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CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
United Nations Environment Programme
International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) 5 resolutions
Summary of Intent
An advance document on the resolutions adopted at the ICCM 5 meeting held in Bonn from 25 to 29 September 2023 has been published. The adopted resolutions are:
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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Chemicals and Health Branch
Global Framework on Chemicals
Summary of Intent
Following discussion at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) 5, the Global Framework on Chemicals has been published. The scope of the framework covers the life cycle of chemicals including products and waste, and takes due account of other chemicals and waste instruments that have been developed to date.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Regulations for the Management of Mercury
Summary of Intent
Further to the notice in Advocacy Alert 48/2023, the draft regulations have been published for a 60-day public consultation process. The regulations are intended to manage and regulate mercury in South Africa and to domesticate the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The purpose of the draft regulations is to:Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Chemicals and Health Branch
Issues of concern: Chemicals and waste issues posing risks to human health and the environment
Summary of Intent
A consultation process was conducted by the UNEP to gather views on priorities for further work on the 19 issues of concern first reported in the assessment report dated September 2020. A draft report has been issued that sets out the summary analysis of the comments received and an annex that provides more a detailed summary for each issue of concern. The final report will be made available for consideration by the UN Environment Assembly at its sixth session.
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ENERGY
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Proposed electricity licence fees and levies on piped gas and petroleum pipeline industries
Summary of Intent
The proposed licence fees and levies for the 2024/25 financial year have been published for a 30-day public consultation:
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Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
National Nuclear Regulator (NNR)
Public hearings on application to extend operating life of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS)
Summary of Intent
Eskom is authorised to operate the KNPS under the Nuclear Installation Licence, NIL-01 Variation 19. The KNPS comprises of two pressurised water reactor units which started commercial operation in July 1984 on Unit 1 and in November 1985 on Unit 2 and will reach 40 years of commercial operation in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
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Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
National Environmental Management Act
Environmental authorisation for renewable energy facilities
Summary of Intent
In Advocacy Alert 30/2023, members were invited to provide comments on proposed amendments of the application procedures for environmental authorisation for renewable energy facilities. The procedure is necessary to ensure unrestricted access to main electricity transmission and distribution substations. Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
Parliament
National Assembly
Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill and National Nuclear Regulator Amendment (NNRA) Bill
Summary of Intent
Following public consultation processes, the National Assembly is holding oral submissions and will hear responses from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) on the two bills.
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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
National Environmental Management Act
Extension of the Environment Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) as the single registration authority
Summary of Intent
The Association was appointed as the single registration authority until 7 February 2024. The DFFE is still in the process of considering options for long-term regulation of environmental assessment practitioners and determining whether law reform will be required. Consequently, the DFFE is inviting comments on the intention to further extend the period of appointment of EAPASA until 7 February 2026.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
CLIMATE CHANGE
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Principles for sustainable trade
Summary of Intent
The ICC launched their report on the updated principles at COP28. The report was developed under the auspices of the ICC Global Banking/Environment and Energy Commissions, drawing expertise from over 200 banks, corporates and technology players over the past year. The principles aim to accelerate global trade’s role in helping companies to:Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Proposals for effective carbon pricing: Leakage and linkage considerations
Summary of Intent
The final ICC report was launched at COP28. Since 2021, the ICC has drawn on the experience of its global members to develop core principles and guidance for the effective design of carbon pricing instruments and to address carbon leakage. Key messages include:Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
WATER
United Nations Environment Programme
Working Group on Nitrogen
Summary of Intent
Recognising the urgent work needed on nitrogen, the first UN resolution was adopted in March 2019 that recognised the concept of nitrogen waste. The Colombo Declaration was adopted by 14 countries with the ambition to halve nitrogen waste by 2030. Work is ongoing to publish the first International Nitrogen Assessment, which will provide countries with the scientific information for future action on nitrogen. A working group on nitrogen has been established to strengthen the engagement and ownership of the implementation of the resolutions.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
Department of Water and Sanitation\
National Water Act
General authorisations for water users defined in section 21(c) or section 21(i)
Summary of Intent
A notice has been published that allocates general authorisation for water uses defined in section 21(c), impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse, or section 21(i), altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse. The general authorisation replaces the need for a water user to apply for a licence, provided that the water use is within specified limits and conditions.
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MINIMUM WAGE
Department of Employment and Labour
National Minimum Wage Act
Investigation into the national minimum wage
Summary of Intent
In Advocacy Alert 32/2023, members were alerted to the consultation process on Commission’s investigation and adjustment of the national minimum wage. The updated Commissioner’s report and recommendation has been published for comment by 8 January 2024. An increase of CPI+0.75% will be recommended to the Minister.
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NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Summary of Intent
The NHI bill was adopted by the National Council of Provinces without any amendments on 6 December 2023. Due to concerns expressed by business, BUSA is preparing to submit a formal petition to the President requesting that the bill be referred back to the National Assembly for amendment. Business groups believe that the bill in its current format is unworkable, unimplementable, unaffordable and unconstitutional, both on substantive and procedural grounds.
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TRANSPORT
Department of Transport
National Railway Safety Regulator Act
Publication of fees for comment
Summary of Intent
The proposed fees that the Railway Safety Regulator must charge for safety permits for 2024/2025 have been published for 30-day public comment.
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SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
Southern African Development Community
Establishment of the regional customs business forum (RCBF)
Summary of Intent
A meeting on the establishment of the customs to business forum between the SADC member states was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 22 to 24 November 2023. The RCBF is intended to be a catalyst for the effective implementation of the trade facilitation tools in the region in supporting the industrialisation strategy and roadmap.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
ANNUAL REPORTS
South African Government
Annual Reports
Summary of Intent
The following Annual Reports have been published:Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
ECONOMICS
National Economic Development and Labour Council
Economic and employment trends in South Africa
Summary of Intent
The report provides a snapshot of key macro-economic and employment trends based on official statistics and other relevant sources of data. The key outcomes of the analysis include:
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Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
Economic Week Ahead
Summary of Intent
BUSA provides a weekly Economic Week Ahead forecast, as well as commentary.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
Weekly Economic Briefing
Summary of Intent
BUSA provides a weekly Economic Briefing report that covers economic matters in South Africa, the rest of Africa as well as internationally.Your membership level does not allow you access to this content. If you feel you should have access on the below document, please log-in or Contact Us