The Limpopo Government Mismanaged Their Money. But These Workers Are Not Giving Up
Premier Phophi Ramathuba promised that former employees of the Great North Transport bus company would start receiving their unpaid pensions this week
Government
Durban Picketers Demand Accessible Mental Health Services
About 100 people protested outside the city hall to mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday.
SA Petroleum Company Bill to be submitted to Parliament
SA Petroleum Company Bill to be submitted to Parliament
Cabinet has approved the submission of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill of 2024 to Parliament.
The Bill provides for the establishment of a state-owned company, giving effect to the Cabinet decision of 10 June 2020 to merge PetroSA, South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund Association.
“Local refining capacity in South Africa is largely held by international oil companies (IOC), which poses a risk to security of liquid fuels as IOCs are shutting down refineries.
“The proposed Bill positions the company as the national champion that will hold oil and gas exploration rights on its own and hold shares through State carry method in privately held rights,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria during a media briefing.
In addition, Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft Petroleum Products Bill for public comments.
“The purpose of the Bill is to ensure security of petroleum products and orderly development of the petroleum products sector, including the introduction of modern, cleaner products and renewable components which will improve the energy mix.
“The Bill will contribute towards the government priorities on economic transformation and job creation in the South African petroleum products sector governance and will address several concerns that were raised in relation to the administration of the Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act 120 of 1977),” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the submission of the draft Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill to Parliament.
“The draft Bill seeks to amend the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) by streamlining administrative processes, strengthening enforcement provisions, reinforcing offences and penalties, and amending certain definitions.
“The draft Bill will, among others, guarantee that health and safety standards are effectively implemented, enforced and improved in mines, thereby reducing fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:16
309 views
African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 National Oil Companies (NOC) Lineup to Unlock Project, Partnership Opportunities in Oil and Gas
African energy demand is projected to more than double by 2050, with fossil fuels anticipated to account for up to 60% of the continent's energy mix by 2040. This trend highlights the growing importance oil and gas will continue to hold in Africa. In partnership with international oil companies and private E&P firms, the continent's national oil companies (NOC) are responding to this projection by prioritizing fast-tracked project development, promoting collaborative exploration and production to bring new reserves online.
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town – features a strong lineup of African and global national oil companies (NOC). This lineup reflects a strong intention by NOCs to collaborate, unlock additional reserves and drive oil and gas projects forward across both emerging and mature markets in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Southern Africa has yielded some of Africa's biggest oil and gas finds in recent years. Namibia – which featured a string of offshore finds since 2022 – has rapidly emerged as an oil and gas hotspot, with Galp Energias' Mopane discovery estimated to hold 10 billion barrels alone. In South Africa, the 2019 Brulpadda discovery accounted for 10% of the overall discovered volumes in Africa that year while the Luiperd find accounted for 80% of the continent's volumes discovered in 2020. Mature producers such as Angola also continue to unlock additional reserves, with ExxonMobil announcing a discovery at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 this year. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Angola's NOC Sonangol, Namibia's NAMCOR and South Africa's SANPC will speak on these discoveries and future opportunities.
East Africa is one of the world's final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, with major discoveries made in recent years showcasing the potential for billion-barrel projects. In exploration, offshore basins in Tanzania have shown trillions of cubic feet of gas while onshore acreage in Uganda holds the promise of new oil supplies. While various cross-border infrastructure projects, LNG facilities and field developments are underway, the region offers significant potential for exploration. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, East African NOCs including the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation; Uganda National Oil Company; and National Oil Company of Malawi will unpack this potential, sharing insight into ongoing projects and untapped investment opportunities.
Contrastingly, West Africa holds some of the biggest oil and gas producing markets on the continent. These include the Republic of Congo – which is diversifying its energy matric through billion-dollar gas investments; Equatorial Guinea – which is diversifying LNG feedstock through agreements signed with regional neighbors; and Gabon – which aims to boost production to 220,000 barrels per day. Concurrently, markets such as Cameroon, Liberia and Ivory Coast hold strategic potential for exploration firms, with recent finds underscoring opportunities in frontier drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, NOCs to the likes of Société nationale des pétroles du Congo; GEPetrol; Gabon Oil Company; and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation are participating. Additionally, the National Hydrocarbons Corporation of Cameroon; the National Oil Company of Liberia; and Petroci have joined.
While West African countries account for a large share of African hydrocarbon production, the same can be said for North Africa, with Algeria representing the largest natural gas producer in Africa. The country's production measured over 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023, with ambitions to exceed 200 bcm in production over the next five years. During 2024, up to 8 oil and gas discoveries have been made, with the NOC Sonatrach signing several exploration agreements with the likes of TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and more to unlock additional basins. Sonatrach is participating at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.
