Eastern Cape, South Africa – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy is set to conduct the last in a series of public hearings on the Electricity Regulations Amendment (ERA) Bill [B13-2023] in the Eastern Cape. The hearings, starting tomorrow, will cover several districts within the province, concluding a nationwide consultation process.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the committee will hold hearings in Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani district Municipalities, and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan. These hearings are part of a series that has already been successfully conducted in eight other provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu Natal.

The public hearings are conducted in line with section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which mandates the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in its legislative processes and those of its committees. The ERA Bill’s objective includes amending the Electricity Regulation Act for improved administration, establishing the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd, and creating an open-market platform for competitive electricity trading.

The schedule for the public hearings in the Eastern Cape is as follows:

Alfred Nzo District: Monday, 27 November, 10:00 – 14:00 at Maluti Civic Centre, Matatiele.

OR Tambo District: Tuesday, 28 November, 10:00 – 14:00 at Mhlontlo Municipality Town Hall, Tsolo.

Chris Hani District: Wednesday, 29 November, 10:00 – 14:00 at Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre, Queens Town.

Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan: Thursday, 30 November, 10:00 – 14:00 at Babs Madikane Town Hall.

Media inquiries and interview requests with the Chairperson of the committee can be directed to Ms. Malentsoe Magwagwa at the parliamentary communication services.