South African Committees Seek Public Input on Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill

CAPE TOWN – The standing and select committees on appropriations, led by chairpersons Mr. Sfiso Buthelezi and Ms. Dikeledi Mahlangu, are calling for public submissions on the 2023 Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill. This invitation follows the tabling of the Bill alongside the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement by the Minister of Finance on 1 November 2023.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the Money Bills and Related Matters Amendment Act, No. 13 of 2018, Parliament is mandated to facilitate public hearings and report on the Bill.

Objectives of the Amendment Bill

The 2023 Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill aims to modify the existing 2023 Eskom Debt Relief Act. It proposes provisions for Eskom to pay interest on loans advanced, allows the Minister of Finance to reduce funding for Eskom if non-compliance with conditions occurs, and addresses related matters.

Public Hearing and Submission Details

Joint virtual public hearings by the committees are scheduled for Friday, 1 December 2023. Stakeholders and interested parties have until 16:00 on Monday, 27 November 2023, to submit their inputs or indicate their intention to present orally. Submissions should be sent to Committee Secretaries, Mr. D Arends and Mr. L Nodada, at the specified addresses or email.

Access to the Bill

The 2023 Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill can be accessed on the Parliament and Treasury websites for review by the public.