About us

Our organisation grew out of a campaign for the University of Cape Town to stop investing in fossil fuels that started in 2013.

FFSA was legally established as a non-profit organisation in early 2015.

Mission

We work to secure human rights and prosperity by challenging the financial and social support of the fossil fuel industry in two key ways: 

  • Encouraging universities, companies, organisations, and public and private investors to divest from fossil fuel and related investments, and to cease activities that support the fossil fuel economy and in other ways worsen climate change and ocean acidification through emissions of greenhouse gases; and

  • Challenging the social and cultural license of the fossil fuel industry, which it maintains through greenwashing, the fossil fuel development paradigm and a conception of economic growth that excludes proper consideration of social and environmental damage.

Vision

We envision a prosperous, equitable and sustainable South Africa, where: 

  • Current and future generations of people, without distinction, flourish in peace and health

  • Everyone is supported by a stable climate, clean air and water, and thriving ecosystems

  • Communities are energy independent, and have access to renewable energy, green jobs, and stable energy costs

  • Our leaders govern honestly and support a socially just democracy, without the vested interests of fossil fuels

  • Fossil fuel companies have closed down or evolved into sustainable energy enterprises in a circular economy

Theory of Change

  • A stable climate and societies, healthy children, clear air and water, a switch to wind and solar energy, green jobs, stable energy costs and energy independence, honest governance, more land for food and forests, sound investments, fewer wars and quieter cities, all of which are threatened by fossil fuels: oil, gas and coal

  • The fossil fuel industry loses unfounded financial and social support, contributing to a just transition to leaner energy alternatives and a more democratic economy that guarantees fundamental human and socio-economic rights consistent with our Bill of Rights

  • De-funded fossil fuel sector. Citizen investors no longer have to invest in fossil fuels.

Funding overview

  • Fossil Free SA’s first-ever budget of approximately R70,000 was funded through a Thundafund campaign that closed on 31 January 2015.

  • We have long received some ongoing contributions from supporters and donations at events, and encourage you to donate.

  • Since 2017, most of our funding has been from foundations based in the US and Europe.

Prospectus