South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy will review the Gas Bill next week following public hearings that highlighted mounting calls to tighten climate governance and improve regulatory certainty for investors.
The committee concluded its public hearings on Wednesday and will resume deliberations on 18 August, considering submissions from industry, labour, civil society and environmental organisations.
Stakeholders broadly supported modernising South Africa’s gas regulatory framework, arguing the Bill could attract investment, expand infrastructure and support economic growth.
Industry representatives stressed the need for regulatory certainty, clear definitions and alignment with existing laws to avoid duplication and provide confidence to investors.
Gas suppliers also raised concerns about overlaps between the Gas Bill and the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2024.
Environmental organisations warned that the Bill, in its current form, risks locking the country into long‑term gas infrastructure without sufficient regard for climate commitments.
They called for completion of the Integrated Energy Plan before finalising the legislation and urged stronger climate governance measures, transparency in licensing and alignment with the Climate Change Act and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
Organised labour expressed support for the Bill’s potential to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but stressed the importance of localisation, skills development, and worker empowerment.
Labour representatives also highlighted the need for adequate resources within regulatory institutions to ensure effective implementation.
Committee members engaged stakeholders on issues of energy security, climate change, transformation, job creation, and regulatory capacity, raising questions about how the Bill advances black economic empowerment while balancing economic development with environmental obligations.
Committee chairperson Zama Khanyase said the hearings provided “rich and constructive engagement” and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to a transparent process that balances energy security, growth, job creation, and sustainability.
The next phase of deliberations will determine whether amendments are introduced to strengthen climate governance and clarify regulatory responsibilities, as South Africa seeks to chart a path for its gas economy within broader energy transition goals.
JN/APA