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Legislative Environment News

NCOP votes to pass Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill

By: Creamer Media Reporter 17th May 2024 Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the significance of the National Council of Provinces' (NCOP's) vote to pass the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill; if the Bill is likely to face any opposition; and what further actions can be expected once the Bill becomes law. →

Organisations call ‘rushed’ NHI Bill an electioneering ploy

By: Marleny Arnoldi 14th May 2024 Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has again expressed concern about the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill on the eve of its planned promulgation by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s. Signing the NHI as is into law will discount the significant public comment having been made on the proposed... →

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr appoints new dispute resolution director

By: Darren Parker 13th May 2024 Law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) has announced the appointment of new dispute resolution director Marelise van der Westhuizen as of May 1. CDH CEO Brent Williams noted on May 13 that Van der Westhuizen had received good client feedback. →

South Africa becoming a viable international arbitration destination – law firm

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd May 2024 Law firm Pinsent Masons finds there is increasing interest in South Africa as a viable option for international arbitration. In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, the role of arbitration cannot be overstated, said Pinsent legal director Emma Roberts. →

Enhanced regulation, law enforcement needed to combat scrap metal theft

By: Darren Parker 3rd May 2024 Enhanced regulation and enforcement are needed to address the challenges of scrap metal theft in South Africa and potentially lift the ban on scrap metal exports, research and advisory firm Birguid analyst Noquele Dube says. She explains that the scrap metal industry contributes R15-billion to... →

CER lauds enactment of Climate Change Bill, says related policies should also be collaborative

By: Marleny Arnoldi 30th April 2024 With the National Council of Provinces having passed the Climate Change Bill and it nearing official promulgation, nonprofit organisation the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has stressed the need for constructive stakeholder consultation on the development of various policies and laws that... →

Mavuso encouraged by restored business, govt relations following turbulent Zuma reign

By: Marleny Arnoldi 29th April 2024 Ahead of South Africa’s national elections on May 29, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso says regardless of changes to government, the facts of what businesses need to thrive do not change. She expresses confidence, in her latest weekly newsletter, about the country realising its... →

Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso

Transnet aims to defend its decision to partner with ICTSI at the DCT

By: Darren Parker 29th April 2024 State-owned Transnet has defended its decision to select Phillipines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) as the preferred bidder for the establishment of a partnership to manage the upgrade and development of Pier 2 at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT). Following the... →

Task team established to enhance service delivery

By: Simone Liedtke 26th April 2024 In response to the concerning findings of the Blue, Green and No Drop reports, which highlight a nationwide decline in the quality of water services, government has established a task team dedicated to enhancing service delivery across various municipalities. The task team will aim to reverse the... →

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE
The 2023 Blue Drop report highlighted that the proportion of water supply systems failing to meet minimum microbiological water-quality standards increased significantly

Photo by Adobe Stock
SIGNIFICANT INCREASE The 2023 Blue Drop report highlighted that the proportion of water supply systems failing to meet minimum microbiological water-quality standards increased significantly

Tribunal approves Vitol’s buyout of Engen

By: Darren Parker 25th April 2024 The Competition Tribunal has approved the proposed acquisition of petrol station brand Engen by independent energy marketing and trading company Vitol Emerald, subject to a set of competition and public interest conditions. The tribunal’s order follows a hearing last month during which it heard... →

Outa demands information on Sanral, Ceta tenders

By: Darren Parker 24th April 2024 Nonprofit watchdog the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has accused the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta) of keeping contracts with questionable companies secret, which it says is in line with a government... →

Public consultation key part of law development, but often overlooked – Mavuso

By: Sabrina Jardim 15th April 2024 Following last week’s withdrawal of proposed new visa regulations that would have eased the way for skilled workers to come to South Africa, business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busisiwe Mavuso says comments from the public and business sector are often overlooked by... →

BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso

Treasury calls for comments on draft money laundering regulation amendments

By: Schalk Burger 10th April 2024 Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has invited public comments and written submissions on draft amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Control Regulations of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (Fica) by April 19. The draft amendments are aimed at strengthening South Africa’s... →

