Parliament intensifies scrutiny of Sasol

Environmental whistleblowerIan Erasmussays he is living in hiding while continuing to pursue environmental disclosures before parliament, as the parliamentary portfolio committee on forestry, fisheries and the environment intensifies oversight into allegations linked toSasol’s operations. The committee has escalated its scrutiny after receiving protected disclosures from Erasmus relating to alleged pollution of land, air and water associated with Sasol. However, Sasol has disputed the allegations, sayingprevious criminal chargesrelating to environmental management at its Secunda operations were withdrawn by the state in July 2025 and that it has not been found liable in relation to theSouth African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) inquiry into pollutionin the Vaal River system.

In a recentstatement, the portfolio committee confirmed that one of the protected disclosures it received was from Erasmus — though it did not name him — where he hadraised concernsabout discharges and environmental contamination involving toxic and carcinogenic substances. The portfolio committee said the submissions included sensitive material relating to whistleblower intimidation, safety concerns and possible victimisation. “A legal opinion obtained by Parliament recommended that the oversight process be conducted in an open and transparent manner, given the high public interest,” it said.

The committee added that the concerns raised were consistent with academic studies conducted in areas surrounding Sasol operations and nearby water bodies, as well as media reports. It further noted that Erasmus had since been dismissed and said that, if it were established that the dismissal was linked to his disclosures, it could be inconsistent with protections afforded towhistleblowers under the law. Committee chairpersonNqabisa Gantshosaid parliament has a constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over environmental governance and compliance.

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“We will pursue a follow-up engagement on the Sasol matter, particularly as these issues have been reported to institutions such as the Public Protector, the SAHRC and law enforcement agencies,” Gantsho said. “The committee supports the protection of whistleblowers and expects that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard individuals who act in the public interest.” The committee has resolved to hold further meetings with the department of water and sanitation, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, the relevant municipality and the SAHRC. Environmental compliance, enforcement and whistleblower protection under the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) are among the agenda items.

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