Stakeholders' complaints: environmental violations

Video The Portfolio Committee received a briefing on complaints from a former Sasol employee regarding the company's alleged environmental violations, and discussed issues related to whistleblowers’ protected disclosure. The former employee alleged that Sasol had unlawfully disposed of hazardous, carcinogenic waste, including vanadium and diethanolamine, into water systems, and asserted that this could potentially contaminate the Vaal River and Vaal Dam, which supply drinking water to over 19 million South Africans. He claimed that despite making protected disclosures since 2019 to various government bodies, including the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), no effective action had been taken. A criminal case opened in 2022 had not proceeded to trial. He also alleged retaliatory dismissal and ongoing intimidation by Sasol. The parliamentary legal adviser clarified that the Committee could not adjudicate labour disputes or determine whether a protected disclosure had been made. However, it could exercise oversight by inquiring into compliance with environmental legislation and engaging relevant state entities, including the DFFE, the NPA, SAHRC, and Sasol. The  sub judice  rule did not generally prevent parliamentary discussion unless it caused substantial harm to the administration of justice. Members proposed inviting Sasol, the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the NPA to appear before the Committee. The Committee then considered its draft second term programme for 2026, which included briefings on annual performance plans, forestry, mining environmental systems, environmental levies, mine closures, and the National Elephant Heritage strategy. Adjustments were proposed to incorporate follow ups on the Sasol matter, and to allow more time for key topics.