Why fossil fuel divestment alone misses the point for Global South universities in the Just Transition

A new opinion piece argues that the Fossil Free South Africa campaign for university divestment from fossil fuels overlooks the deeper role of Global South universities in climate and development. The author, a Wits University official, says a Just Transition in South Africa must balance decarbonization with job creation, poverty reduction, and industrial growth. Divestment alone does not address how universities can build the technologies, skills, and institutions needed for that transformation. The piece pushes back on the idea that cutting ties with fossil fuel companies is the primary climate action universities should take. It argues that Global South universities face different pressures than those in wealthy countries, including weak public infrastructure and high inequality. The author calls for a more complex strategy that links climate goals to development needs, rather than a single divestment demand. For readers tracking climate policy and carbon markets, this article highlights a recurring tension: how to pursue rapid decarbonization without ignoring local economic realities. It is a useful counterpoint to divestment campaigns that may not account for the institutional and developmental context of Global South universities.