https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx Webber Wentzel feed en-us Copyright 2020 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:13:07 +0200 Sample Code http://server/image.jpg https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx 5fd5d4c3-9c57-4dab-9ccb-38d01fdc2174 17718b5b-fb46-4201-9720-a4509f2ed1ae https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Essential-services-designations-what-the-escs-latest-investigations-mean-for-mining-water-and-waste.aspx The Essential Services Committee is investigating whether waste management services, the supply of hazardous water treatment and purification chemicals, and lamproom safety functions in mining should be designated as essential services under the Labour Relations Act. 2026-07-28T22:00:00Z adc84b05-6d20-43d7-94d4-caad92dc7cd2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-national-dust-control-regulations-2026-whats-changed-and-what-you-need-to-do.aspx On 31 March 2026, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published the National Dust Control Regulations, 2026 (2026 Regulations) under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (NEMAQA), replacing the 2013 National Dust Control Regulations (2013 Regulations) with immediate effect. 2026-06-10T22:00:00Z 6268f3b3-114b-457f-a958-28240fa8f392 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/coming-to-a-municipality-near-you-the-power-to-enforce-environmental-duty-of-care-obligations.aspx Since June 2023, when most of the 5th General Environmental Laws Amendment came into force, South Africa’s environmental enforcement landscape has changed in ways businesses cannot afford to ignore. 2026-06-09T22:00:00Z 94efba10-f692-4ae3-9754-499da924d6d9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/register-or-face-prosecution-the-90-day-water-deadline-every-business-needs-to-know-about.aspx On 24 April 2026, the Minister of Water and Sanitation published Government Notice 7408, requiring all unregistered water users to register within 90 days of publication, placing the deadline at approximately 23 July 2026. 2026-06-07T22:00:00Z 5849c8ce-d220-452b-a38b-7be3674d5e1b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africas-waste-licensing-rules-are-getting-a-major-overhaul-heres-what-you-need-to-know.aspx South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced plans to scrap and replace the current list of waste management activities that require a waste management licence ("WML"), known as the NEMWA Listed Activities, which sets out which waste-related operations businesses cannot run without first getting a licence. 2026-05-21T22:00:00Z 3a0e3f86-bdb6-4845-a6d9-78a21f02040c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-changes-to-section-24g-fine-regulations-what-you-need-to-know.aspx On 15 May 2026, the Minister published proposed amendments to the section 24G Fine Regulations. The goal is to bring the Regulations in line with changes to the Act that have been in force since 30 June 2023. 2026-05-21T22:00:00Z 7b349001-e40d-42c3-b2ba-228d3e2fcc72 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/climate-change-assessment-reports-for-environmental-authorisations-when-judicial-precedent-outpaces-regulatory-clarity.aspx South African environmental law is undergoing a decisive shift in how climate change considerations are integrated into environmental authorisation (EA) decision-making. Courts are increasingly recognising climate change as a material consideration within the "need and desirability" assessment required under the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), particularly regarding fossil-fuel developments. 2026-02-02T22:00:00Z 449feeca-1cba-4ca1-a561-d8507b76bf13 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/navigating-phase-two-of-carbon-tax-amendments-allowance-reform-and-offset-expansion.aspx Phase Two of the carbon tax will be implemented from 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2030 (Phase Two). 2025-11-17T22:00:00Z 1f16f0ab-6c49-405e-95aa-4495a571d48b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/from-headline-to-effective-navigating-phase-two-with-offsets-as-a-tax-asset.aspx The carbon tax (as defined in section 1 of the Carbon Tax Act 15 of 2019 (CTA) is a tax on the carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions. It is imposed in terms of section 2 of the CTA at the applicable carbon tax rate, which escalates annually in the amounts as set out in section 5 of the CTA. 2025-11-03T22:00:00Z ca7b850e-de7c-488b-8086-b5ccd12944bf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/early-warning-systems-and-contractual-tools-for-climate-resilient-infrastructure-and-energy-projects.aspx Among the greatest threats facing infrastructure development today is climate change. To mitigate the associated risks for all sector stakeholders, there is a pressing need to make better use of modern technologies and to establish contractual frameworks that are appropriately structured from the outset. 