The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). According to the Joint Press Statement, this MoU was signed to "tackle South Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment by providing support to MMSEZ, in technical support and expertise; capacity building and skills development; research and innovation; solutions for sustainable development, knowledge advancement, attracting foreign investment/investors and facilitating partnerships to address developmental needs."

The Complainant claims that the MoU represents a public intention by the UNDP to collaborate with the MMSEZ and that it has caused harm to communities and the environment because it acts as an endorsement of the MMSEZ by a UN entity, thus lending UN goodwill to a proposal which has otherwise faced public opposition in South Africa. The Complainant claims that the proposed activities in the MMSEZ "will have significant impacts on water use, air pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, sacred and heritage sites, and many other aspects of life for people living in the area." The Complainant further claims that "the agreement signed will not be of benefit for climate change mitigation, protection of biodiversity and pulls SA commitment to transition to a low carbon development backward."