Category: South Africa Government

The man accused of murdering a Madlanga Commission witness has appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court.

Matipandile Sotheni appeared in the court to face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful position of ammunition in relation to the murder of “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe appeared at the commission in November last year.

“It is alleged that after Witness D, Marius Van der Merwe, testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025. The accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased.

“It is further alleged that on 05 December 2025, the accused positioned himself at the vicinity of the deceased’s residence. When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene,” National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said.

Sotheni was arrested following investigations by the Madlanga Task Team established to “investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga commission of Inquiry”.

“The accused was arrested on 14 March 2026 and is remanded in custody. In court the matter was postponed to 25 March for an opposed bail application,” Mahanja said. – SAnews.gov.za

49 views

Eskom will implement tariff adjustments for the new financial year from April for its direct customers, while municipal customers are expected to see increases from July.

The increases – 8.76% for Eskom customers and an average of 9.01% for municipal customers – were approved and announced by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in February.

“The tariff increase supports Eskom’s ability to provide a stable and reliable electricity supply. Eskom’s revenue requirement covers the cost of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity, while migrating towards a fair return is needed to maintain and invest in critical infrastructure.

“NERSA considered both customer affordability and the long‑term sustainability of the electricity system,” the power utility said in a statement.

Eskom’s Group Chief Financial Officer Calib Cassim added: “We have been clear in communicating that Eskom is working to ensure that future tariff increase requests remain reasonable, recognising the affordability pressures on both residential and business customers.

“Achieving this depends on disciplined financial management and finding smarter, more efficient ways of operating”.

Subsidised tariffs

The power utility assured that subsidised tariffs will remain in place.

These include:

• Homelight tariffs continue to be subsidised, with these subsidies recovered through the Affordability Subsidy Charge.
• Rural tariffs also remain subsidised due to higher network costs in those areas.
• These network‑related subsidies, including those benefiting Homelight customers, are recovered through the Electrification and Rural Subsidy (ERS) charge and the Low‑Voltage charge.

“These measures continue to ensure that electricity remains accessible and affordable for low‑income and rural households,” the statement read.

Detailed tariffs for Eskom customers can be found on https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/tariffs-and-charges/ while municipal customers are requested to wait for communication from their respective municipalities.

“Over the past three years, Eskom has made steady progress in improving the performance of its generation fleet. The Energy Availability Factor has risen to 65.85% year‑to‑date [1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026], with the fleet reaching or exceeding 70% on 83 occasions so far.

“The baseload units that anchor the system 24/7 have stabilised significantly, improving from 9% availability two years ago to being available more than 98% of the time today.

“Eskom remains committed to transparent communication, disciplined financial management and continued operational improvements that support a dependable electricity supply for all South Africans,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

6 views

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Alexandra Abrahams, says localisation must be embraced as a national commitment to rebuild productive capacity, deepen value chains and ensure that economic growth translates into real opportunities for South Africans.

The Deputy Minister was addressing delegates on the first of the two-day Buy Local Summit & Expo hosted by Proudly South African at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng. 

The annual event is aimed at promoting locally manufactured goods and services to create jobs, reduce unemployment, and stimulate the economy. The event attracted over 1 600 delegates among them exhibitors, government representatives, entrepreneurs, investors, and funders.

This year, the event shines the spotlight on the adverse impact of illicit trade, the effect of the turbulent international geopolitical environment, and the far-reaching impact of the exponential growth of offshore, e-commerce retailers on local industries.

In her remarks on Monday, Abrahams said supporting local is about enabling businesses to grow and promoting both sustainability and re-investment in South Africa, particularly local communities.

“The more we choose to support locally produced goods and services, the stronger our economy becomes. With that growth comes expanded opportunity, new enterprises, and more livelihoods sustained with dignity. 

“We may not always see the immediate impact of cultivating a culture that is proudly South African. But if we get it right, the benefits will extend far beyond the present moment. The foundations we lay today will shape the opportunities available to the generations that follow. Future generations will feel the impact,” Abrahams said.

She further highlighted that the importance of recognising the distinction between supporting local industry, localisation, and protectionism.

“Supporting local production should not mean insulating our economy to the point where our industries lose the incentive to compete globally. 

