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Policy & Enforcement News

100 MW reform ‘precursor’ to new market-driven electricity supply industry – De Ruyter

By: Terence Creamer 18th June 2021 Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter has described the decision to lift the licence-exemption cap on own- or embedded-generation plants from 1 MW to 100 MW as not only positive for addressing South Africa’s immediate electricity shortages, but also as “the precursor to the development of a new electricity... →

Strong policy needed to grow a green biofuels industry

By: Nadine Ramdass 18th June 2021 To ensure that the South African biofuels industry grows sustainably, World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA) Bioenergy programme manager Tjaša Bole-Rentel says there needs to be a differentiation at policy level based on each biofuel’s environmental impact. Biofuels have the potential... →

BIOFUEL POWERED DELIVERY VAN Biofuels can burn cleaner but are not climate neutral

EU’s Green Deal will have wide-ranging impact on SA exports, cautions Van Zyl

By: Irma Venter 8th June 2021 Europe’s Green Deal is not just a vision or an idea, but a well-funded policy that is being implemented, and that is set to have a wide-ranging impact on South African exports, says Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) executive chairperson Dr Johan van Zyl. Van Zyl stepped down earlier this year as... →

Johan Van Zyl

South African researchers hope to deter rhino poachers with radioactive markers

By: Reuters 4th June 2021 Researchers in South Africa are working on a potentially new method to deter rhino poachers and smugglers by using radioactive markers to make smuggled horns detectable at global ports of entry and less desirable to buyers. South Africa is home to the world's largest rhino population but has... →

Alien plant and animal species responsible for significant biodiversity degradation

By: Donna Slater 28th May 2021 A report released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on May 28, finds that biological invasions are the third-largest threat to South Africa’s biodiversity after cultivation and land degradation, and are responsible for 25% of all biodiversity loss. The second... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Nemwa amendments aimed at increasing recovery of products to be recycled

By: Simone Liedtke 28th May 2021 Waste management and plastic recycling are a significant challenges in South Africa and recent amendments to Section 18 of the National Environmental Management and Waste Act (Nemwa) regulations call for producer responsibility organisations (PROs) to cooperate with municipalities to increase the... →

Plastics SA executive director Anton Hanekom gives more insight into recent amendments to Section 18 of the National Environmental Management and Waste Act (Nemwa). Video: Recorded on Zoom. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

Looming environmental crises to require $8.1tr by 2050 to mitigate impacts

By: Donna Slater 28th May 2021 A report into the climate, biodiversity and land degradation crises reveals that, to tackle these matters, a total investment in nature of $8.1-trillion is required over the next three decades, amounting to $536-billion a year by 2050. United Nations (UN) Environmental Programme executive... →

Geospatial issues impact inequality levels in Southern Africa

By: Sane Dhlamini 21st May 2021 Professor Vimal Ranchhod from the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town (UCT) says data show there is a strong geospatial component when it comes to serious inequality in Southern Africa. He was addressing a virtual debate organised by the Embassy of... →

Judge to rule after South Africa sued over Sasol, Eskom pollution

By: Bloomberg 20th May 2021 A judge is set to rule after the first ever case filed against the government over its alleged failure to crack down on air pollution emitted by power plants operated by Eskom Holdings and refineries owned by Sasol. The case was filed in the Pretoria High Court by groundWork, an... →

Balwin remains ‘cautiously optimistic’ on the back of positive financial results

By: Simone Liedtke 17th May 2021 In a financial year that was characterised by unprecedented socioeconomic and market conditions with unusual working and living environments, various measures initiated by JSE-listed Balwin Properties saw the company experience continued strong sales demand for the “Balwin product” at the end of... →

An artistic rendering of Balwin's apartments at its Waterfall development.