2025-05-27T22:00:00Z 4e6abe5a-f4bc-49c5-b8d2-7e37858a2cb0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-celebrates-its-chambers-global-2025-rankings.aspx ​​​Webber Wentzel has once again affirmed its position as a leading law firm in South Africa with outstanding results in the Chambers Global 2025 rankings. The firm has secured 15 Band 1 category rankings, maintaining its status as the top-ranked Band 1 firm in the country. 2025-02-13T22:00:00Z 58f64ae9-b207-447b-8aa7-fd563b2ef8d2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/regulator-starts-to-crack-down-on-epr-free-riders.aspx Despite coming into force in 2021, many businesses seem to be unaware of the laws pertaining to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is cracking down and has issued 37 pre-compliance notices to non-compliant EPR producers in the Electrical & Electronic Equipment (E&EE) sector. 2024-10-24T22:00:00Z 8b5dd1ab-6fe3-413c-82c7-e633bfe1ee7b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/shortlisted-for-excellence-webber-wentzel-among-frontrunners-for-the-2024-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel has been shortlisted in an impressive 19 categories at the prestigious African Legal Awards. This recognition underscores the firm's commitment to excellence and its leading role in the African legal landscape. 2024-07-08T22:00:00Z ed72df09-7ac2-4d84-874e-3aba4d286887 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/slps-seriously-lacking-promotion-sensibly-leading-to-problems.aspx In February 2024, the Annual Mining Indaba occurred in Cape Town South Africa, where the mining industry's technical brains, financial brawn and everything in between congregated. During the same time, the Alternative Mining Indaba, a summit hosted by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action took place. On the one hand, a gathering to deliberate investing in the African mining sector under the banner of "Embracing the power of positive disruption" and on the other, discussing participation and benefits flowing from the sector. 2024-06-02T22:00:00Z 2ececa44-74a3-43e6-9261-7075f860090f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-eu-corporate-sustainability-due-diligence-directive-an-african-perspective.aspx On 24 May 2024, the EU Council finally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), completing the legislative process and marking a significant development in global business practices, including for companies with operations in Africa. This groundbreaking law mandates both EU and non-EU companies within its scope to conduct rigorous due diligence across their supply chains to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm and to adopt and implement compliant climate transition plans. 2024-05-29T22:00:00Z 49c81d59-b714-4cad-b394-02df8821d3c2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/tech-companies-must-stand-firm-global-lessons-for-south-africas-upcoming-election.aspx Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology have revolutionised many aspects of our lives, and elections are no exception. These tools can enhance the democratic process by improving access to information, voter registration, streamlining vote counting, and facilitating voter engagement, thereby securing greater protection of fundamental civil and political rights. However, the potential for misuse is equally significant, raising concerns about the integrity of electoral processes worldwide. 2024-05-27T22:00:00Z 07d5ab90-4a63-4ed9-8a36-114554cbab17 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-takes-bold-step-climate-change-bill-receives-parliamentary-nod-of-approval.aspx The South African Parliament unanimously passed the Climate Change Bill, which sets ambitious goals to achieve the country's low-carbon and climate-resilient future. 2024-05-14T22:00:00Z a5f3e25f-fc42-4247-a36b-2c941373744e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/What-do-sectoral-emission-targets-mean-for-your-business.aspx To support the implementation of South Africa's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published the Sectoral Emissions Target (SET) Report (Report) for public comment on 26 April 2024. 2024-05-13T22:00:00Z 36b0adfe-6e6e-4564-95b0-fcd3088cbeda https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/reflecting-on-2023-trends-and-insights-in-business-and-human-rights-across-africa.aspx Business and Human Rights (BHR) is on the rise in Africa, prompting companies to navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Webber Wentzel experts, Pooja Dela and Paula-Ann Novotny take a retrospective look at the practical experiences gained over the past year and the emerging trends shaping the landscape of BHR across the African continent. 2024-02-19T22:00:00Z 554b1846-727f-44a1-a504-82736508ce69 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/mining-companies-social-licences-to-operate-depend-on-their-ability-to-respect-human-rights.aspx Mining companies are well acquainted with the tenets that underpin the social licence to operate. But as the globalised world places more scrutiny on human rights violations. 