In addition to African NOCs, global counterparts including the respective NOCs of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan have also joined the conference to discuss investment opportunities, future collaborations and how knowledge-sharing can support the next generation of oil and gas projects. Saudi Aramco, for example, which represents one of the biggest gas producers worldwide, offers a wealth of expertise for African NOCs. Similarly, the National Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, an expert in refining and infrastructure development, stands ready to support Africa as it scales-up domestic refining capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Court Bid to Decriminalise Sex Work
The laws “have not deterred … the selling or buying of sex … and are not rationally capable of doing so. They merely create greater stigma and vulnerability among sex workers and violate their rights”.
President Ramaphosa to lead Presidential Imbizo in KZN
President Ramaphosa to lead Presidential Imbizo in KZN
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the second District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo under the Government of National Unity (GNU), in Umgababa, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The imbizo that is scheduled for Friday, 8 November, will be held at the Umnini Sportsfield in Ward 98.
“Cabinet calls on residents of Umgababa and surrounding areas to join the imbizo and engage their public representatives on solutions to challenges in their community and find ways to improve service delivery,” said Cabinet in a statement on Thursday.
Cabinet adopted the DDM in August 2019.
The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance which seeks to be a new integrated, district-based, service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. It also seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate.
The first Presidential Imbizo of the seventh administration was held in Tsakane in Gauteng in August.
The Presidential Imbizo is where leaders from all three spheres of government interact with residents on service delivery challenges, which communities have brought to government’s attention, as well as plans for the development of this district.
– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:37
63 views
Cabinet commends labour law compliance operations
Cabinet commends labour law compliance operations
Cabinet has commended intensified joint inspection efforts, led by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), to ensure that employers comply with recruitment requirements.
“Since the beginning of the seventh administration, the Department of Employment and Labour has issued fines worth more than R10 million to errant employers within the hospitality industry, who continue to employ undocumented immigrants,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday during a media briefing in Pretoria.
These inspections are similar to those being conducted in the trucking industry to ensure that employers uphold the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997).
"The inspections also revealed instances of non-compliance to labour laws, including the underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures in the workplace," the Minister said.
READ I Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results
Furthermore, Cabinet welcomed the increase in the budget for the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) from R400 million to R2.4 billion in the current financial year.
READ I Massive budget increase for TERS
“The increase is part of government’s proactive response to help preserve jobs by assisting companies that find themselves in financial distress due to difficult economic conditions and thereby minimise retrenchments,” Ntshavheni said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 11:37
0 views
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has reflected on the work done in his department since coming into office 100 days ago.
The Minister’s focus has been on building a firm foundation in order to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good.
Macpherson was appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure on 3 July 2024.
Measures the Minister has implemented over the past three months include:
- Reforming and strengthening the role of Infrastructure South Africa to become a single point of entry for all priority infrastructure projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget.
- Meeting with a large number of financial institutions, technical advisory and construction specialists to drive new interest in the country’s construction book.
- Tackling maladministration and corruption head-on by launching investigations into failed public sector construction projects, such as the nearly R1 billion that was spent on the Telkom Building projects in Tshwane.
- Working with municipalities such as Tshwane, eThekwini and Cape Town to establish technical task teams between the cities and the department to address problem State-owned buildings, and to work together to use State assets for the public good.
- Finalising two orders in Cape Town to remove people who have invaded State-owned properties at the Castle of Good Hope and the Waterloo properties to ensure the properties are used for the public good.
- Tackling the construction mafia by organising an urgent summit in KwaZulu-Natal to develop a comprehensive response to the construction mafia with Ministers in the law enforcement cluster, and Public Works Members of the Executive Council (MECs) across the country.
- Improving oversight of property management by moving the Prestige Unit, which was responsible for the Nkandla scandal, back to Director General’s office, and removing the ability of officials to spend up to R20 million without Accounting Officer approval.
The Minister said while a lot of progress has been made to bring stability to the department, these efforts need to be accelerated to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good in order to grow the economy and create jobs.
“South Africans urgently need to start seeing the fruits of our interventions. I applaud the government officials and stakeholders in both the public and private sector, who have worked tirelessly with me over the past three months. There is truly a new energy within the department to deliver on our mandate.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we need to expedite our efforts to ensure that we get shovels into the ground, so that communities across the country can see the fruits of our work in practice.
“In the weeks and months to come, there will continue to be difficult decisions we have to make, but the choices we make today will be to our advantage in the future,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:00
282 views
North West Provincial Government records improved audit outcomes
North West Provincial Government records improved audit outcomes
The North West Provincial Government says it is on a promising trajectory concerning its audit outcomes compared to previous financial years.
According to the provincial government, this was revealed by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGA), Tsakani Maluleke, in a meeting with North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi held in Klerksdorp, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, recently.
“The 2023/24 audit cycle, which ended on 31 March 2024, indicates that nine departments received unqualified audit outcomes, with two receiving clean audits.
“Only one department received a qualified audit opinion, with reduced qualification paragraphs,” a statement from the provincial government read.
Mokgosi is of the view that these outcomes signify a turning point on the province’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, accountability, transparency and responsiveness.
