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Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

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Advancing
Environmental Rights
in South Africa

We are activist lawyers who defend the right of communities and civil society organisations to an environment not harmful to health or wellbeing for present and future generations. Through litigation, advocacy and activist support and training, we seek to advance our vision of a more equal society, free of fossil fuels, in which environmental and climate justice is realised and all people and the planet flourish.

Activist
Support & Training

Training, networking, enforcing compliance with laws and securing environmental activist spaces.

Corporate Accountability

Exposing corporate failures to comply with environmental laws, and raising investor awareness.

Mining

Environmental justice by advocating for better environmental laws and improved implementation of laws.

Pollution &
Climate Change

Promote environmental justice, ensure compliance, and strengthen civil society participation.

Transparency

Advocating for greater transparency in governance and for swift and easy access to information.

Reports

Impact Report

Law, people, planet, justice

Our impact report reflects on our achievements over the past 13 years and celebrates our vision for the future: to contribute to a vibrant and growing environmental and climate justice movement in South Africa. Learn More...

View Report

News

Government Appeals Landmark Youth Climate Court Victory as #CancelCoal Case Returns to Court

Government Appeals Landmark Youth Climate Court Victory as #CancelCoal Case Returns to Court

13 August 2026

The #CancelCoal case returns to court on the 19th of August 2026 as the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, appeals the High Court judgment handed down in favour of youth-led climate justice organisation African Climate Alliance (ACA), and environmental justice organisations Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action (VEM) and groundWork, collectively represented… continued

Empowering communities in Richards Bay: A step towards climate justice and a Just Energy Transition

Empowering communities in Richards Bay: A step towards climate justice and a Just Energy Transition

12 August 2026

In July 2026, community members, environmental organisations and legal experts met in Richards Bay to discuss climate change, environmental justice and South Africa’s energy transition. The workshop was hosted by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), together with the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), Natural Justice (NJ), and Fossil Free South Africa’s Fossil Ad… continued

Have Your Say on South Africa's Water Future

Have Your Say on South Africa’s Water Future

22 July 2026

Decisions about who gets access to water and who is held accountable for polluting it affects all of us. The National Water Amendment Bill (B1–2026) is currently before Parliament for public comment. It proposes some of the most significant changes to South Africa’s water laws since the National Water Act came into effect in 1998…. continued

#CancelCoal case is back in Court on 19 August 2026

#CancelCoal case is back in Court on 19 August 2026

17 July 2026

On 19 August 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeal will hear arguments in the landmark, youth-led climate case, challenging South Africa’s plans to procure 1500 megawatts (MW) of new coal-fired power. This is an appeal of the High Court’s judgment in a review and constitutional challenge, brought by the African Climate Alliance (ACA), Vukani Environmental… continued

Calls grow for environmental and health accountability following AMSA AGM

Calls grow for environmental and health accountability following AMSA AGM

10 July 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JOHANNESBURG, 07 July 2026 – The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has called on ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (AMSA) to demonstrate its progress towards measurable commitments to climate and environmental justice. This follows AMSA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held on 26 June 2026. AMSA is the largest steel producer in… continued

Climate Litigation School 2026 – passing the baton to a new generation of climate justice leaders

Climate Litigation School 2026 – passing the baton to a new generation of climate justice leaders

6 July 2026

6 July 2026, Pretoria, South Africa – Despite being in recess, there was excitement at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield’s campus during the official start of Climate Litigation School 2026. The winter school has brought together 40 participants – including lawyers, students, researchers, and climate justice practitioners – from across South Africa to be hosted at Future Africa Campus.  Vice-Principal: Academic at the University of Pretoria and keynote speaker, Professor Loretta Feris, lauded… continued

We should not pay the price for AMSA’s non-compliance, say affected communities

We should not pay the price for AMSA’s non-compliance, say affected communities

2 July 2026

Environmental justice organisations have submitted objections to ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (“AMSA”) application for alternative sulphur dioxide emissions limits that are almost three times higher than the legal limit, arguing that the company has failed to demonstrate that it qualifies for the requirements set out in section 12A of the Minimum Emissions Standards. (JOHANNESBURG, 02 July… continued

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Communities take SA government to court over abandoned Imbabala coal mine

9 June 2026

ERMELO, 8 June 2026 — The Khuthala Environmental Care Group, together with the Concerned Residents of Nomzamo Agri Village, Steve Biko Settlement, and Thusi Ville, have filed a landmark application in the High Court of South Africa (Mpumalanga Division, Middelburg). The case is brought against the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ (DMPR) Minister, Director… continued

Report an Environmental Violation

Section 24 of the constitution provides that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. However, the lives and livelihoods of many people and communities are put at risk by those that destroy our natural resources, harm our health and compromise the ecological integrity of our environment. Hold these persons accountable!

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