“South African products should succeed in international markets because they are innovative, reliable and of world class quality, not simply because they are shielded from competition. The objective of localisation is therefore not to create permanent protection, but to strengthen the conditions under which local firms can compete and grow,” she said. 

The Deputy Minister reiterated the strategic national commitment to rebuild South Africa’s productive economy, restore industrial capability, and secure inclusive economic growth, noting that if government, business and consumers act with shared purpose, the choice to buy local will become a powerful engine for investment, jobs and long-term prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

9 views

As South Africa marks Human Rights Month and approaches three decades since the adoption of its Constitution, the link between human rights and human settlements has never been more pronounced. 

Few portfolios illustrate the lived reality of constitutional rights as directly as housing – where dignity, equality and access to opportunity intersect in brick, mortar and place.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane believes this milestone demands reflection, celebration and renewed commitment. Speaking to Public Sector Manager magazine, she frames housing not merely as infrastructure delivery, but as a constitutional promise realised over time.

“Human rights and 30 years of the Constitution is an important celebration that needs to be held,” Simelane says. “I am going to look at it from a human settlements and property ownership perspective.

Gone are the days when women, specialised categories of society, could not own property. It took a lot of policy and direction just to make sure we are equal citizens in the eyes of the law.”

Right to own property

For Simelane, the right to own property is inseparable from the broader project of equality. The Constitution, she argues, did more than remove legal barriers – it fundamentally altered who could claim space, security and belonging.

“…it is to allow you to be able to exercise your right – and your right to be guaranteed by the Constitution – that you deserve dignity,” she explains. “Dignity is part of what could be realised by a government in providing you with a house.”

Yet the Minister is careful to stress that dignity does not end with a roof over one’s head. The democratic vision of human settlements is far more expansive.

“Not only providing you with a house, but a human settlement, where there are amenities like schools, amenities that bring conveniences like complexes, recreation centres like skills training and development centres that our communities so deserve,” she says.

Progress made

This integrated vision is reflected in how the department defines a human settlement. “When we categorise a human settlement, we say it must be provided with electricity – of which our country is doing well. There are challenges, but in our roll out we are at 97% provision,” Simelane notes. “With water and reticulation, we are at 72% in the connectivity of bulk, including roads in human settlements and other social amenities.”

While acknowledging persistent backlogs and service delivery pressures, she believes the constitutional trajectory is clear. “We have ticked what is key,” she says, “but when we talk to issues of urbanisation – which is what we are now dealing with – rapid growth, rapid migration forces us to follow what we call the priorities of the Seventh Administration.”

Those priorities include strengthening smaller towns and secondary cities. “Ensuring that we now even go into urbanisation of the small areas so that, conveniently, people are able to stay where they are,” Simelane explains. 

“To all South Africans, we have made a mark in growth – at a constitutional to a developmental point of view. That deserves to be celebrated.”

The gains

Central to this celebration is the country’s constitutional democracy and its oversight institutions. Simelane sees bodies such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) not as adversaries of the State but as enablers of better governance.

“We have got a democracy in the form of the SAHRC, and that guarantees every South African that if you feel that your right is being violated in one way or the other, or the promises of the Constitution are not adhered to, you could be able to lay a right that you have in the Constitution for it to be looked into,” she says. 

“We do not take that from a negative point of view. The SAHRC is able to assess your systems, how you can grow and how you can develop in achieving that every right is guaranteed for every South African. We must celebrate the Constitution as a victory.”

Embracing technology

Looking ahead, the Minister situates the department’s current work firmly within this constitutional mandate. “In 2025, we presented our Budget Vote Speech under the theme: Leveraging technologies for resilient, sustainable human settlements,” she says. “We did this with full understanding that technologies can assist us in achieving our targets as contained in the 2024 – 2029 Medium Term Development Plan.”

She points to Section 26 of the Constitution as a guiding principle. “The Constitution enjoins us to take reasonable legislative and other measures within available resources to ensure everyone has access to adequate housing,” Simelane explains. “With this directive, not only to provide houses, but to deliver sustainable human settlements that are affordable, resilient and dignified.”

