Climate Commission rejects allegations of corruption in energy transition funding

THE Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has poured cold water on a report by advocacy group Open Secrets, which accuses consultancy firms and their intertwined relationships with business interests of systematically looting funds allocated for South Africa's Just Energy Transition (JET).

- BANELE GININDZA

The report, titled The Climate Consultants; How management consultants cash in on the climate crises, outlines serious allegations regarding the influence of private sector technocrats on government climate policy, while simultaneously consulting for fossil fuel companies implicated in worsening the climate crisis.

The report describes how much of South Africa's Just Energy Transition (JET) plan is being financed by a $12.8 billion pledge from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Most of the money so far provided is in the form of concessional loans, which means it still has to be paid back, albeit at favourable rates. The terms and conditions of these loans are not made known.

It claimed that around 65% of the committed grant funds, according to the JET Grants Register, have gone to private corporations and organisations as implementing entities.

Alarmingly, less than 25% of grant capital has been allocated to local public institutions—such as NGOs and universities—highlighting a disconnect between donor intentions and real, local impact.