New analysis by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) examines how leading companies and industry associations in South Africa have responded to allegations of obstructing the country’s progress on key climate policies and the energy transition.

The analysis follows the publication of Just Share’s “The Obstruction Playbook” report and looks at how companies addressed questions of policy transparency, disclosure and alignment with South Africa’s climate commitments.

Of the 18 companies and industry associations invited to respond, 11 (62%) provided statements, including some of South Africa’s largest energy, mining and industrial players such as Eskom, Sasol, TotalEnergies, ArcelorMittal, Seriti Resources and Business Unity South Africa. Their responses revealed widespread denial against the allegations.

Key takeaways from their responses to the allegations:

• All respondents denied lobbying to weaken South Africa’s climate policies. Instead, they characterised their advocacy as efforts to support the country's energy transition.
• Most responding companies claimed alignment with South Africa’s national climate goals. They highlighted principles of responsible advocacy, transparency and alignment with global net-zero objectives.
• Companies showed varying levels of transparency in publishing climate-related policy submissions. While some (like Sasol and Eskom) demonstrated openness through disclosures and public engagement, most companies did not, reflecting inconsistent practices across sectors.
• All responding companies affirmed alignment with national and international decarbonisation goals. They highlighted renewable energy investments and emissions-reduction initiatives.

Manson Gwanyanya, Southern & Anglophone Africa Representative, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, said: “South Africa, and by extension Africa’s, just energy transition can only succeed if policymaking is transparent and inclusive. While almost all responding companies framed their policy engagement as constructive contributions to the energy transition, without stronger lobbying disclosure and broader participation, there is a real risk that powerful interests could shape climate policy in ways that slow progress and undermine long-term sustainability.

“To build trust in South Africa’s climate transition, government, business, and civil society all have a role to play. We need stronger transparency laws on lobbying, wider participation in environmental policymaking, and clear public disclosure of corporate policy positions. Greater openness and accountability will ensure that the just energy transition is not only ambitious, but also fair and credible.”

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Notes to editors:

• Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) is a global organisation working at the intersection of business and human rights. With partners and allies worldwide, we seek to put human rights at the heart of business to deliver a just economy, climate justice, and end abuse. Find out more about our approach here.
• This publication was developed as part of the CARPET Project, an action funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
• The CARPET Project addresses the urgent need for a just and inclusive transition to green economies in four key countries in Africa and Asia (South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines) -- and focuses on high-risk sectors, including critical minerals mining, renewable energy, textiles and agribusiness.

Media contact: Priyanka Mogul, Senior Communications Officer (Media/PR), Business & Human Rights Resource Centre ([email protected])