News
This is the news home of Fossil Free SA, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment and sustainable reinvestment. Below you’ll find our latest newsletters (hosted on Substack) and blog posts.

Our latest newsletters on Substack

Our latest blog posts
Fossil fuel ads mislead millions, says groundbreaking report
Our groundbreaking Smoke and Mirrors report exposes the scale of fossil fuel greenwashing in South Africa, revealing how misleading ads from major petroleum companies reach 15 million people monthly. The Fossil Ad Ban campaign, backed by the GOOD Party, calls for urgent action to ban deceptive fossil fuel advertising and hold companies accountable.
V&A Waterfront revokes permission for Fossil Free SA supporters to walk to the offices of Ninety One and Allan Gray
V&A Waterfront has revoked permission for FFSA’s Investment Justice Walk to enter its precinct, forcing a route change. FFSA criticises this decision as undemocratic and inconsistent with the Waterfront’s stated commitments to sustainability and inclusivity. The walk, highlighting ethical investment and climate justice, will proceed on 15 November as planned.
Investment Justice Walk will spotlight SA asset managers still investing in fossil fuels
FFSA’s Investment Justice Walk on 15 November 2024 will spotlight SA asset managers still funding fossil fuels. The walk, from St. George’s Cathedral to the V&A Waterfront, will highlight the role of finance in shaping society and call for ethical investment.
Methane emergency emerges alongside the carbon dioxide emergency – SA government and companies must shun fossil gas
FFSA urges South Africa to reject fossil gas, aligning with global calls to cut gas consumption for climate action. Reports show gas is not a cleaner alternative, and methane emissions accelerate global warming. COP27 highlights the urgent need for a rapid transition to renewable energy.
Climate activist group launches ethical investment guide
Fossil Free South Africa launched the Planet A Investment Guide, the country’s only ethical investment advisory. The guide highlights three sustainable South African funds as alternatives to fossil fuel investments. FFSA urges investors to seek expert advice while considering ESG-friendly options.
Backgrounder: The Africa Climate Summit: greenwashing business as usual, not a milestone for African climate justice
FFSA raises concerns about the Africa Climate Summit’s business-focused agenda, which lacks a clear commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. The summit, influenced by vested interests, has excluded many grassroots voices. FFSA supports African civil society’s call for a Just Transition and stronger climate action.
Advisory: Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe misrepresents EU policy to justify gasand nuclear expansion in South Africa
FFSA criticises Minister Mantashe for misrepresenting EU policy to justify gas and nuclear projects, and warns that expanding fossil fuels will harm the economy, worsen inequality, and contradict global climate goals.
New FFSA victory marks milestone on greenwashing
The Advertising Regulatory Board's appeal committee has dismissed TotalEnergies' appeal against a verdict in our favour − a warning to fossil fuel companies against greenwashing.
Meet our interns at a mall near you
Look out for the seven bright, energetic young interns who have become the face of our #InvestFossilFree campaign at malls, markets and other public venues.
Announcing our Creative Cleanup winner
First-year design student Vusumzi Maseti at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology won the Creative Cleanup 202𝟦 award for 18 − 25-year-old creatives recently.
Clean Creatives’ F-list report names and shames agencies promoting fossil fuels
Our Clean Creatives South Africa (CCSA) campaign has produced the second edition of its F-list report, called “A Flood of Greenwashing”, which names and shames the 42 South African public relations and advertising companies we know are promoting the fossil fuel industry.
Fossil Ad Ban campaign empowers coal-facing community
Our Fossil Ad Ban (FAB) campaigners recently organised a workshop for community leaders in Carolina, Mpumalanga, to empower the community to discern greenwashing by mining companies.
TotalEnergies' campaign of deceit
Clean Creatives SA director Stephen Horn has drawn attention on social media to a far-reaching campaign of lies and “astroturfing” by public relations company MetropolitanRepublic (MR), working for TotalEnergies in Uganda.
University departments, schools, faculties, institutes and student societies: support Expanded public climate leadership from SA universities
Academic institutions in South Africa who want to stand up against the fossil fuel industry – you can sign on here.
ARB dismisses TotalEnergies’ appeal in landmark greenwashing case
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has upheld Fossil Ad Ban's (FAB) complaint against TotalEnergies, rejecting their appeal. The ruling challenges misleading greenwashing claims, emphasizing the need for companies to back sustainability promises with real actions. FAB sees the decision as a victory for climate accountability.
Our Fossil Ad Ban campaign's response on the ARB verdict
Fossil Ad Ban, a programme of Fossil Free South Africa, welcomes a landmark decision by the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) against TotalEnergies
Sportswashing blights Olympics' strides on sustainability
You might be hooked on the glorious 2024 Paris Olympic Games after being amazed at the razzle-dazzle of the opening ceremony, as are we.
Register for our second Gaza event
“Humankind will will not solve the climate crisis until it is interwoven into expressions of popular culture, including music and art.”
We’ve take this observation from several of our fellow climate activists to heart, so our second Gaza event takes a creative approach.
Gaza webinar "devastates and inspires"
The rebuilding of Gaza could be a lightning rod for sustainable development across the region.
Decarbonising South Africa - a roadmap
This overview was drafted by and edited with the assistance of an FFSA supporter who is an ESCA-registered Pr. Eng., with 12 years work experience in energy efficiency. Comments and possible updates are welcome.