Cabinet Approves JET IP, SANPC Bill And Gazetting Of Draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy

The Cabinet of South Africa approved the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET IP), as well as the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill and the gazetting of the draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy on Monday.

JET IP will help South Africa achieve a low carbon economy while scaling up renewable energy sources.

The plan is all set to make investments and interventions in the country to ensure a climate-resilient economy, which is aligned with the National Determined Contributions presented to the United Nations.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, said the Cabinet believes the JET IP will represent the country's dedication toward renewable energy transition.

"The plan further responds to South Africa's commitments under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as NDP [National Development Plan] commitments," Ntshavheni said, according to SA News.

She added, "The Jet IP will enable South Africa to gradually meet its carbon emissions reduction commitments while at the same time, it will ensure inclusive economic growth, energy security and employment."

The National Petroleum Company Bill, on the other hand, was approved to merge crude oil industry corporation PetroSA, South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund.

This bill will allow the South African government to participate in the country's oil and gas development sector.

"It will also guarantee the country's security of energy supply to support economic development and growth. The SANPC will oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country's petroleum resources and this will contribute to development and job creation," the minister added.

As for the gazetting of the National Public Transport Subsidy Policy, it will help South Africa's public transport funding move from subsidizing a specific mode of transport to making it a user-subsidy model.

The minister said that the government "recognizes that the transport sector is at the heart of the country's development with most households completely reliant on public transport for mobility."

Ntshavheni also announced the Cabinet's approval of the request to host the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APMR) from Nov. 23 to 30. The event will be attended by current and former heads of state and government and the African Union Commission.