Select Committee Considers Negotiating Mandates on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness Bill
The committee said it is pleased to receive the inputs and proposals from the provinces, which demonstrated the high level of public participation and engagement in the legislative process. The committee also appreciated the constructive contributions made by the provinces and the Department of Transport in working towards finalising this important piece of legislation.
Through robust discussions and deliberations, the committee identified areas of convergence between the provinces and the department. The committee is confident that the technical amendments and clarifications proposed will strengthen the bill and ensure it is fit for purpose in protecting South Africa's marine environment.
The committee will reconvene next week to consider the consolidated list of proposed amendments, known as the C-list, which will be developed through a collaborative process between the department, parliamentary legal advisors and committee support staff. This will then form the basis for the final D-list that will be presented to the provinces for their consideration and support.
Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said, 'The committee remains committed in fulfilling its respective role and ensuring the timely finalisation of the Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Bill in order to enhance the country's state of readiness and response capability in the event of a marine oil spill incident.'
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Welcomes the Department's Bold Reform Agenda for Infrastructure and Job Creation
The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency has welcomed the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, described the plans as a clear and credible turning point for infrastructure-led development in South Africa. He said: "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that is a catalyst for infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery." Following a detailed presentation by the Minister of the department, Mr Dean Macpherson, the committee affirmed its support for the department's renewed vision to serve as a catalyst for economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive growth. The plans are strongly aligned to the National Development Plan and Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and reflect an earnest commitment to reform, delivery and measurable impact. At the centre of this renewed vision is the repositioning of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from a temporary job relief measure to a structured, skills-based employment pipeline. With a R7.2 billion allocation over the MTEF period, this reform aims to transform the EPWP into a credible contributor to long-term, dignified employment. Mr Badenhorst said the shift from welfare to workforce is one of the most important interventions in restoring both human dignity and economic resilience, remarked. 'We will monitor its implementation with keen interest,' emphasised Mr Badenhorst. The committee also welcomed the department's strategic focus on urban regeneration, repurposing hijacked and underutilised buildings, and optimising state assets for greater public value, particularly within inner-city precincts. This renewed developmental posture is essential to reversing years of stagnation, inefficiency and fiscal wastage. Minister Macpherson was frank in his assessment of the department's historic shortcomings, including systemic inefficiencies, audit deficiencies, and skills shortages. The committee commended the Minister's openness, and noted the department's new risk management framework as a strong response, particularly its intention to clamping down on tender irregularities, tighten controls on lease agreements, and combat collusion in the supply chain. Committee members posed rigorous questions during the session, including queries about the R589 million allocation for infrastructure support, the need to strengthen capacity in the EPWP, and concerns about the alignment of budget allocations with strategic intent. Particular attention was given to the transition to digital systems and its impact on job security, as well as the Department's plans to reduce its lease portfolio and address the long-standing maintenance backlog across government buildings. In response, the department indicated its commitment to prudent asset management, exploring alternative ownership models, and ensuring that modernisation does not come at the expense of employment or service continuity. Mr Badenhorst said to Minister Macpherson: 'It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.' The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the department's reform trajectory, underscoring the centrality of infrastructure to the nation's economic and social recovery. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Can citizens take action against the state to maintain critical infrastructure?
We see more and more critical infrastructure failures and deterioration, both within local and metropolitan municipalities. Raw sewerage in the streets is a common sight, potholes prevail, and stormwater drainage fails repeatedly. It is commonplace that despite residents paying rates and making multiple complaints to authorities, the situation does not improve. Citizens have various constitutional rights, including the freedom of movement and access to essential services, as well as to approach a court when a right in the Bill of Rights has been infringed. Can citizens or local resident associations take the local or national government to court to obtain court orders compelling them to effectively deal with the situation? This question came before the High Court in Umtata in a judgment handed down earlier this month.1 A local residents' association brought an application against the Department of Transport, directing them to repair the surface and undertake all the necessary work to restore a main road to good condition. The court accepted that the resident association had legal standing to bring the application. The applicant put up extensive evidence of complaints being lodged with councillors and the local municipality, with no tangible results. The court considered the effect of the inaccessible road on the applicants' daily lives, their ability to shop, access to banking services and get to work, learners' ability to get to school, access to medical facilities as well as the impact of poorly positioned drainage pipes causing flooding and an additional slippery road surface causing danger. The respondents argued that they had a significant scope of responsibility and that the maintenance costs of a paved road network was approximately R1.8m per kilometre. given their budget limitations annually, the department had to engage with municipalities to prioritise road maintenance based on the needs of each respective community. The department had to acknowledge the need for road upgrades that the applicants had requested and contended that considerable progress had been made with the budget approved and contractors appointed. The court accepted that it was the respondents' responsibility and constitutional role, and accepted, although the municipalities had an interest in the matter, it was not required for the municipalities to be joined to the proceedings. The court accepted that the applicants had clearly demonstrated their rights were being infringed upon, as well as the deplorable state of the road, and that they had no other remedy available. The court issued an order that the department was directed to repair, resurface and restore the main road within 120 days of the date of the order, and ordered that the respondents pay the cost of the application. Conclusion: This case serves as a reminder that the courts will intervene where the state fails to discharge its constitutional obligations and where citizens or local associations can show extensive complaints and requests for assistance which have remained unanswered. It is not sufficient for the State to point to budget limitations as an exclusive answer to its failure to implement important and necessary infrastructural maintenance or upgrades. Citizens can be confident in taking a more active approach to holding local and national governments responsible for fulfilling their constitutional mandates to effect repairs to ageing and failing infrastructure.
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Zawya
Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Emphasises the Vital Role of Transportation in the South African Economy
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, emphasised the vitality of the role of transportation in the South African economy when the Department of Transport appeared before the committee yesterday to brief it on the department's strategic plan for the 2025-26 financial year. Mr Badenhorst outlined the ambitious targets of the department for increasing rail freight and commuter services. He acknowledged the financial and structural challenges faced by the department, making more emphasis on the need for efficient and effective transport systems to stimulate economic growth. The department's presentation, detailed the alignment of the strategic plan with the Medium-Term Development Plan. Key targets highlighted included enhancement of economic growth through private sector involvement, reduction of road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the improvement of freight movement, and infrastructure investment. The department told the committee about the necessity of increased investment in transport infrastructure to bolster economic growth and job creation. The committee raised concerns regarding the Driving License Card Account (DLCA), particularly the backlog in card production stemming from machine issues and procurement irregularities. The projected budget for the upcoming financial year indicated a revenue expectation of R321 million against expenses of R379 million. The department shared its insights into the budget allocation, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development. Committee members expressed concern regarding governance within public entities, the department's reliance on consultants, and the challenges of policy implementation amid fiscal constraints. The committee requested a detailed report on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the state of the entity's governance. Members of the committee highlighted the negative consequences of governance deficiencies on public entities and proposed the development of a taxi fare index to promote balance within the taxi industry. The regulation of scholar transport, and digital driver licenses were also discussed. On digital drivers' licences, the department confirmed that the current backlog stands at approximately 680,000 cards while efforts are underway to clear it within three months. The complexities of transitioning to a digital identification system were highlighted. Mr Badenhorst reiterated the committee's commitment to oversight and accountability. He said the department serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity. He stressed the importance of collaboration of the department with other key role-players in the transport sector for further enhancement of the transportation system in the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