Creecy assures South Africa will contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts

By: Donna Slater 14th May 2021 Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy says steps are being taken to ensure South Africa contributes its “fair share” to the global climate change mitigation effort with its newly-established Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission. The commission will advise... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Understanding, implementation of circularity needed to overcome waste crisis – panel

By: Donna Slater 13th May 2021 Although they agreed that the concept of a circular economy was not new in South Africa, a panel of experts participating in a webinar hosted by Creamer Media this week, also agreed that more needed to be done by government to expand on the implementation of circular economy principles to produce... →

Understanding, implementation of circularity needed to overcome waste crisis – panel

KwaZulu-Natal announces Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council

By: Sane Dhlamini 12th May 2021 The province of KwaZulu-Natal held its first ever sitting of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council, on Wednesday, as part of plans to mitigate natural disasters that have recently plagued the province. The council, which is chaired by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, is... →

Photo by supplied
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala

Winde says focus on governance has reaped good rewards for W Cape

By: Sane Dhlamini 11th May 2021 Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said on Tuesday that focusing on governance over the last few years has helped to keep the Western Cape’s unemployment rate lower than in other provinces. He was speaking with journalist Bruce Whitfield during the PSG think big series webinar, under the topic ‘The... →

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde

Growing calls for circular economy to be placed at heart of economic recovery

By: Simone Liedtke 30th April 2021 As the world moves from a state of crisis to gradual recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a unique, but narrow, window of opportunity to transform the global economy and accelerate the changes that have long been delayed and are required for genuine transformation. During a keynote... →

Battery metal rush pits miners against marine biologists

By: Bloomberg 26th April 2021 Controversial plans to mine the ocean floor face a key test this year when a United Nations body unveils rules that could spur the exploitation of hundreds of billions of dollars of battery metals. The International Seabed Authority is preparing to pass regulations in July that could trigger a... →

Significant gas supply opportunity for company

By: Cameron Mackay 23rd April 2021 Power generation, while remaining South Africa’s largest barrier to economic growth, provides piped natural gas supplier Egoli Gas with a significant opportunity to provide more piped natural gas for the local industry, says Egoli Gas MD Vishal Pooran. “We are all aware of the current challenges... →

VISHAL POORAN The pandemic had a significant impact on the hospitality sector, and resulted in an increase in demand in the domestic, central-water heating and multi-dwelling markets

Civil society supports calls for public hearings on RMIPPPP

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th April 2021 Civil society organisations are supporting calls by Parliament for public hearings into the decision by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to include projects by Karpowership among the preferred bidders for the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme... →

Amendments to plastic bag regulations published for comment

By: Simone Liedtke 19th April 2021 Amendments to the Plastic Carrier Bags and Plastic Flat Bags Regulations have been gazetted by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy on April 7, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act. The amendments... →

Circular economy a key component of South Africa’s post-Covid-19 recovery, says Creecy

By: Simone Liedtke 16th April 2021 South Africa’s post-Covid-19 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan includes a green economy component, of which the circular economy is a key component, to ensure environmental protection and the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources. “The plan promotes waste recycling, renewable... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Creecy unveils draft updated Nationally Determined Contribution

31st March 2021 Creamer Media's Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about the draft updated Nationally Determined Contribution unveiled by Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, as well as about South Africa's climate finance targets and the fact that the country is not yet ready to... →

Creecy unveils draft updated Nationally Determined Contribution

Industry can grow with diverse solutions – institute

By: Cameron Mackay 26th March 2021 The best growth scenario for the local sugar industry is to diversify its products to create multiple revenue streams, says research organisation the Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI) strategic research group leader Dr Kitty Foxon. Biochemicals and bio-materials from sugar cane-derived... →

Industry master plan supported

26th March 2021 Non-profit trade organisation FairPlay Movement enthusiastically supports the South African Sugar Master Plan as a mechanism to stabilise and rebuild the industry after devastating and predatory imports have gained market share and killed local jobs for years. “Like the poultry sector master plan... →

Fossil fuels found accountable for millions of deaths

By: Halima Frost 19th March 2021 Fossil fuels are, through a marked contribution to air pollution, accountable for 8.7-million deaths globally in 2018, which adds to the mounting evidence that air pollution from ongoing dependence on fossil fuels is detrimental to global health, says University College London (UCL) associate... →

POISON Fossil fuels are responsible for millions of deaths globally every year

Sustainability leader ramps up ESG strategy

By: Halima Frost 19th March 2021 Energy management and automation company Schneider Electric has begun to implement its new Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) programme for 2021 to 2025, in the hopes of significantly accelerating its progress to being a more sustainable company. The programme is built on six long-term... →

ZANELLE DALGLISH Our vision of sustainability is holistic and ecosystemic, as it covers all environmental, social and governance topics

