The just energy transition and environmental sustainability initiatives promote hydrogen as a competitive energy carrier due to its chemical properties and low in-situ carbon emissions. Green hydrogen production in South Africa gained momentum with monetary investments due to the availability of natural resources and the waste-to-energy program for sustainable local feedstock. However, no clear strategies exist for sustainable socio-economic impact and cradle-to-grave compliance with the green status, particularly desalinating seawater and managing CO2 emissions during production/transportation. Hence, this study aimed to assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of green hydrogen production in South Africa. The key findings were that the cost of production and transportation must be drastically reduced to make it economically competitive. Employing the complex economy model by diversifying products to green hydrogen as an energy carrier, synthetic fuels, green ammonia, green fertilizers and green steel production. Legal loopholes allowing community development and waste management negligence are underscored.