Skip to Content

Environmental Defence Fund

The Environmental Defence Fund is a separate Section 21 (non-profit) company associated with the Centre for Environmental Rights. Donors have the option of donating funds for the Centre to the Fund to protect donor funding from the risks of potential claims arising from legal proceedings. We are in the process registering the fund as public benefit organisation under South African tax legislation (i.e. donations to the companies will be tax-deductible). The Fund will then donate funds to the Centre and other public benefit organisations with similar objectives to the Centre as and when required.

The Fund will also shortly launch a bequest programme, which will facilitate the inclusion of bequests to the Fund in the wills and testaments of individuals who want to secure the legal protection of the environment for future generations. Watch this space.

If you are interested in donating funds to the Environmental Defence Fund, please contact Melissa Fourie on mfourie@cer.org.za or 21 447 1647.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996

Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

Report a Violation

National Environmental Crimes & Incidents Hotline (24 hours): 0800 205 005

In addition, there are a number of national and provincial hotlines that may be useful.

Contact us

Physical & Postal

  • Address:223 Lower Main Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Map:View map

Connect with us