A key intervention in this regard is the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, hosted by the department in early February. “This Summit is a national platform dedicated to advancing and showcasing innovative, sustainable and scalable construction solutions,” she says. 

“It supports the delivery of dignified housing, the eradication of informal settlements and mud houses, and strengthens our capacity to respond to housing emergencies stemming from disasters.”

“These challenges are further compounded by climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of floods and storms.”

Rapid urbanisation adds another layer of complexity. “Our country continues to experience rapid urbanisation and population growth,” she notes. “These dynamics require new and innovative approaches to housing delivery that are faster, more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and capable of being deployed at scale.”

Innovation

For Simelane, innovation is not a luxury – it is a constitutional necessity. “A key focus of the summit is the role of IBTs in accelerating housing delivery while maintaining quality, safety and compliance with regulatory standards,” she says. “These technologies include modular and fabricated construction systems, alternative and locally produced building materials, climate-resilient designs, green and energy-efficient solutions, and smart construction methods that reduce time and cost.”

She is particularly concerned about the continued existence of mud houses. “These structures are often highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding, posing serious risks to the safety and well-being of occupants,” Simelane says.

 “Through IBTs, we want durable, affordable alternatives that can be rolled out rapidly, while supporting local manufacturing, skills development and job creation.”

Spatial justice 

The constitutional promise of dignity, she insists, must also translate into spatial justice. “With IBTs, we seek to achieve spatially transformed and socially integrated communities,” she says. 

“By promoting innovative construction methods that support higher density development and well-located housing, we will reverse apartheid spatial patterns and build communities truly reflective of a democratic South Africa.”

As South Africa reflects on 30 years of constitutional democracy, Simelane’s message is both reflective and forward-looking. “Through hosting the IBTs Summit, the department affirms its commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have safe, decent and affordable housing,” she says. “Innovation must play a critical role in accelerating delivery and improving the quality of household life.”

Ultimately, she returns to the Constitution itself. “Housing is not just about structures,” Simelane concludes. “It is about dignity, equality and human rights made real. That is what 30 years of our Constitution calls on us to protect – and to deepen – for generations to come.” 

*This article was first published in the Public Sector Manager magazine.

77 views

South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term growth are built not only in boardrooms and policy meetings, but in everyday choices ordinary South Africans make, says Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi. 

From the corner spaza shop in Ga-Mokgotho, Burgersfort, to proudly South African brands competing on the global stage, supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful ways to  build the economy. 

“When we choose local, we are not just buying a product, we are financially backing our own people.

“We are supporting the entrepreneur running a small business in the township, the young designer turning talent into opportunity, entertainment space creates a vibrant sound of amapiano and the factory worker, whose job depends on demand for locally made goods. 

“From the kasi to the world, South Africans have the creativity, resilience and talent to produce goods and services that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere. 

“Every rand spent on local products keeps money circulating within communities, supports families – helping to grow businesses that create jobs. Local brands are proving that South African businesses can compete at the highest level,” Baloyi said.

A great example is Portia M, which has grown into one of the country’s most successful beauty brands, showing how local entrepreneurship can transform an industry. 

MaXhosa Africa has become a global fashion player by integrating authentic African heritage with high-end fashion, appearing on international runways and opening a flagship store in Manhattan.

Whoa Collections and its premium packaging that combines artistry and sophistication, with each box representing a strong commitment to quality and design, has also become another South African success story. 

South Africans have also witnessed President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly supporting the local sneaker brand, Bathu, sending a powerful message that supporting local businesses is not only patriotic but practical. 

Over today and Tuesday, Proudly South African celebrated the 14th edition of its Buy Local Summit & Expo, which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

“Initiatives such as the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, which celebrates its 14th edition in 2026, continue to play a critical role in converging businesses, government and consumers to champion local production. 

“It’s a testament that over the years, this flagship event has grown into a dynamic two-day gathering, portraying highlights of the quality, innovation and diversity of products and services produced locally. 

“Proudly South African is the country’s national buy local campaign that was formed in 2001 to boost job creation by promoting South African businesses, products and services, rallying consumers, the public and private sector to procure locally manufactured goods and services,” Baloyi said.

Government is also committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive. 

In the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the compulsory VAT registration threshold for small businesses will increase from R1 million to R2.3 million per annum from 1 April 2026. 

