The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy has concluded three public hearings on the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development (UPRD) Bill [B13-2021] in Free State.

The residents of Thabo Mufutsanyana and Xhariep districts, as well as Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality overwhelmingly expressed support for the UPRD Bill. They appealed to the committee to fast-track the process of passing the Bill in order to unlock job and business opportunities.

Meanwhile, some residents opposed the Bill and submitted that the committee should, instead, strengthen the current Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act. Others argued that the Bill should contain clauses that address women empowerment, pollution and climate change, as well as social labour plans.

The Free State is the sixth province where the committee conducted public hearings on the UPRD Bill after Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Northern Cape. The committee will announce the next province to be visited for similar public hearings in due course.

Tabled by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, the UPRD Bill seeks to separate petroleum provision from the mineral provision, as currently provided for in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002).

The separation is also aimed at providing two independent pieces of legislation to address matters pertinent to each industry and to bring about stability and security to investors, especially in the upstream petroleum sector.

Furthermore, the Bill enhances state participation in the upstream petroleum industry and economic transformation of the industry. It includes provisions that promote petroleum resource development in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all South Africans.

The public hearings are conducted in line with Section 59 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which requires the National Assembly (NA) to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the NA and its committees.

Mr Luzipo has also extended deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the two members of the public who lost their lives due to car accident while on their way to attend a public hearing meeting on Friday at Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall. He also wished those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.