Parliament intensifies scrutiny of Sasol

Environmental whistleblower Ian Erasmus says 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 to Sasol’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the allegations, saying previous criminal charges relating to environmental management at its Secunda operations were withdrawn by the state in July 2025 and that it has not been found liable in relation to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) inquiry into pollution in the Vaal River system. In a recent statement, the portfolio committee confirmed that one of the protected disclosures it received was from Erasmus — though it did not name him — where he had raised concerns about 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 to whistleblowers under the law. Committee chairperson Nqabisa Gantsho said parliament has a constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over environmental governance and compliance. “We will pursue a follow-up engagement on