2024-02-06T22:00:00Z fd386106-2bbd-4f2e-9185-2f9cef33d515 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/balancing-environmental-and-social-responsibility-with-economic-growth-and-evolving-environmental-mining-regulations.aspx The mining industry is at the forefront of the sustainability debate, having been a major contributor to climate change, biodiversity loss, depletion of freshwater resources, and environmental degradation. 2024-02-05T22:00:00Z a8d811fd-a557-444b-90a7-5e308940a012 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/minings-green-shift-partnering-for-sustainable-transitions.aspx The Just Energy Transition (JET) and the global move towards net zero by 2050 require coordinated action by mining companies, governments, unions, and communities to ensure just transitions for mines and communities. 2024-02-05T22:00:00Z df9ffca9-8954-42fa-82a2-2903218c396e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-amendments-in-the-national-water-amendment-bill-mining-company-directors-take-heat.aspx With the Mining Indaba fast approaching, mining companies should prioritise understanding the new director liability provision proposed in the National Water Amendment Bill (Water Bill), published on 17 November 2023. 2024-02-05T22:00:00Z 3f396a27-7728-47bc-9351-274a510ef481 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/empowering-change-understanding-the-impact-of-nemlaa4-on-south-africas-environmental-landscape.aspx In the ever-evolving arena of environmental legislation, the National Environmental Management Amendment Act 2 of 2022 (NEMLAA4) emerges as a transformative force, poised to introduce a wholesale shift in South Africa’s environmental legislative landscape. 2023-12-05T22:00:00Z b35439df-1111-4e1a-a3f9-39e47ea26a58 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cop28-south-africas-climate-change-regime-and-just-energy-transition-stocktake.aspx The first Global Stocktake is set to conclude at COP28 which allows the global community to measure the progress made since the signing of the Paris Agreement and to take collective action to accelerate mitigation, adaptation, and financing for further climate ambition. 2023-12-05T22:00:00Z e5e24192-2422-45bd-a0f2-ba44b641ffa2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/A-step-by-step-guide-to-the-proposed-draft-NEMA-National-Appeal-replacement-regulations.aspx On 25 August 2023, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published the Draft National Appeal Regulations, 2023 (Draft Regulations) in terms of section 43 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA). The proposed changes seek to repeal and replace the National Appeal Regulations, 2014 (Current Regulations). We outline the key changes step-by-step below. 2023-09-18T22:00:00Z f39a49bd-1d81-41a2-9d05-604ab5609698 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-revisions-to-water-use-licensing-legislation-envisage-significant-reforms.aspx Amended procedural requirements for water use licence applications have been drafted and published. Some proposals are positive, although some will be onerous. 2023-08-17T22:00:00Z b1cae7a0-eec2-4ac1-ae88-8fab6325bd0d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/national-biodiversity-offset-guideline-finally-published.aspx The National Biodiversity Offset Guideline has been published. It specifically applies to applications for environmental authorisations but can be used by authorities making other decisions that may involve biodiversity offsetting. 2023-08-17T22:00:00Z 84af897b-4048-487c-b18f-bf21dfe2ad60 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-bulk-of-the-national-environmental-management-laws-amendment-act-2-of-2022-has-finally-come-into-force.aspx The National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, 2022 ("NEMLAA 4") has finally been proclaimed and came into effect on 30 June 2023. 2023-07-02T22:00:00Z 37aee088-fb00-4a2d-b264-6b1119248082 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-embraces-generative-ai-as-part-of-its-ongoing-innovation-journey.aspx Webber Wentzel is taking the lead on responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment within the African legal landscape as part of its continued commitment to deliver an exceptional client experience and foster an open, creative, and entrepreneurial culture. 2023-06-22T22:00:00Z ebab0976-d57d-42d8-8230-7c4e0db2c3a5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-shortlisted-in-19-african-legal-awards-categories.aspx Webber Wentzel is proud to have been shortlisted in 19 categories in the 2023 African Legal Awards. Being nominated across so many critical categories is a real endorsement of Webber Wentzel's standing in the African legal market. 2023-06-21T22:00:00Z 120d090d-0811-4059-946b-7c1320975207 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-esg-disputes-update.aspx Gas' role in South Africa's just energy transition questioned through challenges to environmental authorisations for gas-to-power plant project and gas to power via powership project via administrative law mechanisms. 