READ | North West Premier welcomes improved audit outcomes
He maintained that only a well-run government, which prioritises good governance practices has the potential to unlock various investment opportunities for the province.
“We will not be able to lure investments and address challenges of unemployment if we don’t focus our energies on ensuring that we prioritise clean governance,” said Mokgosi.
With the North West extended unemployment rate hovering at around 55%, as per the Labour Survey Report of the Second Quarter, the Premier believes that part of addressing the scourge of joblessness is a functional government that can respond to the needs of the people.
“The audit outcomes serve as a glimmer of hope that we are on the correct developmental trajectory to address challenges confronting the province and create various socio-economic opportunities for our people,” Mokgosi said.
He said the progress that has been made gives credence to the work that has been carried out in rooting out challenges that led to the implementation of Section 100 of the Constitution by the national government a few years ago.
In terms of Section 100 of the Constitution, national intervention in a provincial administration may take place when a province cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution.
In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the national government to invoke Section 100 in the North West. The intervention was subsequently withdrawn in March 2022.
Mokgosi has extended his gratitude to the oversight role played by the Provincial Legislature, led by Speaker Desbo Mohono, who facilitated the discussion; the Chief Whip of the majority party, Motlalepula Rosho, and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), Smuts Matshe.
According to the Premier’s Office, the team made valuable contributions to how the province can improve on the concerns raised by the AG. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:08
414 views
Department announces gazetting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
Department announces gazetting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the gazetting of the highly anticipated Remote Work Visitor Visa as well as the new points-based system for work visas.
In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) collective mandate in this area through his call to “overhaul the visa regime to attract skills and investment and grow the tourism sector”.
Just three months later, the Department of Home Affairs says it has delivered on this mandate through a set of worldclass reforms.
“The gazetting of all required elements for the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
He said the department’s meticulous attention to detail to ensure that these reforms are fit-for purpose and market-friendly has resulted in two products that begin to reposition South Africa as a world-class destination for investment and tourism to create thousands of new jobs for South Africans.
“Importantly, the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas in order to tackle corruption,” he said.
According to the department, the Remote Work Visa “enables highly paid individuals who are employed abroad and thus do not compete with local workers, to spend their valuable foreign currency right here in South Africa, pay Value-Added Tax into the South African fiscus, eat at South African restaurants and buy South African goods and services from South African producers”.
The new Points-Based System for Work Visas combats corruption and inefficiency by cutting red tape and introducing a transparent points scale to objectively determine who qualifies for a Critical Skills or General Work Visa.
Additionally, for General Work Visa applications submitted outside of the Trusted Employer Scheme, a newly introduced threshold of R650 796 in gross annual income – which amounts to double the median income in the formal sector – will better protect existing jobs at the lower end of the market while injecting skills at the top.
Independent research commissioned by the Reserve Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that growing the number of high-end skills as a share of the total South African population by just 0.02%, can boost annual economic growth by up to 1.2%.
The same research projects that an enhanced visa regime can create seven new jobs for every additional skilled worker attracted into the economy.
“By harnessing the power of market-based regulatory reform to cut red tape and enhance transparency, Home Affairs is fighting corruption in our immigration system while delivering on the GNU’s apex priority to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs for the people of South Africa.
“I want to thank the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela for their valuable support and I look forward to continue working together to roll out further reforms that combat corruption and create jobs,” Schreiber said.
As an interim measure, while the department lays the foundation for digital transformation to shift exclusively to online application and adjudication, applicants for the Remote Work Visa as well as for the Critical Skills Visa and General Work Visa under the new Points-Based System, can continue to submit applications through the relevant service providers and South African missions abroad.
The relevant documents can be accessed at dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:11
541 views
Can Africa Secure Its Future in a Changing Energy Landscape?
The pipeline of gas projects being developed in Africa has never been stronger. However, if the continent is to be competitive in an extremely dynamic international gas market, it must ensure that it offers value.
This means shaping an offer that meets the financial and environmental sustainability needs of stakeholders. Africa's gas investment proposition must be relevant and future-proof, if it is to continue to attract global capital.
This was the consensus at a panel discussion on Day 1 of AOW: Investing in African Energy – Africa's leading oil, gas and energy event.
Over the past few years, gas development ambitions have grown – in the public and private sector – supported by renewed exploration and production activity and pragmatic energy transition plans. This is especially true now, with gas increasingly accepted as the ideal bridging fuel, balancing the continent's growing energy needs with its decarbonisation commitments.
“Natural gas is at the centre of what we are doing in Africa,” said Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Region at Eni. “It's the cleanest fossil fuel, producing fewer emissions than coal, so it plays an important role as we transition to renewables.”
Eni enables this through its Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) projects, particularly in Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Bello emphasised the technology's ability to unlock stranded offshore gas resources, accelerate project timelines, and contribute to both domestic energy security and export revenue. “Floating LNG is the key to unlocking the region's gas potential, making it easier and faster to develop offshore resources,” Bello explained.
