By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cabinet has endorsed an investment plan to help the country transition away from the use of coal, a key step in securing $8.5 billion in climate finance on offer from the world’s richest nations.
The plan envisages the closure and re-purposing of coal-fired power plants owned by Eskom, the state power utility, so that additional renewable energy can be produced. It also covers expanding the transmission grid and fostering the development of electric-vehicle and green hydrogen industries.
The endorsement, announced in a statement on Thursday, indicates that opposition to the deal from some government officials, including Gwede Mantashe, the energy minister, has been overcome.
South Africa depends on coal for more than 80% of its power, and 90,000 people are employed at coal mines.
The so-called Just Energy Transition Partnership, with the US, UK, Germany, France and the European Union, is expected to serve as a prototype for similar deals with coal-dependent developing nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and India.
Minister perks
Cabinet has also endorsed the announcement made by The Presidency to withdraw the amendments made to the Guide for Members of the Executive for 2022.
Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vincent Magwenya, on Monday said the President had withdrawn the amendment to the Ministerial Handbook, pending a review.
The said amendments that were made in April 2022 provided for additional capacity to some of the offices of the Ministers who are responsible for more than one portfolio.
“They also required the State to take over full responsibility for the costs associated with the provision of electricity and water to official residences occupied by members of the executive,” Minister in the presidency Mondli Gungubele said.
The minister said Cabinet noted the concerns raised by the public and resolved to review the Guide for Members of the Executive.
“This process will be handled by a neutral structure, and once completed, the guide will be made public through the Department of Public Service and Administration’s website.”
Matric class of 2022
With the 2022 National Senior Certificate examinations set to begin at the end of the month, Cabinet has urged parents and guardians to play their part by encouraging and motivating learners, and creating a conducive environment for studying at home.
“Cabinet wishes the Class of 2022 well as they embark on the final leg of their school journey. The continued support from teachers, parents and guardians will go a long way in helping these learners to face these exams with confidence, ” Gungubele said.
The Minister said the exams are set to start on 31 October and end on 7 December 2022.
Presidential Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Summit
Meanwhile, government will use the upcoming Presidential Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Summit 2022 to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
The first summit held in 2018 was used to recommit government and social partners to ending the high incidents of violence against women in the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the second Presidential GBVF Summit at Gallagher Convention Centre in Gauteng on 1 and 2 November 2022, under the theme: “Accountability; Acceleration and Amplification NOW.”
“The summit will deliberate on, amongst other issues, finding ways to accelerate actions and accountability from key departments and all the stakeholders that include civil society, the private sector and labour,” Gungubele said.
Certificate of Recognition
In addition, the President is expected to hand over the Certificate of Recognition to His Majesty King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini in Durban next weekend.
This follows the customary coronation “Ukungena eSibayeni” ceremony of His Majesty held on 20 August 2022, which ascended him to the throne as King of the Zulu Nation.
The event will be held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 29 October 2022.