2023-04-02T22:00:00Z 7aed51bc-7095-428f-bd5a-675bbfe15f6f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-esg-legal-outlook-2023.aspx Webber Wentzel has collaborated with Linklaters to compile an ESG guide that covers key ESG trends as well as what is on the horizon for 2023 in various jurisdictions, including South Africa. 2023-03-09T22:00:00Z f0edc434-1a8b-4f47-894f-439748c26934 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-has-been-grey-listed-what-are-the-implications-for-the-country-going-forward.aspx South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has significant implications for its economic growth and global competitiveness, but moves are already being taken to satisfy the FATF 2023-02-23T22:00:00Z 88cff5b1-1e50-45ba-ada7-287c560977d1 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/strengthening-the-g-in-esg-fica-import-and-export-and-the-effect-on-mines.aspx Government has introduced new or amended regulations relating to FICA and the import and export of certain minerals or other items, which may be relevant to different mining companies. 2023-02-07T22:00:00Z e1fbd4d0-6ea3-42b8-9994-a5debd8cac72 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/business-and-human-rights-increased-scrutiny-for-mining-companies.aspx Increasingly, mining companies will have to satisfy lenders that they meet high ESG standards, particularly on business and human rights. 2023-02-07T22:00:00Z d42aa198-eb47-495f-908b-ce11743e48fd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/minister-mantashe-looks-to-mining-investors-to-solve-load-shedding-logistics-problems-facing-sa.aspx The keynote welcome speech by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, at Mining Indaba 2023 today was a straightforward acknowledgement of some of the current issues facing the mining industry. 2023-02-07T22:00:00Z ec2c23cb-b216-4143-af21-1671c95f89e4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-as-2022-south-africa-law-firm-of-the-year-by-top-ranked-legal.aspx Webber Wentzel has been awarded the 2022 South Africa Law Firm of the Year in the EMEA Awards by Top Ranked Legal. 2022-12-20T22:00:00Z 44307a79-f9b6-48f1-afc3-4da9f1f6369e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-african-legal-awards-for-african-law-firm-of-the-year.aspx Webber Wentzel has been named African Law Firm of the Year (Mid-Large Sized Practice) at the 2022 African Legal Awards. 2022-10-23T22:00:00Z 3ad95f3f-6edb-401e-bfa9-050180544ce2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/african-union-climate-change-and-resilient-development-strategy-and-action-plan.aspx The AU CC Strategy was developed as a 10-year strategic planning document aimed at addressing the impacts and encumbrances of climate change which hamper Africa’s integration and development and as part of a proactive, collective effort to realise Agenda 2063. 2022-10-06T22:00:00Z 0f871f03-5996-4de1-b29b-c6ead0e3a337 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/environmental-authorisation-may-no-longer-be-required-for-the-development-and-expansion-of-solar-photovoltaric-installation.aspx Recent consultative amendments on the intention to exclude the development and expansion of solar photovoltaic installations and associated activities from the requirement to obtain an environmental authorisation are finally underway. 2022-09-27T22:00:00Z 43821a34-5a5c-4b93-b7b9-92e28426921d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-white-Paper-conservation-and-sustainable-use-of-south-africa-biodiversity.aspx “The White Paper is a broad policy document. Once it is signed into law, government will use it to amend existing legislation and/or introduce new legislation.” 2022-09-27T22:00:00Z a0b4e634-e252-47ba-8d7b-ca2d4d85cda2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-african-legal-awards-esg-initiative-of-the-year-for-advising-on-the-terragrn.aspx Webber Wentzel has partnered with TERRAGRN which has a goal of creating sustainable, biodiversity-compliant forests in various African countries to deliver net-zero emissions; socio-economic development through job creation; and create more women entrepreneurs. 2022-09-11T22:00:00Z dae98b0c-b055-4b37-9055-74b2f044b3df https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-biggest-winner-at-the-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel has been named African Law Firm of the Year (Mid-Large Sized Practice) at the 2022 African Legal Awards on Friday, 2 September 2022. 2022-09-04T22:00:00Z cf8ffba8-2de2-4166-8d55-be4c8976fb20 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-green-finance-taxonomy-project.aspx Following a two-year consultation and development process, South Africa’s first national Green Finance Taxonomy was launched on 1 April 2022 by the Taxonomy Working Group as part of South Africa’s Sustainable Finance Initiative. 2022-08-29T22:00:00Z af44f598-822f-44ea-b89b-85bb896b519d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/esg-reporting-and-disclosure-in-a-new-era-for-companies.aspx Few businesses in the world can be ignorant of the shift in business norms to a much more conscious world, where stakeholders are increasingly interested in the non-financial parameters that affect a business’s operations. 