However, financing these ambitious projects remains a significant hurdle. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil & Gas, Southern Africa, at Standard Bank, emphasised the need for bankable projects that address investor concerns, particularly around sovereign risk. He highlighted the transformative potential of both large-scale LNG projects and smaller, domestically focused gas ventures.
“The impact of these projects in African markets is incalculable,” Eardley-Taylor said, citing the potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved energy access. He further emphasised the importance of small-scale LNG and helium projects, particularly in markets like South Africa and Namibia.
Equinor's Senior Vice President for Africa, Nina Birgitte Koch, stressed the importance of a stable investment climate to attract international capital. She highlighted the need for competitive projects with strong environmental credentials, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. “CO2 is the key criteria,” Koch said. “It's not just a ‘nice to have' any more. I don't think it's possible to get capital to a big LNG project unless it's highly competitive when it comes to CO2."
The panel also discussed the critical role of technology and regional cooperation in maximising the benefits of Africa's gas resources. Gianluca Ciricugno, Africa Director, Enterprise Customer Solution at Baker Hughes, emphasised the need for a long-term vision and collaboration between governments, investors, and technology providers.
“It requires a broader vision, probably government and all the people around the table, with a long-term approach… and not just four-year terms,” Ciricugno urged, highlighting the need for stable regulatory frameworks and a commitment to infrastructure development.
Dr Tshepo Mokoka, Group COO of South Africa's Central Energy Fund (CEF), echoed the call for government intervention to address market failures and unlock investment. He outlined CEF's role in enabling critical gas infrastructure projects, such as the Romp pipeline and LNG import terminals. “We need to solve the market failure,” Dr Mokoka said, highlighting the need for government-backed gas offtake agreements and risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private capital.
ExxonMobil's Executive Director Global, LNG Marketing, Deri Irawan, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to project development, considering not just the technical and economic aspects but also the social and political landscape. He highlighted the need for strong partnerships and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term project success. “It is insufficient to just bring a commodity to the doorstep,” Irawan explained. “You also need to unlock that value chain.”
With Africa on the cusp of a gas revolution, the panel's message was clear: the continent has the resources, the ambition, and the opportunity to become a major player in the global gas market.
However, success hinges on creating a stable and attractive investment climate, embracing technological innovation, and fostering regional collaboration to ensure that Africa's gas resources benefit both its people and the planet.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.
Owned by Sankofa Events, AOW (https://apo-opa.co/3ZVcWNe): Investing in African Energy is Africa's leading oil, gas & energy event, uniting industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa's energy future. The event runs from 7 – 10 October 2024 at the CTICC 2, Cape Town.
Department announces gazeting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
Department announces gazeting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the gazetting of the highly anticipated Remote Work Visitor Visa as well as the new points-based system for work visas.
In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) collective mandate in this area through his call to “overhaul the visa regime to attract skills and investment and grow the tourism sector”.
Just three months later, the Department of Home Affairs says it has delivered on this mandate through a set of worldclass reforms.
“The gazetting of all required elements for the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
He said the department’s meticulous attention to detail to ensure that these reforms are fit-for purpose and market-friendly has resulted in two products that begin to reposition South Africa as a world-class destination for investment and tourism to create thousands of new jobs for South Africans.
“Importantly, the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas in order to tackle corruption,” he said.
According to the department, the Remote Work Visa “enables highly paid individuals who are employed abroad and thus do not compete with local workers, to spend their valuable foreign currency right here in South Africa, pay Value-Added Tax into the South African fiscus, eat at South African restaurants and buy South African goods and services from South African producers”.
The new Points-Based System for Work Visas combats corruption and inefficiency by cutting red tape and introducing a transparent points scale to objectively determine who qualifies for a Critical Skills or General Work Visa.
Additionally, for General Work Visa applications submitted outside of the Trusted Employer Scheme, a newly introduced threshold of R650 796 in gross annual income – which amounts to double the median income in the formal sector – will better protect existing jobs at the lower end of the market while injecting skills at the top.
Independent research commissioned by the Reserve Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that growing the number of high-end skills as a share of the total South African population by just 0.02%, can boost annual economic growth by up to 1.2%.
The same research projects that an enhanced visa regime can create seven new jobs for every additional skilled worker attracted into the economy.
“By harnessing the power of market-based regulatory reform to cut red tape and enhance transparency, Home Affairs is fighting corruption in our immigration system while delivering on the GNU’s apex priority to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs for the people of South Africa.
“I want to thank the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela for their valuable support and I look forward to continue working together to roll out further reforms that combat corruption and create jobs,” Schreiber said.
As an interim measure, while the department lays the foundation for digital transformation to shift exclusively to online application and adjudication, applicants for the Remote Work Visa as well as for the Critical Skills Visa and General Work Visa under the new Points-Based System, can continue to submit applications through the relevant service providers and South African missions abroad.
