The residents of the West Coast District in the Western Cape province, participating in public hearings on the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill, have proposed innovative solutions to South Africa’s energy challenges. They suggested that the revamped Clanwilliam Dam should be utilized for generating hydropower to augment the national electricity grid. Additionally, they recommended the use of LPG gas as another energy source to support the Eskom power grid.

According to parliament of South Africa, which is conducting the hearings, the Western Cape is the seventh province to engage in public consultations on the ERA Bill, following Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, and Gauteng. The hearings are part of a series taking place in various districts, including Cape Winelands and Overberg, as well as in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality.

The residents expressed strong support for the ERA Bill, urging the committee to expedite its passage and full implementation. They believe the Bill will ensure a sustainable electricity supply by introducing competition in power generation and integrating renewable energy into the national grid.

Mr. Sahlulele Luzipo, the committee Chairperson, assured those making oral submissions that their inputs are valued and will be considered at the end of the public hearings process across all provinces. The committee is scheduled to conduct its next public hearing at the Zwelethemba Civic Hall in Worcester, Cape Winelands District.

In another development, Mr. Luzipo welcomed the comprehensive crime combating initiatives against illegal mining announced by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster. He acknowledged that these efforts align with the committee’s view that illegal mining and associated crimes pose a serious national security threat. While these interventions are not a complete solution to the challenges faced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Luzipo believes they will allow the department to focus on its core responsibilities, such as harmonizing mining acts, implementing policies on small-scale mining, and formalizing informal chrome mining in North West and Limpopo.

Luzipo expressed optimism that the crime prevention initiatives would bring peace and stability to mining towns, allowing for more focused efforts on enhancing the country’s energy and mining sectors.