“This reform will significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for small enterprises, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses, innovation and creating jobs. 

“Subsequently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is finalising a National Industrial Policy to grow a globally competitive manufacturing sector, with a focus on decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation,” Baloyi said. 

Sectoral interventions are supporting automotive manufacturing, critical minerals beneficiation, agro-processing, furniture, clothing and emerging industries such as cannabis and hemp. 

In addition, government is taking deliberate steps to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods. Expanding local manufacturing and procurement strengthens domestic industries, broadens markets and unlocks opportunities for business expansion. 

Baloyi said by simplifying business regulations and compliance, government is working to ensure that companies and entrepreneurs can focus on growth, innovation and job creation. 

“Equipping people with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the economy is equally important. When South Africans buy local, they help sustain factories, farms, small businesses and service providers that employ thousands of people across the country.

“These concerted efforts can play a vital role in reducing the unemployment rate in our country, which remains one of the most pressing hurdles. However, tackling this challenge would require a coordinated action by government, business and labour to increase production, stimulate demand for locally produced goods and expand employment opportunities. 

“This vision aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, which sets out South Africa’s long-term strategy to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, while building a more inclusive society,” he said. 

During the 2026 State of the National Address, Presidency Cyril Ramaphosa announced that over the coming year, government will provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to small and medium enterprises, and extend additional guarantees, with a particular focus on women- and youth-owned businesses. Red tape reduction, credit reform and targeted support will help unlock growth at the local level. 

“Every time you choose a South African product, you are not just making a purchase, you are making an investment. Supporting local businesses is the most direct, practical way to fuel our economic vision of South Africa. 

“It’s a simple choice that carries massive weight. It keeps people  employed, strengthens homegrown industries, and invests in a shared future. Collaboration among consumers, businesses and government is essential to build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy for future generations,” Baloyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

23 views

South Africa is finally turning the corner on slow growth. 

Thanks to government’s pro-growth reformist agenda, green shoots are emerging in nearly all key sectors of the economy, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said on Monday.

“Consistent energy supply, and an improved transport and logistics environment, including the drop in inflation to 3.5% recorded early this year, have had a positive knock-on effect on key sectors of the economy.

Mining and Agriculture have both shown strong growth – factors which bode well for sustained growth,” Tau said in a statement. 

The Minister stressed that the four consecutive quarters of growth recorded leading into early 2026 were a result of government led interventions – critical of which was government’s successful investment mobilisation drive.

Investment Conference 

He added that to augment this growth, South Africa is scheduled to host the 6th Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31 March 2026.

In line with the President’s commitment at the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the conference promises to set South Africa on an even bolder investment target over the medium term.

“To date, over R600 billion has already flowed into the economy, resulting in the opening of new factories, mines, and various other industrial facilities. These investments play a critical role in South Africa’s national goals of socio-economic development by creating sustainable jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality,” Tau said.

Launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAIC has become the country’s premier platform for attracting global and domestic delegates to discuss emerging opportunities. The 2026 conference occurs during a period of significantly improved investor perception. 

Over the last 18 to 24 months, several critical economic challenges have been addressed, most notably the improvement in the country’s energy reliability.

Tau stressed that the forthcoming conference will be anchored on South Africa’s new future focused economic and industrial policy, including the targets in the Medium Term Development Plan, the Economic Growth and Inclusion (GAIN) programme and South Africa’s New Industrial Policy which is being finalised.

Tau reinforced that the 6th SAIC will continue building on the achievements of the dtic family since the beginning of the seventh administration.

“Over the past year and a half, we have implemented industrial reforms in targeted sectors and incentivised industry to create jobs. We have embarked on market and export diversification through our Butterfly Strategy and are redesigning Transformation through the Transformation Fund and B-BBEE policy review,” he said.

Government will host the sixth edition of the conference in Johannesburg as it intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 
– SAnews.gov.za

 

48 views

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eswatini Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, have signed a revised treaty on the Development and Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Komati River Basin.