The relevant documents can be accessed at dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:11
40 views
Carbon pricing poses threat to economies of developing countries
Carbon pricing poses threat to economies of developing countries
While South Africa is committed to the decarbonisation agenda, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has raised concern that a carbon price to the production of emissions-intensive goods could exacerbate inequality, poverty and unemployment in developing countries.
“There are many hurdles which industry will be confronted with in their efforts to decarbonise, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Key for us is to take the necessary key steps to transition, without adversely affecting the competitiveness of such industries and leaving no one behind,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.
He made these remarks during an Industry Conference on bridging compliance: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and the South African metals and engineering sector.
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in collaboration with the Danish Industry (DI) hosted the conference.
It was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, policy makers as well as sustainability experts who explored the intersection of the looming CBAM and ESG reporting requirements from the European Union and how this is likely to affect the metals and engineering sector which is an export intensive sector. It is also a heavy emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.
ESG sustainability reporting requirements by business, point to responsible business conduct that includes taking measures to lower pollution, and carbon dioxide (CO2) output, and reducing waste.
“We remain concerned that outside of multilateral processes such as the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), discussion and agreement [on] the CBAM policy design of using market principles to cut GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions will create a direct impact on developing countries’ such as South Africa, exacerbating inequality, poverty and unemployment. This we should take all measures to guard against,” Singh explained.
Carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), or border carbon adjustments (BCAs), are mechanisms that aim to increase the consistency in the application of carbon pricing between goods produced in different jurisdictions but traded between those jurisdictions.
Most commonly, they involve a jurisdiction that applies a carbon price to the production of emissions-intensive goods, such as through an emissions trading system (ETS) or carbon tax, seeking to apply an equivalent carbon price to imports of those goods from overseas jurisdictions.
Carbon cost liability, reflections
Practically, this could mean that South African exports of carbon-intensive goods would face an extra carbon cost liability in some jurisdictions.
“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been actively engaged in the decarbonization of the steel sector. As you are well aware, the steel sector, is one of the hard to abate sectors, and is highly energy intensive.
“The department, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), has been working closely with industry association, the South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI), and industry partner, ArcelorMittal, together with other players, to determine what may be the low hanging fruit for a low carbon transition.
“The entire value chain has to be reflected upon - both upstream and downstream players. This is work in progress, and indeed comes with its own set of challenges, in the form of necessary research and development, capacity development, and the much-needed capital investment,” Singh said.
Green steel
He mentioned green hydrogen, as an option for the production of green steel.
“Sectoring scrap metal market as input material for the steel sector to lower the carbon footprint, would be another option. Refurbishment of existing technology and investment into new and energy efficient technologies are other options.
“Downstream industries are also faced with competition on imports. Therefore, compliance and enforcement are important, and so is the provision of the necessary legislative measures,” the Deputy Minister said.
Just Transition
South Africa recognises the need for climate action to be centred on a Just Transition, meaning a transition to net-zero carbon emissions society that accommodates the needs of workers and communities, which may be negatively affected through the loss of jobs or activities as a result of a move to a lower carbon economy.
“The Climate Change Act, which was signed into law by President Ramaphosa in July 2024, sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The Climate Change Act enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa’s climate change response, to ensure that South Africa’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions.
“The Climate Change Act also sets out measures to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting new job opportunities in the emerging green economy,” said the Deputy Minister.
He added that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for South Africa have been informed by peak, plateau and decline in terms of carbon emissions reduction.
The NDC cover adaptation, mitigation as well as finance and investment requirements and is based on equity.
READ | Comments sought draft First Biennial Transparency Report
“The recent Bid Window of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), the work of the Just Energy Transition (JET), green hydrogen generation, are key steps in a positive direction.
“South Africa remains committed to stabilising the GHG concentration in the atmosphere and contribution to the global temperature goal of keeping temperature well below 2 °C and pursuing efforts to 1.5 °C below preindustrial levels in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC),” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:04
523 views
Two illegal miners arrested at Makhonjwa World Heritage Site
Two illegal miners arrested at Makhonjwa World Heritage Site
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has welcomed the arrest of two illegal miners at the Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage Site.
“The arrests mark a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.
Singh commended the actions by the Green Scorpions which resulted in the arrest of two individuals involved in unlawful mining activities within the Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage Site on Monday.
The operation is part of the broader government strategy to combat illegal mining across the country and aligns with the nationwide efforts to tackle the rise in illegal mining operations, which are not only detrimental to the environment but also contribute to other social and economic issues.
The Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage Site, forms part of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Centre and it is recognised for its well-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations dating back 3.5 billion years.
The area is home to rich a biodiversity and some of the planet's earliest life forms, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world.
It was officially proclaimed a protected area on 12 March 2021, under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, which prohibits mining and other harmful activities in such sites.
"This World Heritage Site represents not only one of the oldest landscapes on Earth but also one of the most ecologically and scientifically significant. Unlawful mining and other destructive activities in this protected area pose a grave threat to the preservation of this unique site, which holds immense global value. These actions cannot and will not be tolerated,” the Deputy Minister said.
