Have your say on Climate Transition Planning and Disclosure Framework

National Treasury

South Africa's National Treasury has taken a significant step towards climate resilience by initiating a public consultation on a proposed Climate Transition Planning and Disclosure Framework. This move underscores the government's commitment to addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a just transition, recognizing these as interconnected national priorities. The consultation paper serves as a foundational document, aiming to establish clear, practical guidelines for financial institutions to develop and implement credible transition plans. By seeking input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including financial institutions, corporates, regulators, and civil society, the Treasury intends to ensure the framework is both practical and responsive to South Africa's specific circumstances, fostering consistency and quality in climate planning and disclosure across the financial sector.

The Treasury's proactive engagement through this consultation process highlights its role in shaping the financial landscape to support national development goals. The framework is designed to reinforce the critical links between institutional strategy, financial decision-making, and the country's broader climate objectives. This approach is vital for strengthening the financial sector's capacity to facilitate a just and resilient transition, ensuring that economic growth is pursued in an environmentally sustainable and socially equitable manner. The emphasis on aligning with international good practice while reflecting local realities demonstrates a balanced and pragmatic strategy for climate governance.

Financial Institutions

Financial institutions are identified by the National Treasury as having an indispensable enabling role in South Africa's climate transition. Their capacity to mobilize and direct finance towards climate mitigation, adaptation, and just transition initiatives is paramount, especially given the country's substantial investment needs, estimated at an average of 4.4 percent of gross domestic product annually through to 2050. Banks, insurers, asset managers, and other investors are central to this effort, as they rely on robust information from companies in the real economy to accurately assess climate-related risks, evaluate investment opportunities, and make informed financing decisions.

Effective transition planning within these financial entities is therefore contingent upon the availability of credible corporate transition plans and a supportive broader enabling environment. This environment, as envisioned by the Treasury, encompasses coherent policy measures, economy-wide incentives, standardized and accessible data, and proportionate guidance. Such conditions are essential for institutions to build the necessary capacity for comprehensive transition planning, ensuring that their strategies are not only ambitious but also implementable and impactful. The framework aims to empower these institutions to navigate the complexities of climate change, transforming risks into opportunities for sustainable growth.

10 December 2026

The deadline for submissions on the consultation paper, 10 December 2026, marks a critical juncture for stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of South Africa's climate finance future. This date represents the culmination of a period during which the National Treasury actively encourages all interested parties to provide specific and practical recommendations. The input sought covers various aspects of the proposed framework, including its design, implementation strategies, proportionality, and the enabling conditions deemed necessary for fostering credible and effective transition planning across the entire financial sector.

This specific closing date underscores the urgency and importance of broad participation in refining a framework that will have long-lasting implications for South Africa's economy and environment. The Treasury's call for detailed feedback aims to ensure that the final framework is robust, adaptable, and truly reflective of the diverse perspectives and operational realities within the financial ecosystem. By engaging a wide array of voices, from industry associations to civil society and academia, the process seeks to build consensus and collective ownership, ultimately strengthening the framework's legitimacy and effectiveness in driving a sustainable and just transition.