Photo of a person working on a laptop and cellphone

CoJ promulgates reviewed municipal planning by-law

By: Darren Parker 9th April 2024 The City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ’s) Development Planning Department has promulgated the recently reviewed municipal planning by-law. The provisions of the reviewed by-law enable the city to simplify procedures and processes for land development applications, mechanisms to provide engineering... →

Mavuso says visa reform is good and well, but govt capacity may negate the positives

By: Marleny Arnoldi 8th April 2024 While it is positive that regulations for digital nomad visas are in place, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso says it will take resources and leadership to deliver those services that should theoretically be available. The South African government earlier this week promulgated... →

Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso

Policy uncertainty edging further into negative territory ahead of elections, report shows

By: Darren Parker 3rd April 2024 The North-West University Business School Policy Uncertainty Index veered further into negative territory in the first quarter, at 65.8 index points, compared with the 65.5 index points recorded for the fourth quarter of last year. The PUI is published quarterly. An increase beyond 50 reflects... →

Chicken industry needs no tariff rebates because there is no shortage, Sapa stresses

By: Darren Parker 27th March 2024 Executives from the South African Poultry Association (Sapa) met with Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel last week to discuss, among other matters, tariff rebates on chicken imports that were introduced as a safeguard against potential shortages on the back of bird flu... →

Creecy stresses importance of protecting the environment while growing the biodiversity economy

By: Sabrina Jardim 25th March 2024 Amid increasing emphasis on sustainability, this year’s inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba emphasises the importance of growing the South African biodiversity economy under the theme of ‘Collective Action for Thriving People and Nature.’ Cabinet recently noted the review of the... →

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Barbara Creecy discusses the importance of protecting the environment while growing the biodiversity economy

Opinion: Procurement laws are a transformational tool that must be used correctly

20th March 2024 In this article, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) CEO Wolfgang Neff writes that the Public Procurement Bill, currently before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), could have negative consequences, especially for the country's construction sector. →

WBHO CEO Wolfgang Neff

South Africa takes next step toward opening up electricity trade

By: Bloomberg 15th March 2024 South Africa moved a step closer toward creating a competitive electricity market after legislation that establishes the framework cleared another hurdle. The Electricity Regulation Act Amendment Bill, which will facilitate the opening of the national power grid to private generators, was... →

Campaigns can help maximise water recovery – firm

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 In light of the recent surge of waterborne disease outbreaks, water shedding, supply disruptions and emerging water scarcity, water-solutions company Talbot positively embraces this year’s Water Week theme of Water For All. This year’s National Water Week is scheduled to take place from March 20... →

An image of a Talbot water treatment plant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Talbot CEO Carl Haycock discussing the water crisis ahead of this year’s National Water Week. Recording: Lumkile Nkomfe. Editing: Shadwyn Dickinson. Recorded 16-02-2024

Company aims to accelerate provision of basic human right

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 Amid South Africa’s water infrastructure crisis, global water solutions company Xylem says improving public awareness on water scarcity, quality and sustainability remain crucial in fast-tracking collective efforts to safeguard the provisioning of potable water. The company commends the Water for... →

HOLISTIC APPROACH REQUIRED Water connect organisations and the communities they serve. It's not effective to focus only on narrow areas

Firm offers expertise on water use applications

15th March 2024 Global mining consultancy SRK Consulting hails the introduction of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’s) Electronic Water Use Licence Application and Authorisation System (E-WULAAS). The company regards this as an important aspect of the water application process. This electronic... →

An image of SRK principal environmental scientist Avril Owens

AVRIL OWENS Structured and agreed upon communication protocols with DWS officials are vital

Private-equity investments could address water challenges

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 Mid-market private equity firm Agile Capital asserts that investors have a great opportunity to make sizable investments in the water sector and contribute towards the advancement of sustainable water solutions. The firm invests across several industries in South Africa and uses its networks... →

LIZ KOLOBE For the private sector to invest, and to ensure good business principles are implemented, is a win-wi

Bespoke reservoirs could enhance water security

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 In light of the water crisis and the growing demand for water supply in the country, leading solutions-based water reservoir manufacturer Videx asserts that the construction of tailor-made water reservoirs can make a positive difference in addressing the growing challenges. The company says water... →

