Media Alert: Mineral Resources and Energy Committee Set to Hold Four Public Hearings on UPRD Bill In Limpopo

Parliament, Sunday, 26 March 2023 - The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy will this coming week, 28 to 31 March 2023, hold four public hearings on the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development (UPRD) Bill [B13-2021] in Limpopo.

The public hearings will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the George Phadadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou, Lenyenye Community Hall in Tzaneen, Aboo Tayob Hall in Mokopane and Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane. The residents of Vhembe, Mopani, Waterberg and Capricorn districts will have an opportunity to comment on the UPRD Bill, following residents of Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

The Bill seeks to separate petroleum provision from the mineral provision, as currently provided for in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002), with the aim of providing two independent pieces of legislation to address matters pertinent to each industry and to bring about stability and security to investors, especially in the upstream petroleum sector.

It will also enhance state participation in the upstream petroleum industry and economic transformation of the industry and promote petroleum resource development in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all South Africans. Section 59 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the NA and its committees. Members of the media are welcome to cover the public hearings.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Mr Justice Molafo
Tel: 021 403 8444
Cell: 081 424 748 1
Email: [email protected]