We are a growing community uniting for a more prosperous, safe future for all South Africans by catalysing support for safer, cleaner and cheaper energy where no one is left behind.

CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS HERE

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CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS HERE ·

WElcome to FFSA 

Welcome to Fossil Free South Africa! We are a network of South Africans working to secure our collective human rights in a thriving and egalitarian society. The most destructive industry in South Africa is the fossil fuel industry. Yet, sadly, most South Africans continue to believe it is indispensable.

To truly fulfil the promises of our Constitution, we need to stop investing in and supporting this industry and accelerate reinvestment in sustainable energy and an economy that supports true social and ecological development.

We aim to show why fossil fuels are now obsolete, to stigmatise their ongoing use, accelerate sustainable system change, and help slow climate change.

Fossil Free South Africa was legally established as a voluntary association in early 2015, born from a campaign by alumni, students and academics to persuade the University of Cape Town to stop investing in fossil fuels, a campaign that finally succeeded in 2022.

Sign with painted Earth and text 'ONE WORLD'

WHAT WE DO

1. Catalysing climate action through finance advocacy

Many of us are investing in the biggest agents of climate change – fossil fuel companies. Our #InvestFossilFree campaign is trying to change that by building public support for engagements with asset managers to provide fossil-fuel free investment options for the many who want them. We’ve already helped set up one low carbon fund in South Africa, and it’s performed well for three years.

Outdoor event with people standing near a table covered with flyers and merchandise under a large umbrella. Some participants wear t-shirts with "Fossil Free SA" branding. Trees and a parking structure are visible in the background.

2. Building social licence for a Just Transition by challenging greenwashing and fossil fuel advertising

The fossil fuel industry relies on PR and advertising for its continued social licence to operate. We are challenging this through our Fossil Ad Ban campaign which lobbies for a progressive ban on fossil fuel advertising and branding in South Africa, as well as our Clean Creatives South Africa campaign which asks agencies and creatives to pledge to not work for the fossil fuel industry. 

Two women giving a presentation on greenwashing in front of an audience. A sign behind them reads 'Ban Fossil Ads, Stop Fossil Fuels.' A slide is projected on a screen with the title 'Defining Greenwashing.'

Photograph by Tam Wilson (Itchy Digital)

3. Mobilising universities for climate leadership

We are building student and academic support for universities to lead publicly on climate action that supports a human-rights based Just Transition. What started out as a divestment movement that led the University of Cape Town to commit to stop investing in fossil fuels has grown into a broader campus climate movement of which divestment is only one part.

Protest in front of Sarah Baartman Hall with individuals holding a "Go Fossil Free" banner and signs advocating against injustice and calling for divestment for the future.

4. Developing resources that help build a social licence for a Just Transition to renewables

We create resources and strategic media to explain and share our vision. This includes our Planet A Investment Guide that helps people make climate-responsible investment decisions, and our Climate Reporting Guide, supporting journalists responsibly reporting on the climate crisis. 

A man and woman collaborating on a Dell laptop in an office environment, surrounded by colleagues in a meeting setting.

CONTACT

A group of people holding protest signs advocating for climate action and divestment from fossil fuels inside a building. Signs include messages such as 'Divest from fossil fuels now,' 'Invest in clean energy,' and 'Climate change demands urgent action from UCT.' They appear to be participating in an environmental demonstration at a campus service center.