Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Annual Performance Plan 2024/25; with Ministry

Mineral Resource and Energy      The Department presented its Annual Performance Plan and Budget Vote to the joint committee. The presentation covered the Department’s strategic priorities for the period 2019 to 2024, some performance highlights; the focus areas for the current financial year; the medium-term budget framework; the budget composition of transfers and subsidies, and some annexures on the purpose and functions of the various departmental programmes. Members wanted to know why there was no mention of the Solar Water Heating Programme in the presentation, as this captured the attention of the Committee in the previous term of Parliament. Members wanted to know the legal costs of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which they said has spiralled out of control. Members indicated their desire for the Department to publish which service stations were found to be diluting or contaminating fuel. He also wanted to know who is doing the actual work regarding the Integrated Energy Plan, the Gas Master Plan, and the Integrated Resource Plan. He asked for more clarity on implementing the Just Energy Transition Programme. The Committee was particularly concerned over mining and prospecting rights, and wanted to know what the Department is doing to improve the backlogs in applications. Members also expressed concern over illegal mining, asking the Department why arrests fall through due to legal loopholes, if illegal miners are being transferred as artisanal miners, and even accusations of police corruption. Members wanted to know what progress is being made with the Electricity Regulation Amendment, particularly in light of the increasing price of electricity in the country. Members wanted to know if the Department is doing anything about municipalities underspending their grants and subsidies. The limited proportion of the budget going towards health and safety was a concern given the high incident rates in mines. Members wanted to know the extent of engagement between the Department, the Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) and other research councils. He also wanted to know if abandoned mine shafts could be used for energy storage.