Briefing on Sasol environmental compliance failures and whistleblower victimisation; DFFE update on protected disclosures, investigations, enforcement actions; with Minister

Video The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment met to consider its draft third term programme and receive briefings on alleged failures to enforce environmental laws relating to Sasol's Secunda operations, the alleged victimisation of a whistleblower, and actions taken by relevant institutions in response to protected disclosures. The Committee was briefed by Sasol, Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Sasol denied that its operations had polluted the Vaal River or that the whistleblower had been victimised. Govan Mbeki Local Municipality outlined measures to address pollution management, infrastructure deficiencies, waste management and compliance with a court order. DWS reported on Sasol’s water-use licences, compliance monitoring and enforcement, highlighting concerns relating to wastewater quality, dam seepage, stormwater overflows and toxicology results. DFFE outlined its investigation into allegations of pollution, unlawful waste disposal, false information and whistleblower victimisation, while the PPSA and SAHRC provided updates on complaints and investigations concerning the handling of the matter. Members raised concerns about recurring environmental risks at Sasol's operations, including leaking dams, wastewater quality, infrastructure failures and alleged non-compliance with water-use licences. They questioned whether the relevant authorities had acted timeously and effectively, sought clarity on delays in investigations and criminal proceedings, and raised concerns about the protection of whistleblowers and coordination between institutions. Members also expressed dissatisfaction when Sasol indicated that it could not immediately respond to some questions because of new developments involving warrants issued by the Environmental Management Inspectorate and the National Prosecuting Authority. In response, Sasol undertook to provide written answers after obtaining legal advice. DWS indicated that follow-up inspections and measures to strengthen compliance monitoring were being pursued. DFFE explained the factors that had contributed to delays and indicated that further investigative work was underway. The PPSA and SAHRC provided further clarification on their respective investigations and undertook to provide outstanding information. The Committee required Sasol to submit written responses by 25 August 2026 and DFFE to provide written information on the postponement of prosecutions. The Committee also adopted its third term programme.