In addition to mining, the investigation uncovered violations under the National Forests Act, with evidence of destruction and damage to indigenous trees and natural forests.
“These offences not only threaten our natural heritage but undermine our sustainable development goals. Our natural forests and ecosystems are vital to the survival of countless species and are irreplaceable. We must act to protect them now, or risk losing them forever," Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:23
218 views
In This Village Some People Say They Drink Just One Cup of Water a Day
Water infrastructure was installed in uMsinga in KwaZulu-Natal years ago but has never worked
Mantashe Slams “Foreign-Funded” Activists
Protests held against fossil-fuel industry in Cape Town and Johannesburg
Human Settlements aims to improve rural landscape
Human Settlements aims to improve rural landscape
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says improving rural human settlements, both in terms of the rural ecological environment and the creation of a healthy rural human settlements environment, are areas that require intensive research.
“Not only will this help us to reinvigorate rural development, but it will also assist us with mitigating climate change and its effects,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi was speaking at the launch of the Human Settlements Research Strategy held in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Monday.
The research strategy launch, which coincided with World Habitat Day celebrated around the world on the first Monday of October, provided direction and identified the long, medium, and short-term timelines of research activities.
The launch aimed to set up partnerships with research institutions within the built environment and the human settlements sector. It also aims to outline collaborative arrangements and roles and responsibilities of partnering stakeholders.
In her address, Kubayi said the human settlements sector is faced with many challenges, including climate change, population growth, low economic growth, urbanisation, slow spatial transformation, and governance instability at local government level.
In the world that is undergoing rapid urbanisation, Kubayi said many villages are facing a series of problems such as depopulation, population ageing, insufficient infrastructure, and public service facilities.
She said while most of government’s work has been focused on responding to the challenges of accessing urban land for human settlement, including the sprouting of informal settlements and the rise of inner-city slums, the challenges of unsustainable human settlements in rural areas have received little or no attention.
“Well-researched solutions are required as an antidote to these challenges so that we can be able to create a peaceful, economically sustainable, and stable country. It, therefore, stands to reason that we would like to place more emphasis on applied research, which will help us to provide solutions to an existing problem,” Kubayi said.
The Minister highlighted that the research agenda launched has been developed to do to inform planning, policy development and review, as well as implementation processes within the human settlement sector.
“The Research Agenda will assist to uniformly identify problematic areas that need to be resolved within the policy and implementation space,” Kubayi said.
The research has also been developed to signal to funders and development partners what research areas require investment; assist the department to guide resource allocation for research; encourage research collaboration in dealing with common problematic areas; and to drive capacity building by encouraging students to participate in the human settlements sector research, amongst others.
Kubayi also noted that the nexus between policy, research and practice is not linear but highly complex.
Influencing long-term policy and practice
She said the department is of the view that research cannot be expected to serve only current policies, but it is also expected to influence policy and practice in the long-term.
“The scope of the human settlements research agenda is therefore broad, so that the selection of certain areas and topics for priority will not be exhaustive. However, it marks the focus in the next three financial years.
“There is extensive research in human settlements that has already conducted across many institutions. We plan to leverage on this existing research and invest in further research in the sector,” Kubayi said.
The Minister added that research collaboration, where different organisations will work together to fund specific research of common interest will be encouraged, and the department will pursue various collaborative approaches.
Research chairs to support higher learning institutions
The Minister also announced that the department intends to establish research chairs, where institutions of higher learning will support research based on their expertise.
The Minister explained that through research chairs, post graduate students will be encouraged to select their academic topics from the research agenda or have a topic within the thematic areas established in the research agenda.
“The departmental research committee will approve the topical issue that the student selected for funding. Part of the research will be funded directly by the department though the commissioning of research, call for papers as well as providing part of the funding to students’ academic programme,” Kubayi explained. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:05
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SA, AU Commission to hold consultative meeting on the G20
SA, AU Commission to hold consultative meeting on the G20
The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Zane Dangor, who serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, will host consultations on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga.
The session will be held on Thursday.
Muchanga is the G20 Sherpa and Commissioner of Economy, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM).
It is expected that the two leaders will exchange views on the approaches to the G20 and identify areas of cooperation on the draft outcomes of the Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
They will also talk about the envisioned priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which South Africa will assume on 1 December 2024, and other possible areas of cooperation during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
At the recent G20 High-Level Opening Session in New York, held on the margins of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the timeliness and necessity of the G20’s “Call to Action on Global Governance Reform”.
The President highlighted South Africa’s commitment to the revival and strengthening of multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions to make them more representative.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) believes that South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 presents a unique opportunity to place Africa’s developmental priorities at the top of the agenda, as well as advocating for economies of the Global South Africa.
“It will enable South Africa to build on the efforts and successes of the Indonesian, Indian and Brazilian G20 Presidencies,” DIRCO said in a statement.
