Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Caroline James and Emma Schuster
Published on 2024-04-17 20:30:46
International research has highlighted the issue of corporate climate lobbying in South Africa as a significant obstacle to effective national climate change policy. Corporate climate lobbying refers to the efforts by the fossil fuel industry and its associations to hinder government responses to the climate crisis and tailor policies to benefit their interests over the public’s. In 2023, Just Share and amaBhungane conducted a series of access to information requests under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to uncover the extent of this lobbying by seeking details of closed-door meetings between corporates and policymakers on climate and energy policy.
The results of these PAIA requests revealed not only the existence of lobbying but also a lack of documentation or transparency regarding the nature and outcomes of these discussions. This lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability and the prioritization of private interests over the public good in shaping climate policy. The right to access information is enshrined in the Constitution, making transparency about industry lobbying efforts of significant public interest.
The PAIA requests were sent to key industry players like Sasol, industry associations including Business Unity SA, the Minerals Council of South Africa, the Energy Council of South Africa, and various government departments. The requests aimed to obtain records of government-industry engagements related to climate matters between January 2021 and the present. The process of obtaining this information revealed shortcomings in the PAIA process, requiring significant effort to follow up with entities for responses.
The received information highlighted the industry’s regular solicitation of government on climate policy behind closed doors, without public knowledge or involvement. The incompleteness of records and inconsistencies in responses from government and industry further raised concerns about transparency and accountability in these engagements. Many parties could not provide complete records of meetings, agendas, or minutes, indicating a lack of proper documentation and potential influence without scrutiny.
The responses from entities like Sasol, Business Unity SA, and government departments like the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy showed discrepancies in information provided and raised questions about the transparency of these engagements. The lack of proper records and the refusal to disclose specific information indicate a troubling lack of accountability and transparency in the interactions between industry and government on climate policy.
Given South Africa’s history of corporate capture of public institutions, the lack of transparency in these interactions poses a significant risk to effective climate policy development. As the climate crisis escalates, the government must prioritize transparency, and the public must remain vigilant against the influence of corporate lobbying on climate policy decisions. It is crucial for South Africa to address these issues to ensure policies that protect the public interest and the planet’s future.
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