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 – Check them out below
Our latest blog posts
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.
Meet our passionate, upbeat team
Our team is complete after months of finding new staff. We’re delighted to have a passionate, skilled and upbeat group of people who have hit the road running.
Fossil fuel advertising ban campaign launched in Cape Town
On Wednesday 28 June 2023, we launched a new campaign urging the City of Cape Town to implement a comprehensive ban on fossil fuel advertising, branding and sponsorship in the city.
State of fossil fuel divestment in South Africa: Fossil Free SA survey shows UCT and Anglican Church of SA lead on fossil fuel divestment progress
As new evidence emerges internationally to show the efficacy of fossil fuel divestment for accelerating the global struggle to limit climate breakdown, Fossil Free SA has released its first report surveying SA institutions attempting to divest.
Clean Creatives South Africa - Civil Society Letter
This Human Rights Day, a coalition of 22 organisations is calling on South African PR and advertising agencies to decline future work from fossil fuel companies, industry associations and related front groups as they continue their decades-long efforts to undermine climate action.