy transition in Africa to end the fossil-fuel era. Focusing on describing the local realities in a growing coal and energy town of South Africa, Emalahleni, it explores whether a just transition from coal-generated energy is possible and what the local implications will be of this global restructuring of the energy sector. The book also provides an overview of the current situation in South Africa, mining and mining towns and the theory of a just transition and mine closure, in order to present a thorough assessment of the political economy of coal towns. Lochner Marais is Professor of Development Studies in the Centre for Development Support at the University of the Free State. His research integrates themes of housing policy, health and mining communities. Philippe Burger, an economist by training, is currently the Pro Vice-Chancellor: Poverty, Inequality and Economic Development and Vice-Dean at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Maléne Campbell is Associate Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Free State. Stuart Paul Denoon-Stevens is a Lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Free State. Deidré Van Rooyen is Programme Director for Development Studies and a researcher in the Centre for Development Support at the University of the Free State.