MINISTER’S VISION FOR THE DME
PRESENTATION TO THE PORTFOLIO
COMMITTEE ON
MINERALS AND ENERGY -
Our vision
derives from that of government which is the transformation
of -
·
Society,
·
Economy,
·
Poverty alleviation
·
Job creation
·
Redress of imbalances
·
Development including infrastructure
This translates
into the vision of the Department which is outlined in both the White Papers of
Energy and Minerals, summarised as follows: “World class minerals and energy
sectors through sustainable development”.
The Mandate
of the Department is the “Provision of services for effectual
transformation and governance of minerals and energy industries for economic
growth and development, thereby improving the quality of life”.
ENERGY -
The
implementation of legislation in pursuit of self-sufficiency to achieve universal
access. Every South African to have access to clean, affordable energy. Priorities
include:
·
Security of supply:
o
Energy efficiency,
o
Diversification of energy carriers.
Importation of gas on the liquid side (PetroSA). Although in the past it has
been our policy position that nuclear will form part and parcel of our energy
mix, we have not taken that debate forward. We need to take this debate forward
to ensure security of supply because we are one of the largest producers of uranium
and we have to take advantage of this. Further more we have expertise in this
area which we have developed over years and ways and means therefore should be
found that we use this to our competitive advantage. A strategy on nuclear
enrichment will be tabled in Cabinet before end of the year.
o
Building of infrastructure generally
(refinery, storage)
Energy
Electricity
We will move
with speed with the implementation of the Electricity Restructuring process.
The 6metro REDs are the end-state and next year is the introduction of the EDI
legislation. Electricity Regulation A/B has revealed diverse view among the
stakeholders.
·
Preparation for 2010
·
A phased-in implementation to the
Electricity Restructuring process.
(Indication of timelines will be
indicated in due course).
·
Transformation of the sector (access
by HDAs)
·
Participation of the private sector
(IPPs)
Hydrocarbons -
As a non-oil
producing country, we need to ensure self-sufficiency in a growing economy and
population. We will continue to implement the strategies on –
·
Renewable energy,
·
Nuclear enrichment, and
·
Biofules.
All the above
strategies will be tabled for approval no later than this year.
MINING (MPRDA) -
International
Law principle (International Declaration of Rights states that “A country’s
National Resources are its national patrimony which is the heritage of all its
citizens”. This principle has found expression both in the White Paper and the
MPRDA. It is therefore important that we put into place a strategy that these
resources are utilised for the benefit of all South Africans.
·
Broadening the base of beneficiaries
·
Encouraging small scale mining as a
vehicle for BEE
·
Community upliftment / development
through Local Government and
Mining
synergies in Social and Labour Plans
·
Safety and security in the mines
Minerals are
a finite resource and economic activities based on mining therefore should be
diversified so as to ensure that once the minerals get exhausted on the ground,
economic activities related to mining should continue. Towards this end
therefore, we shall in earnest be implementing beneficiation programmes in line
with the provisions of the Diamond and Precious Metals Act. This will include
the establishment of the State Diamond Trader and the Regulator. This however
has to be accompanied by intensive capacity building programmes which is why we
have already started jewellery manufacturing training in
Legislation:
GENDER -
Engendering
both the mining and energy sectors (Liquid Fuels Charter
and Mining
Charter) – to ensure much more increased participation of women in both these
sectors, and also ensure that they are supported in a way that will ultimately
result in their being meaningful participants in these sectors.