For Worst Corporate Practice on Environmental and Human Rights

The Corpse Awards are administered by the environmental activist organisation groundWork and the Centre for Civil Society at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and handed out by a master of ceremonies dressed up as the Grim Reaper at an annual event in Durban. The awards recognise worst corporate practice in producing environmental injustice – corporate malfeasance, greenwash and ‘captive regulation’ by a compliant government.

Nominations for these tongue - in- cheek awards come from aggrieved workers, ‘fenceline’ communities living next door to polluting plants, and civil society organisations concerned about people’s health and environments. Many winners boast a stellar commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and the environment, but they have not, apparently, convinced their neighbours and employees. Government departments which allegedly facilitate environmental injustice are cast as supporting actors.