Weekly Advocacy Alert 49 2023

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CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

01

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: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

02

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

03

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

04

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

05

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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06

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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07

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

08

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

09

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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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20

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

21

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

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