Sasol has been told to clean up its act. The national air quality officer, who oversees the enforcement of the Air Quality Act, rejected the company’s request to measure its sulphur dioxide emissions in a way that would let it emit more than the law allows.
This is good news for the highveld, where Sasol’s Secunda plant and 12 coal stations operated by Eskom produce some of the worst air pollution in the world.
Sasol says it will appeal to Barbara Creecy, the minister of forestry, fisheries & the environment, for a fresh review of the air quality officer’s decision. But this is a waste of time and resources. A court ruling in March 2022 confirmed that the foul air violates citizens’ right to a healthy environment.
Sasol should instead invest in cleaner technologies and transition away from coal-based fuels. This would benefit the health and environment of the highveld and the long-term sustainability of Sasol itself.
But its troubles are not limited to its emissions. The Competition Commission accuses Sasol of abusing its monopoly over gas infrastructure and charging excessive prices for piped gas from Mozambique from 2004 to 2013. This harmed downstream industries and the economy.
Sasol’s Secunda plant and its gas price-gouging are examples of how Sasol has exploited its legacy assets and market power to the detriment of the environment, the economy and society. Sasol needs to change its ways or face the consequences.
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