The amended treaty, signed at Maguga Dam in Eswatini on Friday, 13 March 2026, supports future water development, while safeguarding long-term water security for communities in Mpumalanga relying on the Driekoppies Dam and Maguga Dam, and reinforces strong transboundary cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

The agreement was concluded during a meeting hosted by Prince Dlamini, who invited Majodina to the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss cooperation on shared water resources and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The Ministers emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and the existing bilateral relations through the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Agreement signed in 1992. The Commission acts as a technical advisory body to both governments on all technical matters relating to the development and utilisation of shared water resources.

The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa also signed the Treaty on the Development and Utilisation of water resources of the Komati Basin in 1992, which led to the establishment of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) in 1993. The bi-national authority was mandated to raise financing through loans, design and oversee the construction of the Maguga and Driekoppies dams, and to manage their operation and maintenance.

The Treaty stipulated the equitable water allocations between two countries and set out a formula for sharing the costs of construction of the two dams as well as operation and maintenance of the dams and the system post construction phase.

However, the agreement had not been reviewed in the 33 years since its signing. With the introduction of many legislative changes in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa, environment in which KOBWA operates and commitments to international principles governing transboundary water cooperation between member states amongst others, necessitated a review of the treaty.

The revision aims to broaden KOBWA’s mandate so that it can support the two governments’ efforts to improve water services for their citizens and explore sustainable revenue streams to support its operational expenses.

The review process included public consultations in both countries, and all relevant processes for concluding international agreements were observed from both countries.

During the meeting, the Ministers stressed the importance of complying with minimum cross-border water flow requirements at the Ressano Garcia gauging station in line with the Incomati–Maputo Watercourse Agreement. They also encouraged KOBWA and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) to work together towards ensuring the 2.6 m3/s (cubic metres) is achieved as prescribed in the Incomati-Maputo agreement.

“The Ministers further committed their support to the Incomati-Maputo Water Commission (INMACOM) as the new institution established to promote cooperation between the three Parties (The Kingdom of Eswatini, The Republic of Mozambique and The Republic of South Africa) to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of water resources shared by the Member States,” the Ministers said in a Joint statement.

The meeting reaffirmed the continued strong cooperation between the two governments, especially in the management of transboundary water resources.

It was agreed that the Joint Water Commission would continue to meet at least once a year, while the Ministers would hold regular engagements to share updates and discuss progress on the work of the Commission. – SAnews.gov.za

18 views

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the inaugural National Transport Conference should mark a turning point for South Africa’s transport sector, calling for stronger collaboration between government, business and labour to drive reforms and improve the country’s logistics system.

Addressing delegates at the conference held at Gallagher Convention Centre on Monday, President Ramaphosa said building an effective transport system requires partnerships across sectors.

“To build the partnership that this vision requires, we should consider establishing a permanent Transport Council,” the President said.

The President said the proposed council would bring together government, the private sector and passenger and logistics service providers across land, air and sea transport to strengthen cooperation and support reforms in the sector. 

He stressed that an efficient transport and logistics system is essential for economic growth and improving the lives of South Africans.

“Transport is vital to our economy and our people. When our transport arteries are blocked or inefficient, growth stalls, costs rise and opportunity diminishes. When they flow freely, the country thrives,” he said.

The President noted that logistics inefficiencies are estimated to cost the country’s economy close to R1 billion a day, highlighting the urgency of reforms to improve the movement of goods and people.

He said government has placed logistics reform at the centre of its economic recovery strategy through the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

Key interventions include the implementation of the National Rail Policy of 2022 and the National Freight Logistics Roadmap of 2023, which aim to restore rail as the backbone of South Africa’s freight logistics system.

Through the establishment of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, government has started opening the rail network to private operators.

Train slots covering 24 million tonnes of freight a year have already been conditionally allocated to 11 train operating companies, with the first private operator expected to begin operations in April 2027. 

President Ramaphosa said government has also set an ambitious target of moving 250 million tonnes of freight by rail by 2029, compared with 160 million tonnes transported in the past financial year. 

The President said improvements are already emerging through the work of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, which has been coordinating efforts to address challenges in the freight system and improve operations on key corridors.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that a modern and efficient transport system would lower the cost of doing business, attract investment and create jobs.

“It will strengthen regional integration and make our economy more competitive,” he said.