The G20 Summit, which was held in India in September 2023, granted the African Union (AU) permanent membership of the G20.
“Thus, the inclusion of the AU will allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues on the agenda of the G20.
“South Africa has been the only African member of the G20 and advocating for the interests of Africa in the G20. The inclusion of the AU in this important forum will no doubt boost Africa’s voice,” DIRCO said in a statement.
Dangor will be joined by senior officials from various government departments.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is set to be held on 18 and 19 November in Brazil. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:05
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Joburg’s Water Woes Are Self-Inflicted
The temporary shutdown of the supply from Lesotho is not the problem
KZN Finance recommits to improved financial governance
KZN Finance recommits to improved financial governance
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, has re-affirmed the Provincial Treasury’s mission to ensure improved financial governance despite financial constraints facing the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
Rodgers joined KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli and other MECs at a media briefing held in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, to present a progress report on the seventh administration’s first 100 days in office under the GPU.
“Over the past four financial years, the [National] Treasury cut our equitable share by R66 billion, [and] over the next three years, a further R12 billion is expected to be cut. This is due to a number of factors, including the performance of the economy,” Rodgers said.
The MEC said a plan including several cost-containment measures has been put in place but added that this will not neglect the poorest of the poor.
“Our priority remains being a capable and ethical state that looks after our most vulnerable citizens,” Rodgers said.
Ntuli revealed that the provincial GPU had inherited a debt to service providers amounting to R10 billion, and this will require an average of R150 million budget cuts over the next seven years, starting from 2025/2026 financial year to have a positive cash flow.
However, Ntuli reiterated the GPU’s commitment to upholding service delivery priorities, despite financial limitations currently facing the province.
“The KZN Provincial Government has limited financial resources, meaning that we will not do everything that was promised within the anticipated timeframe. However, we will ensure that we improve integration at planning and implementation so that we use resource in a smart way.
“It is our commitment to implement revenue enhancement, wherein all departments should look at ways of improving their own revenue raising and collections, as this will increase the funds available for priority service delivery programmes,” the Premier said.
Rodgers will in the coming days, deliver his own first 100 days in office report, which will unpack further details on the state of province’s finances, as well as strategies and plans going forward on the part of Treasury.
The MEC has recommitted to ensuring that the four key spending areas, including job creation, building a sustainable economy, service delivery, and alleviating inequality and poverty, remain non-negotiable priorities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:06
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Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government is in discussions to intervene in the reduction of administered prices, including the petrol price, in South Africa.
This is according to Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who was delivering the welcome address at the Africa Oil Week 2024 on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Mantashe explained that the price of fuel directly influences the cost of living for South Africans.
“If the fuel price goes up, the cost of living goes up, which is not good for our society. To make life more affordable for all South Africans, we have already begun discussions on reducing administered prices, including the price of fuel and electricity. Included in the discussions of fuel prices are discussions on, but not limited to, the general fuel and the Road Accident Fund levies.
“In the fuel price, there is the general fuel levy, there is the Road Accident Fund linked to the price of fuel. Our argument is that you are distorting the price of fuel. Let’s find a formula of separating them and have the price of fuel visible, and when there is intervention in the fuel price, we can see it (sic),” the Minister said.
He said government intends to conclude those discussions “in the shortest possible time”.
Boosting economic growth
Mantashe said government is making concerted efforts to develop the country’s petroleum resources in an equitable way.
In that regard, he said, the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill is ready for assent by President Cyril Ramaphosa after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
“This is the first of its kind in South African history as the Upstream Petroleum Industry has always been regulated as an appendage to other industries.
“We are convinced that once the bill is enacted into law, it will not only pave the way for an orderly development of the Upstream Petroleum Industry but will boost the country’s economic growth to 8% as is the case with Namibia which increased its potential to double its economy by 2040 on the back of its recent discoveries of oil and associate gas,” he said.
The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) has also been established to “ensure that South Africans enjoy maximum benefits from their national patrimony, their petroleum resources” and to “carry the State share in petroleum projects and exploit some resources in its own right”.
“The [SANPC] Bill is undergoing Cabinet processes ahead of its onward transmission to Parliament for consideration and adoption. The enactment of the bill into law will enable the SANPC to operate as South Africa’s leading player in the petroleum industry, thereby ensuring energy security, foster partnerships, and propel economic growth on the back of petroleum resources.
“Additionally, the Petroleum Products Amendment Bill is also undergoing Cabinet processes for approval to publish for stakeholder comments. The bill seeks to, firstly, promote the transformation of the petroleum and liquid fuels sector by encouraging participation and equity; secondly, ensure that the persons involved in the manufacturing or sale of liquid fuels are regulated, and lastly, to ensure that the petroleum sector contributes to the country's economic development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:12
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South Africa’s potential for oil and gas ‘significant’ – Mantashe
South Africa's potential for oil and gas 'significant' - Mantashe
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says the discovery of gas and condensate from two exploration wells in the South Outeniqua Basin are proof that South Africa’s underexplored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas.