GROWING DEMAND Videx maintains that the construction of water reservoirs can make a sizable difference in addressing water security

Pipe network needs upgrading – association

15th March 2024 Industry body Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) is calling for government to prioritise an investment in plastic pipes as a sustainable solution to South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges. The association highlights its presence as a key player, representing... →

JAN VENTER The intersection of National Water Week, Human Rights Day, World Water Day and Earth Hour, serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnected nature of water, human rights and environmental sustainability

Promoting access through collaboration

15th March 2024 Global water solutions and technology company Xylem is undertaking a strategic collaboration partnership with the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) to help increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation solutions. The two organisations have a memorandum of understanding... →

Built Environment Indaba to address substandard project delivery, other challenges

By: Darren Parker 12th March 2024 Poor-quality projects, site invasions and inadequate transformation are some of the key issues that will be addressed at the inaugural Built Environment Indaba, which will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, on April 4 and 5. “We have a lot of incomplete projects. We also have... →

Construction sector mafia targeting executives as well

By: Darren Parker 12th March 2024 The impact of the construction mafia is starting to be felt higher up the food chain, with Black Building Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) president Danny Masimene noting that executives were now also directly in the line of fire. “What is worrying is that the trend has changed. The... →

Immediate actions needed to foster a more competitive rail industry

By: Simone Liedtke 8th March 2024 South Africa’s rail sector is faced with unprecedented challenges that threaten its operational viability and economic contribution, says law firm Webber Wentzel partner Scott Edmundson, who says the dire situation underscores the urgent need for transformative reforms to salvage and rejuvenate... →

SCOTT EDMUNDSON By creating an international registry for recognising and enforcing creditor and lessor rights, these treaties aim to reduce financing costs and risks

Scopa/SIU MoU flags Eskom intelligence, National Skills Fund reports for investigation in seventh administration

By: Sashnee Moodley 6th March 2024 The Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Special Investigating Unit have assured that the Eskom intelligence report and the National Skills Fund matters will be flagged for consideration in the seventh administration, following the dissolution of the sixth Parliament in May. The SIU and... →

PwC report highlights importance of building trust by paying tax

By: Darren Parker 5th March 2024 Auditing firm PwC has released its ‘Building Public Trust through Tax Reporting’ publication, which outlines the importance of tax in the business operating environment and look at why tax is material to both internal and external stakeholders from a risk, opportunity and sustainability point of... →

Multi-Party Charter reveals its plans to end loadshedding if ANC can be ousted

By: Darren Parker 28th February 2024 The 11 political parties that are members of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) for South Africa have voiced a unified plan to end loadshedding once and for all if only they could collectively oust ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) at the upcoming national elections on May 29. The MPC... →

Watch Engineering News' coverage of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) for South Africa's briefing on how it plans to end loadshedding, along with an exclusive interview with DA leader John Steenhuisen.

Industry failure to report skills requirements undermining economic growth

By: Darren Parker 27th February 2024 The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (Ewseta) has said it cannot accurately determine critical skills needs in the sector because industry participants do not accurately report their skills demands. In a media briefing, in Johannesburg, on February 27, Ewseta CEO Mpho... →

169 Zondo Commission 'recommendations' still under investigation – Mashatile

By: Sashnee Moodley 27th February 2024 The Integrated Task Force, set up by the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, is coordinating the implementation of 205 'recommendations' that came out of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. Of these, 36 recommendations have resulted in three convictions... →

Deputy President Paul Mashatile

Treasury publishes much anticipated PPP legislative amendments for public comment

By: Marleny Arnoldi 23rd February 2024 National Treasury has proposed key amendments to municipal legislation and National Treasury Regulation 16 (NTR 16) following a review of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Framework, which is now open for public comment until March 23. This is in line with the announcement made by Finance... →

Firm looks to diversify recycled product range, seeks new markets

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 23rd February 2024 Germiston-based rubber recycling company Dawhi Rubber Recycling, which has been in the rubber crumb business for 14 years, is conducting research into new innovations such as tyre-derived fuel, which represents the primary alternative to rubber crumb manufacturing and reclaimed rubber.... →

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