Category: Africa

South Africans are encouraged to have their voices heard by submitting comments on the Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy.

The revised policy was approved by cabinet for public comment with the closing date for submission set as 20 September 2026.

According to the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), the revised policy is government’s “overarching policy framework for electricity pricing and tariff design in South Africa”.

The policy provides the principles and strategic direction within which electricity prices and tariffs are determined, regulated and implemented.

“The current Policy was approved in 2008. Since then, South Africa’s electricity sector has undergone significant structural, legislative and institutional developments. These include the introduction of private sector participation in electricity generation, the growth of distributed generation, increased customer choice, the development of arrangements for electricity trading and wheeling, and reforms arising from the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024.

“The revision of the EPP is therefore necessary to ensure that Government’s electricity pricing policy remains fit for purpose and continues to provide clear policy direction as South Africa transforms to an increasingly competitive electricity market,” the DEE said.

The revised policy provides direction on, among other matters:

• the progressive implementation of cost-reflective electricity tariffs, subject to appropriate consumer protection and Government’s social and economic objectives;
• the promotion of transparent, understandable and non-discriminatory tariff structures:
• the appropriate treatment and allocation of costs associated with the generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply of electricity;
• the development of pricing arrangements and charges required to support the evolving electricity market architecture:
• wholesale electricity pricing arrangements, including the treatment of energy and capacity-related costs;
• the development and application of transmission and distribution use-of-system charges;
• improved transparency regarding the charges and components reflected in electricity bills;
• the protection of vulnerable and low-income consumers through appropriate social support mechanisms, including Free Basic Electricity and lifeline tariff arrangements;
• the appropriate treatment of cross-subsidies, where these are explicitly authorised or required in pursuit of legitimate public policy objectives;
• negotiated pricing arrangements for distressed industries and alignment to national industrial growth strategy, where permitted in terms of applicable legislation and regulatory requirements; and
• strengthened implementation, monitoring, accountability and institutional responsibilities.

“The consultation process will provide electricity consumers, municipalities, organised labour, business, industry participants, civil society organisations, academic institutions and other interested stakeholders with an opportunity to review the revised Policy and submit representations.

“All submissions received within the prescribed period will be duly considered in the finalisation of the Policy. 

“The department encourages stakeholders to provide substantive and constructive comments, particularly on the practicality, clarity and anticipated implications of the proposed policy measures and their implementation,” the department stated.

Comments can be submitted as follows:

• By post at Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001
• By hand to: House 192 Visagie Street, Corner Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria
• By email to EPP.Comments@dee.gov.za 

“Following the conclusion of the public consultation process, the department will consider the submissions received and finalise the Policy in accordance with the applicable Government policy making and approval processes,” the department noted.

The revised Policy may be accessed at www.gpw.gov.za – Government Gazettes. – SAnews.gov.za

New Delhi, India – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on BRICS countries to cut trade barriers and expand business opportunities, saying India is building economic bridges amid rising global protectionism.

“Today, as trade barriers are increasing around the world, India is building economic bridges. Since 2014, we have entered into Free Trade Agreements with nearly 40 countries around the world. Our approach within BRICS is also the same: reduce barriers and expand opportunities for businesses,” Modi said on Friday during the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, India.

The Prime Minister’s comments come as India will host the 18th BRICS Summit from 12 to 13 September 2026.

He also urged the BRICS Business Council to prepare a report identifying the top 10 trade barriers among member countries and proposing ways to remove them.

According to Modi, India’s BRICS Presidency has focused on creating practical cooperation networks in agriculture, healthcare, skills and smart grids, with the aim of connecting start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to markets and finance.

“We have launched initiatives such as the BRICS Incubator Network, BRICS Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Portal, and BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. You can all benefit from these cooperation frameworks and further increase the exchange of investment and talent among our countries,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also underlined the importance of keeping global supply routes open, protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of seafarers.

“Global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch advocate of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” Modi said.

Speaking at the session, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on BRICS governments and business communities to use the grouping as a platform to deepen investment and trade, reshape existing economic patterns and transform the economies of countries across the Global South.

“We cannot accept a future where Africa supplies the minerals on which the next generation of industries depends, while value addition and manufacturing take place elsewhere.

“If we are to change where value is created, we must also change where investment is directed. We must direct investment towards manufacturing and beneficiation, industrial technologies, energy systems, infrastructure and logistics,” President Ramaphosa said.

READ | President Ramaphosa calls on BRICS to reshape global economic patterns

The BRICS Business Forum brought together business leaders, Ministers and Heads of State to discuss trade, investment, finance, technology and development challenges shaping the bloc’s economic agenda.
The forum provides a platform to present and discuss key proposals from the BRICS Business Council, making it an important agenda-setting space for the grouping.

Its conclusions and recommendations are often reflected in BRICS Summit declarations and follow-up work plans, particularly on intra-BRICS trade, investment, the digital economy, micro, small and medium enterprises, standards cooperation and value chain integration. –SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, together with the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, will commemorate the 10^th Annual Silent Walk And Run on Sunday 13 September 2026. 

This as the country commemorates Deaf Awareness Month.

The walk will be held at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton. 

“The Silent Walk and Run promotes greater understanding of the Deaf community, encourages the use of sign language, and advocates for a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and access.

“This year’s event is held under the theme: Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages and will additionally raise awareness and funds in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the department said in a statement.

Department MEC Lebogang Maile threw his support behind the initiative, encouraging citizens to take part in the walk.

“This initiative not only amplifies awareness and advocacy for the Deaf community but also promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity while fostering unity, understanding and social inclusion.

“The Silent Walk and Run is one of several community-driven initiatives supported by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation through its funding assistance programme.

“It aligns directly with our mandate to create inclusive spaces where all people, including persons living with disabilities, can actively participate in sport, recreation and community pogrammes,” Maile said.

Entries for the Silent Walk And Run are available at: https://foundationneema.org/silent-walk-run/.

“As we celebrate ten years of the Silent Walk and Run, we salute the organisers, participants and partners who continue to champion inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities. Together, we can build a Gauteng that leaves no one behind and where every voice, whether spoken or signed, is valued and respected,” Maile said. – SAnews.gov.za