By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Istock.
Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele says cabinet approved a package of measures to restrict trade in scrap and semi-processed metals, a move aimed at combating theft and vandalism of public infrastructure.
On August 5, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel published draft policy proposals for public comment and government subsequently received significant feedback, including from those opposed to the implementation of trade restrictions.
Gungubele hosted a briefing in Pretoria on Friday following this week’s Cabinet meeting.
He said the meeting considered the policy measures to restrict trade in scrap metal to limit damage to public infrastructure and the economy.
“Details of the measures to be implemented will now be processed for publication in the Government Gazette by the relevant Ministries and a detailed media release containing details of the measures will be released by GCIS as soon as the necessary legal work has been finalised,” said the Minister.
South Africa will also engage with the SADC, African Union and the Southern African Customs Union to ensure a coordinated approach to fight this crime collectively as a region.
Meanwhile, the Minister said Infrastructure South Africa, in partnership with GIZ, a German development agency, will host its third Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town, from 28 to 30 November 2022.
“This year’s symposium will focus on green hydrogen as an important growth sector in the country’s investment strategy.
“The symposium will bring together decision-makers, financial institutions, academics and international authorities. The event will afford the country the opportunity to showcase some of the large and low-cost world-class green hydrogen production hubs,” said Gungubele.
The demand for green hydrogen-based products such as ammonia and synthetic jet fuels is rising.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in South Africa has been researching green hydrogen with a focus on green mobility and the use of platinum group metals.
“Cabinet approved the Hydrogen Society Roadmap earlier this year. The roadmap is one of government’s strategies and policy direction aimed at bringing together a variety of public and private stakeholders and institutions around a common vision on how to use and deploy hydrogen and hydrogen-related technologies, as part of the country’s economic development and greening objectives,” he said.
In South Africa, hydrogen is extensively used in the chemical and fuel-refining sectors, but it is currently produced mainly from non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas.
G20 Leaders’ Summit
Cabinet says the deliberations at the G20 Leaders’ Summit underpin the country’s own national priorities of reducing poverty, unemployment and inequality.
President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the 17th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Bali, Indonesia, from 15 to 16 November 2022.
The summit brought together world leaders in a collective effort to find solutions to a wide range of global challenges.
“The envisaged solutions include increasing multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy, to bring stability to the global financial system, to promote long-term sustainable growth and to strengthen global economic governance,” Gungubele said.
The theme of the summit held under the G20 Presidency of Indonesia was “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.
Ramaphosa participated in the working sessions on health, food and energy security as well as held several bilateral meetings with key trade partners.
State Capture
Cabinet has commended the recent arrests and freezing of assets of individuals allegedly linked to state capture.
“These developments are a testament that the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State, is now bearing fruit,” Gungubele said.
Gungubele reiterated government’s commitment to dealing harshly with all acts of corruption, without fear, favour or prejudice.
“Corrupt people and those who steal the future of our children have no place in our society,” Gungubele said.
Cabinet urged citizens to report all acts of corruption to law-enforcement agencies or call the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701. “Callers may choose to remain anonymous,”the Minister said.