The Minister was speaking during Africa Oil Week held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“In the past two years, TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp have made eight discoveries across three blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin, representing an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of potentially recoverable oil.
“These discoveries have led to a huge interest by major petroleum companies since it is believed that the Namibian discoveries may be extending southwards into South Africa.
“The discoveries of gas and condensate from two exploration wells drilled in Block 11B/12B offshore in the South Outeniqua Basin have also proven that South Africa’s under-explored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas, and thereby signalling a need to accelerate exploration efforts,” Mantashe said.
Commenting on the withdrawal of international energy giant, TotalEnergies, from offshore Block 11B/12B and 5/6/7, Mantashe insisted that development on the block still remains viable.
“[There] remains a good potential for other oil and gas players to partner with the remaining operator – MainStreet - and develop the block.
“Contrary to the view that suggests that TotalEnergies withdrawal from the block is tantamount to lack of confidence, it is encouraging that the company is a major shareholder in 3 blocks North of South Africa’s Orange Basin in the deep to ultra-deep waters, and a 100% shareholder of another larger block that is 3 times the size of the 11b/12b in Southern Outeniqua,” he said.
According to the Minister, several exploration projects in the South African Orange Basin are “gearing up for development”. These include:
• Preparation work for drilling exploration of the Deep-Water Orange Basis (DWOB) block operated by TotalEnergies.
• Proposed drilling of an exploration well, with the option to drill up to four additional wells in Block 3B/4B.
• The Northern Cape Ultra-Deep-Water Block has started with environmental authorisation processes for drilling.
• The notable progress made on Block 5/6/7 with a potential to start drilling exploration in the block in 2026 targeting large oil and gas resources.
Mantashe said the risk for these projects is litigation against exploration and production.
“This has already affected two major seismic surveys to date, including Shell, which abandoned their survey and went on to discover oil and gas in Namibia, as well as ENI, which after being taken to court 47 times, left and went to discover oil in huge quantities in Côte d'Ivoire.
“The successful 3D seismic data acquisition in April this year by Searcher on South Africa’s west coast has proven that exploration of petroleum resources can be done successfully without any harm to the environment,” he highlighted.
The Minister gave a nod to the approval, by the Competition Commission, of government’s acquisition of the various assets that comprise the SAPREF [a joint venture between Shell Refining SA and BP Southern Africa] refinery, which is located in Durban.
“Government has, through the Central Energy Fund (CEF), concluded a transaction on the sale of assets at the SAPREF precinct. This acquisition has since been approved by the Competition Commission, thus reinforcing our efforts that seek to guarantee sufficient supply of petroleum products in the period where several refineries have been shut down prematurely.
“Like Chevron and Petronas, Shell’s decision to divest from its downstream business operations in South Africa provides an opportunity for another investor, or major oil company, to take over the assets as the downstream sector will remain attractive for the foreseeable future, given the rise of hybrid vehicles.
“We appeal to the delegates at this conference and the investment community to continue investing in the development of oil and gas to enable a prosperous energy outlook for Africa, and promote sustainable development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:13
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Condolences to the people of the DRC following boating incident
Condolences to the people of the DRC following boating incident
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a devastating boating tragedy on Lake Kivu.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 2 October, saw a vessel sink near the shore, resulting in the tragic loss of an estimated 80 lives.
This as authorities are still searching for close to 200 passengers who remain unaccounted for.
In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased and those still waiting for news of their loved ones.
He also extended his best wishes to the survivors for their swift recovery and commended the rescue and recovery teams for their tireless efforts under harrowing conditions.
“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased passengers and of passengers who have yet to be accounted for.
“President Ramaphosa wishes survivors a speedy recovery and wishes rescue and recovery crews well in the grim duty they are performing in the service of the Congolese people,” the Presidency said.
The tragedy has sparked grief and concern across the region, with regional and international support being extended to the Congolese authorities, as they continue rescue and recovery operations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:21
243 views
Condolence to the people of the DRC following boating incident
Condolence to the people of the DRC following boating incident
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a devastating boating tragedy on Lake Kivu.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 2 October, saw a vessel sink near the shore, resulting in the tragic loss of an estimated 80 lives.
This as authorities are still searching for close to 200 passengers who remain unaccounted for.
In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased and those still waiting for news of their loved ones.
He also extended his best wishes for the swift recovery to survivors and commended the rescue and recovery teams for their tireless efforts under harrowing conditions.
“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased passengers and of passengers who have yet to be accounted for.
“President Ramaphosa wishes survivors a speedy recovery and wishes rescue and recovery crews well in the grim duty they are performing in the service of the Congolese people,” the Presidency said.
The tragedy has sparked grief and concern across the region, with regional and international support being extended to the Congolese authorities as they continue rescue and recovery operations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:21
78 views