He added that the conference presents an opportunity for stakeholders to place transport at the centre of the country’s growth path and help shape a more inclusive and resilient transport system. – SAnews.gov.za

96 views

Government is continually engaging with stakeholders in the petroleum sector on fuel supply stability and security of fuel supply, as global disruptions continue.

This according to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who delivered a keynote address at the 5^th Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference, which kicked off in Cape Town. 

Conflict in the Middle East has caused disruptions to supply and a steep increase in fuel prices.

“To maintain product availability in our country, as communicated last week, the department remains in constant engagement with industry players to explore all possible supply sources.

“These engagements are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market, without immediately utilising the country’s strategic reserves,” he said.

The Minister noted that disruptions are particularly impactful on countries that are reliant on oil imports.

“While questions remain about potential fuel supply disruptions, the reality is that substantial fuel price increases are increasingly unavoidable. Countries that rely heavily on imports of refined petroleum products remain particularly vulnerable to global market shocks.

“[The] sustainable long-term solution to our challenges lies in domestic production. This can only be achieved through the rigorous exploration and responsible exploitation of our own petroleum resources,” Mantashe stated.

South Africa’s potential oil production has been met with legal challenges from environmental groups.

“It is now well established that South Africa is endowed with significant offshore petroleum potential, including major gas discoveries in the Outeniqua Basin.

“The Orange Basin has also emerged as a world-class frontier, following significant oil discoveries in Namibia, which geological evidence suggests may extend southwards into South African waters.

“Regrettably, we have not yet been able to fully explore and exploit this potential due to ongoing blockages against oil and gas development in the name of environmental protection,” the minister said.

Mantashe stated that exploration is in line with the Constitution which states that “we must secure ecologically sustainable development and the use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”.

“The truth is that rising oil and gas prices have a direct ripple effect on the cost of living. The lack of access to these resources has an even greater impact, as it can lead to energy poverty, rising unemployment, and the further entrenchment of poverty and inequality.

“South Africa, and indeed the African continent at large, cannot afford to remain poor while endowed with abundant natural resources. We must harness these resources responsibly to drive inclusive economic grow, create employment opportunities, and eradicate poverty,” he said.

Implementing reforms

Mantashe emphasised that the “importance of responsible oil and gas development in meeting our socioeconomic needs cannot be overstated”, arguing that the development would significantly enhance South Africa’s “industrialisation efforts and contribute to GDP growth”.

“It is against this backdrop that our government continues to reform its legislative framework to promote and advance the petroleum sector so that it can make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy.

“The enactment of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act [UPRDA] represents a critical intervention in this regard. The Act has not only separated petroleum from mining legislation, but also establishes an enabling regulatory framework aimed at accelerating exploration and production of the nation’s petroleum resources,” he explained.

Extensive submissions from industry role players have been taken into account with an eye on publishing the regulations for implementation by the end of March.

“We are also advancing the modernisation of the Petroleum Products Act. Following public consultations on the draft Petroleum Products Bill [PPB], the bill is currently undergoing certification processes ahead of submission to Cabinet for approval, and thereafter to Parliament.

“These reforms are aimed at ensuring equitable access to, and sustainable development of the nation’s petroleum resources while, in the long term, reducing the country’s reliance on imports of finished products to meet domestic demand,” Mantashe said.

Furthermore, an engagement with the ministers of Environmental Affairs and Water and Sanitation has been held to finalise and gazette regulations for shale gas development.

“As per our previous commitment, the Department stands ready to lift the moratorium [on shale gas development] immediately after these regulations are promulgated.

“This commitment represents an important step towards promoting fairness and regulatory certainty in the development of our oil and gas sector and ensures that these matters do not remain indefinitely suspended in lengthy litigation processes that create investor uncertainty,” he said.

The minister assured that government is committed to ensuring that the country’s petroleum potential is developed responsibly.

“[We] remain firmly committed to ensuring that South Africa’s petroleum resources are developed in an orderly, responsible, and environmentally sustainable manner, while at the same time advancing meaningful social and economic development for our people.

“South Africa must not stand on the sidelines while the global energy landscape evolves and while our neighbouring countries unlock the value of their resources.

“We must act decisively, responsibly, and in the national interest to unlock the full potential of our petroleum sector,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

109 views