Committee on Electricity Concludes Public Hearings on the Gas Bill

The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy concluded its public hearings on the Gas Bill on Wednesday.

In her opening remarks, committee Chairperson Ms Zama Khanyase emphasised the importance of meaningful public participation in the legislative process and encouraged stakeholders to provide frank and constructive inputs. She said the committee is committed to ensuring that the Gas Bill responds to South Africa’s energy needs while advancing economic development and protecting the interests of communities.

On the last day of the hearings, the committee heard support for modernising South Africa’s gas regulatory framework. Industry stakeholders discussed that the Gas Bill could play an important role in attracting investment, expanding energy infrastructure and supporting economic growth. Presenters highlighted the need for regulatory certainty, clear definitions and alignment with existing legislation to avoid duplication and provide confidence to investors operating in the sector. Several stakeholders also stressed the important role that gas, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), could play in strengthening energy security and supporting industrial development. Gas suppliers raised a concern that clear roles and responsibilities needed to be defined, as currently there is overlap between the Gas Bill and the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2024.

Environmental organisations raised significant concerns about the Bill in its current form. Stakeholders indicated that the legislation could facilitate long-term investment in gas infrastructure without sufficient consideration of South Africa’s climate commitments and future energy needs. The environmental organisations called for the completion of the Integrated Energy Plan before finalising the Bill and urged that stronger climate governance measures be incorporated into the legislation. Presenters also advocated for greater transparency and enhanced public participation in licensing and regulatory decision-making processes. They also stated that the Bill needed to be aligned with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition commitments as well as the Climate Change Act.

Organised labour expressed support for the Bill, highlighting its potential to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities. Labour representatives stressed the importance of ensuring that workers and local communities benefit directly from the development of the gas sector through localisation measures, skills development initiatives and worker empowerment programmes. Organised labour further emphasised the need for adequate resources and capacity within regulatory institutions to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the legislation.

The committee engaged with stakeholders on issues relating to energy security, climate change, transformation, job creation and regulatory capacity. Members raised questions about the extent to which the Bill advances black economic empowerment and broad-based economic participation, while also seeking clarity on how the legislation would balance economic development objectives with environmental obligations. Committee members further highlighted the need to ensure that regulatory authorities have the necessary capacity and resources to implement the provisions of the Bill effectively.

Commenting on the discussions, Ms Khanyase said, “The committee has benefited from a rich and constructive engagement involving a wide range of stakeholders. The perspectives shared have highlighted both the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of a gas economy, and these views will be carefully considered as we continue our deliberations.”

She added, “Our responsibility is to ensure that the legislation strikes an appropriate balance between energy security, economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability. The committee remains committed to a transparent and inclusive process that takes into account the interests of all South Africans.’

The committee will now consider all submissions received during the public hearings and assess proposals for amendments to the Bill. Further deliberations on the legislation are scheduled to start on 18 August 2026, during which the committee will consider stakeholder inputs and determine the way forward.

Per Kind Favour of APO

Africa Fact: One of the government positions in mediaeval Kanem-Borno was Astronomer Royal.