Report
Middle East and Africa

South Africa Insights

CDP, in partnership with Brundtland, has analyzed the disclosure results of South African companies reporting through CDP.

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Nighttime city view of Cape Town, South Africa

Key findings

  • Since 2018, public disclosures through CDP of South African companies have grown by 35% – from 50 in 2018 to 84 in 2023.

  • 45% of the organizations in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Top 100 disclosed publicly in 2023.

  • Increasing transparency is apparent across all questionnaires, fostering accountability and encouraging continuous improvement.

  • Supply chain engagement needs to scale up and focus on collaboration and incentivisation.

  • The business case is clear for emission reductions, with an urgent need for increased scale.

  • Disclosure and action regarding impact on nature – particularly in relation to forests – in South Africa is in early stages and requires development.

Companies in South Africa have made continued progress with disclosure to climate and water in particular. However, further ambition is needed to meet the challenges we face. More efforts are needed on forests and we urge key stakeholders to embark on this journey.Similarly, greater progress is needed to establish robust targets for emissions reductions, and key industries such as infrastructure are urged to set ambitious targets for the country to meet its commitments under Paris.The importance of water security in South Africa is clear, but improved action is needed to ensure that companies can sustain anticipated water demands, regarding circularity and resilience.While forests disclosure lags, on a positive note, biodiversity disclosures continue to show promise, with some early movers taking steps to drive biodiversity action.

Download the full report and accompanying slide desk below to explore the analysis in more detail.

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