Welcome to the website of the Designated National Authority (DNA) for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in South Africa. On this site you will find introductory material on the CDM as well as all the information necessary to submit a CDM project to the DNA for comment or approval.

The primary purpose of this website is to provide information on the CDM and the process for CDM project approval in South Africa. It will focus specifically on the role of the Designated National Authority in this process but will also provide a set of resources, links and publications through which more information on other elements of CDM project development can be obtained. This website will contribute to this process by showcasing successful CDM projects and promoting projects and sectors amenable to investment via the CDM.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to curb the air pollution blamed for global warming. It came into force on 16 February 2005, seven years after it was agreed. The accord requires countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. About 141 countries, accounting for 55 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, have ratified the treaty, which pledges to cut these emissions by 5.2 percent by 2012.

Read the full text of the Kyoto Protocol

When was the DNA established?

A regulation under Section 25 of the National Environmental Management Act establishing the DNA was gazetted on 24 December 2004 by Martinus van Schalkwyk, the minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The regulation established the DNA within the Department of Minerals and Energy and provides the DNA with its legal mandate to oversee the CDM in South Africa.

What is the Clean Development Mechanism?

The CDM was established in December 1997 by the Third Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CDM allows industrialised countries with emission-reduction commitments to meet part of their commitments by investing in projects in developing countries that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while contributing to the local sustainable development needs of the host country.

To allow CDM projects to occur, host countries need to designate national authorities to evaluate and approve the operation of CDM projects in their country. South Africa has established a Designated National Authority to fulfil this function as well as other functions related to the successful implementation of the CDM in South Africa, including the promotion of investment in CDM projects.

What does the DNA do?

The designation of a national authority for the CDM in South Africa is a requirement for South Africa's participation in the mechanism, as defined within the formal rules of the CDM. The main task of the DNA is to assess potential CDM projects to determine whether they will assist South Africa in achieving its sustainable development goals and to issue formal host country approval where this is the case.

The DNA for South Africa was established in late 2004. At present, its focus is on the approval process for potential CDM projects. However, it will also provide support to project developers and play a part in promoting South Africa as an attractive location for potential CDM investors.

Who is responsible for the DNA?

The regulations establishing the DNA for Clean Development Mechanism in South Africa were gazetted on 22 July 2005. According to the regulations, the responsibilities of the DNA are allocated to the Director-General of the Department of Minerals and Energy, who shall perform all such powers, duties and functions of the DNA, and may delegate any power conferred on that authority by these regulations to one or more officials in the Department of Minerals and Energy.

Click here to download the PDF of the gazetted regulations No R. 721 for the Establishment of the Designated National Authority for the Clean Development Mechanism, under section 25(3) of National Environmental Management 1998 Act 107 (NEMA) [359kb].

South Africa's Registered CDM projects

• Project 0079: Kuyasa low-cost urban housing energy upgrade project, Khayelitsha (Cape Town; South Africa). This was South Africa's first CDM project and was registered by the CDM Executive Board on 27 August 2005. It was the first CDM project to go through the DNA's approval procedures. It was also the first African CDM project to be registered by the UNFCCC CDM Executive Board. Detailed information on this CDM project is available here on the UNFCCC site.

• Project 0177: Lawley Fuel Switch Project South Africa. Registered on 6 March 2006. This project entails the conversion from coal to natural gas of the thermal fuel used in clay brick-baking kilns at Lawley Brick Factory, a brick factory wholly owned by Corobrik (Pty) Ltd, South Africa. Detailed information on this CDM project is available here on the UNFCCC site.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the promotion of the CDM in South Africa, or if you would like to find out how to invest in a project, please contact the DNA directly.
Phone: +27 (0)12 317-8227 /
DNA secretary (012) 317 8309