Fossil Free Wits

Calling Wits University to embrace climate justice:

  • Divest from fossil fuels.
  • Decarbonise campus.
  • Offer fossil fuel-free pension options .
  • Focus on climate in teaching and research.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION


Institutions that continue to invest in fossil fuels despite all the evidence of their effect on accelerating climate change are furthering environmental, economic and social injustice.

– Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

‘As a leading university in Africa, Wits must lead by example and use its influence to transform society through its leadership, education, and research.​’

– Wits Vice Chancellor Zeblon Vilakazi

Our aim

To expand social leadership by Wits to addressing the global climate emergency and the now-disastrous impacts of continued fossil fuel use on human health, human rights and human development. There is no context in which this mission is more urgent than the global climate emergency.

Our history

The Fossil Free Wits campaign began in 2021 with a call on the university to properly integrate climate issues into its Wits 2033 Strategic Framework.

About us

The Fossil Free Wits campaign is led by Wits academics, with support from Fossil Free South Africa.

Got questions?

We’ve prepared an extensive list of questions and answers; hopefully this will help, but please feel free to get in touch if not.


Contact us


The Fossil Free Wits campaign is led by Wits academics, with advice and practical support from Fossil Free SA.