Portfolio committee hosts public hearing in Lydenburg
The community members in Mashishing attended the presentation of Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill and got to share their views.
The portfolio committee of agriculture, rural development, and land and environmental affairs conducted a public hearing on the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill [B13B – 2021] on Tuesday February 6 at Mashishing Town Hall in Lydenburg.
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This portfolio committee was led by the portfolio chairperson, Jacky Macie. The community members came out in numbers to attend this public hearing. According to Macie, the purpose of the public hearing was to get the inputs and views of the public on the proposed changes on the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill.
“South Africa’s petroleum resources belong to the nation and the state is the custodian thereof.”
When presenting the bill, Gugu Mabuza, from the Legislature’s legal section, said that as part of the changes there is a desire to have black people getting more involved, and acquiring at least 51% shareholding or ownership.
It also aims to eliminate environmental hazards.
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The provincial legislature said that members of the community said that the ownership issue was appreciated.
Members of the community can access the bill on www.mpuleg.gov.za and are requested to send their comments to Charlotte Chiloane on email: CharlotteC@mpuleg.gov.za, or via WhatsApp on 067 428 3345 on or before Friday February 23.