Eskom mulls alternatives to R300bn emissions-compliance spend

By: Terence Creamer 16th March 2021 Coal-heavy electricity utility Eskom has reiterated its commitment to complying with South Africa’s tightening minimum emission standards, but CEO Andre de Ruyter has also indicated that it is considering capital-light alternatives, as well as noncoal repowering solutions to meet its obligations,... →

Watch Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter explaining the possible alternative solutions for meeting South Africa's minimum emission standards. Camera Work: Kutlwano Matala Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

Treasury to block R384m funding for Alfred Nzo Municipality due to poor performance

By: News24Wire 12th March 2021 National Treasury plans to stop R384 million in funding to the cash-strapped Alfred Nzo Municipality due to under-performance and non-compliance relating to water service and municipal infrastructure. Treasury wrote to its municipal manager, Zamile Sikhundla, in February to inform him it intended... →

National Treasury Director Dondo Mogajane

Water stewardship can halt security decline

By: Cameron Mackay 12th March 2021 With water security declining in South Africa, consulting engineers and scientists SRK Consulting principal consultant Fiona Sutton believes that securing commitment from companies regarding the value of water stewardship is the first step towards water security. “Adhering to water stewardship... →

WADING THROUGH THE WATERS Water risks such as declining water quality, flooding, drought, water scarcity and water stress are all contributing to a decline in local water security

Pandemic stresses need for conservation

By: Cameron Mackay 12th March 2021 With Covid-19 further emphasising the importance of water and water conservation in South Africa, water tank storage solutions provider Abeco Tanks has supplied water tanks to several hospitals and facilities in the country to ease the impact of the pandemic. “The best defence against the... →

MANNIE RAMOS JNR As we brand ourselves as a water bank, businesses to store water for when water supply is unavailable in order to have continuity of service

Eskom, Sasol face government ultimatum to meet emission limits

By: Bloomberg 10th March 2021 Eskom Holdings and Sasol, South Africa’s two biggest polluters, must comply with emission limits even if it costs them tens of billions of rand, Environment Minister Barbara Creecy said. The companies, which use coal to produce electricity and gasoline respectively, have sought to avoid... →

Mauritius hit by minor oil spill in wake of ecological disaster

By: Bloomberg 9th March 2021 A Chinese-flagged fishing vessel has run aground close to Mauritius’s only port, just months after the Indian Ocean island nation had to contend with its worst-ever ecological disaster that was caused by a massive oil spill. The FV Lu Rong Yuan Yu, a 45-m-long fishing trawler, ran aground on the... →

Report finds majority of extractive commodity traders lack ESG disclosure

By: Marleny Arnoldi 8th March 2021 Swiss research organisation RMF finds in a new report that companies involved in oil, gas, metals or minerals trading score on average only 23% on environmental, social and governance (ESG) due diligence. The report, titled 'ESG Due Diligence and Transparency Report on Extractive Commodity... →

ECA report unpacks green recovery strategy for Africa

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd March 2021 The Economic Commission for Africa has launched the 'Building Forward for an African Green Recovery' report, which highlights the continent’s bold post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery strategy. The report seeks to bolster the continent’s quest for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals,... →

Organisations call on Standard Bank, others not to finance East African oil pipeline

By: Schalk Burger 1st March 2021 In an open letter to financial services provider Standard Bank and 24 other banks, 263 community and nonprofit organisations from 49 countries have called on the banks not to fund the construction of the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline, namely the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop)... →

Probe finds Mpumalanga, Gauteng hydrogen sulphide levels above WHO recommendations

By: Schalk Burger 1st March 2021 An ongoing probe by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) to determine the cause of the high levels of air pollution reported in Mpumalanga and Gauteng during the week of February 11 to 17 has determined that sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels were in compliance with ambient... →

Regulation mandates companies to be waste cautious

26th February 2021 With extended producer responsibility (EPR) now mandatory in South Africa, managing the end-of-life of a product has become a social, environmental and economic requirement. Owing to this, companies will need to take responsibility for their waste so that less goes to landfill, warns paper and... →

Manufacturing recovery’s slow pace a concern, Seifsa

26th February 2021 The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) is concerned about the slow pace of recovery in the manufacturing sector, as depicted by the manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) number of 50.9 last month – lower than the 2020 fourth quarter average. →

MULTIPLIER EFFECT The manufacturing sector remains key to the growth and development of South Africa owing to its multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy

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