Deputy President Paul Mashatile is engaging with Parliament in expediting a number of Bills which are a priority for the country, including the Draft Electricity Amendment Bill.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Cabinet approved the Bill, which must now go to Parliament.

The Bill will strengthen the role of the National Energy Regulator and allow measures to create a transmission system operator that includes the "provision of an electricity trading platform on a multi-market basis, and provide access to the transmission network on a non-discriminatory basis".

Government estimated that the Bills must be finalised by the term of the new year that begins on April 1.

Minister for Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa undertook visits to 14 power stations for first-hand insight into the challenges facing Eskom at a power station level. 

The visits allowed Ramokgopa opportunities to engage with management, workers and unions at the coalface, with the aim to forge collaboration at a power station level, as part of the programme to improve generation capacity and ultimately address electricity shortage. 

Ntshavheni highlighted that Cabinet joined the Minister in recognising that Eskom employees were key to solving the country’s energy challenges.

CLIMATE DISASTERS

Ntshavheni said that with the deepening impact of climate change, the role of science, technology and innovation in disaster response and in some instances, prevention, had become more critical.

Last week four of the five municipalities in the O R Tambo district in the Eastern Cape experienced heavy downpours which caused flooding, with the coastal town of Port St. John’s being the most affected.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet reminded people who live in low-lying and flood-prone areas to always exercise extreme caution and follow weather warnings. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Port St. Johns on Tuesday to assess the government’s and civil society’s response to the situation following the extensive damage.

The President reassured communities of government’s support and applauded the work of emergency services who assisted in rescue efforts in the area. 

Ntshavheni said the National Disaster Management Centre was coordinating government’s response in working with the Eastern Cape and the OR Tambo district disaster management centres to limit the negative impact of the floods on communities.  

Cabinet noted the use of science in the response and mitigation efforts through work by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the South African National Space Agency, the South African Environmental Observation Network and the South African Weather Service.

WHITE PAPER AND POLICIES

Cabinet approved the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity.  

Ntshavheni explained that the White Paper would help the country take advantage of its rich biodiversity.

“It emphasises the importance of the biodiversity sector to South Africa’s economic growth, conservation and equity in the biodiversity economy. The White Paper also highlights the importance of protecting indigenous knowledge and biodiversity,” she said.

Cabinet also approved the Policy and Policy Direction on Rapid Deployment of Electronic Communications Networks and Facilities. 

Its purpose is to direct the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to prescribe regulations on procedures and processes for resolving disputes that may arise between an electronic communications network service licensee and any landowner during the deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities.  

Efficient deployment of electronic communications networks is a priority for the government as it supports the country’s move towards the digital economy, she explained.