2022-08-29T22:00:00Z 01519e1c-c19c-4f49-b8fd-91178cdc49cd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/esg-achieving-net-zero-and-the-role-of-carbon-tax.aspx A reduction in carbon emissions is integral to South Africa's global commitment to achieve net zero. The South African government strategically introduced carbon tax to combat global warming by encouraging a low carbon economy. 2022-08-17T22:00:00Z 62c51469-2572-4d74-9818-965743e7a16d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/final-draft-of-the-replacement-nema-financial-provisioning-regulations-published.aspx The fourth draft of the replacement FP regulations is out, presenting the final opportunity to comment on the replacement regulations to be published ahead of the September 2023 deadline for compliance. 2022-07-27T22:00:00Z e4f3d642-1a8a-4bea-b1ef-e9238aeb7e1d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-new-approach-to-the-regulation-of-residue-stockpiles-and-deposits-is-on-the-cards.aspx Climate change has put a spotlight on various sectors to ensure that they comply with specific regulations governing pollution control. The mining sector, in particular, is currently facing environmental legal over-regulation which has created a negative atmosphere with regards to residue stockpiles and deposits regulations. 2022-07-19T22:00:00Z 27f6c891-2d79-4ef1-96cb-04dee601d7f1 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-green-the-bad-and-the-ugly-the-risks-of-greenwashing.aspx Greenwashing is the act of misleading the public about an organisation's environmental or sustainability practices or deceiving the public about how eco- (and ESG-) friendly a product or practice is 2022-07-18T22:00:00Z 38527a52-469f-4490-b634-6edbcd3be25a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/nemlaa-iv-will-introduce-changes-to-nema-appeals-some-positive-some-negative.aspx The recent enactment of the National Environmental Management Amendment Act IV (NEMLAA IV) will introduce significant changes to the environmental laws, including the NEMA appeal provisions. 2022-07-10T22:00:00Z c7418ead-08eb-4eda-b8c0-3fce6d472550 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/nemlaa-iv-extends-environmental-enforcement-powers-at-municipal-level.aspx NEMLAA IV is finally law and once this Act is promulgated, municipal managers will have a say in the enforcement of the all- important environmental duty of care provision of NEMA. 2022-07-05T22:00:00Z 12ec187f-3941-4dbe-aa6a-528dbbfc6aa4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/nemla-iv-will-tighten-rectification-processes.aspx The proposed amendments to the rectification application process are intended to tighten the risk associated with these applications and deter abuse. 2022-06-30T22:00:00Z c12c3be4-37ba-42b9-977e-1929f2de0faf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/nemla-iv-sets-the-scene-for-major-changes-to-financial-provisioning-laws.aspx The recently published NEMLA Act sets out the general principles, as well as mining-specific principles, on making financial provision for rehabilitation and closure of operations – which will soon come into force. 2022-06-28T22:00:00Z 4084f45a-5c95-4555-bd62-12c2b8624bdc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-nemla-act-the-long-awaited-shift-in-south-africas-environmental-legislative-landscape-is-imminent.aspx The NEMLA Bill finally became an Act on 24 June 2022 and will introduce a major shift in South Africa’s environmental legislation on a date to be fixed and proclaimed by the President. 2022-06-26T22:00:00Z 14a967f5-a66c-408e-8c1b-ae76a2c0bc93 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/greater-esg-compliance-will-help-to-address-cost-and-reputational-problems-in-building-contracts.aspx ESG compliance is essential to address some of the environmental, social and governance problems that have beset the South African construction industry in recent years. 2022-05-23T22:00:00Z bb0ed1e5-88d4-487a-883b-cc1781c02db7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/further-update-nema-financial-provisioning-regulations-2015-more-than-an-extra-year-added-to-comply.aspx The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has amended the transitional arrangements in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 (FP Regs), for the fourth time. 2022-05-18T22:00:00Z 4004e5c3-68fd-43e8-8e46-f91ddc5be8b3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/government-sharpens-its-tools-for-mine-water-management.aspx The long-awaited National Environmental Management Amendment Bill (NEMLAA4), which has been approved by Parliament, will help to address the potential impacts of mining on South Africa’s scarce water resources. 2022-05-03T22:00:00Z d2d770c0-388c-47e8-9c09-d3799757c9a7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/greater-certainty-on-environmental-legislation-will-encourage-mining-investment.aspx Once the President signs NEMLAA4, it will introduce greater certainty on environmental requirements, helping to improve SA’s attractiveness for mining investment. 2022-05-03T22:00:00Z d3fed3a3-6425-49bb-90c8-a8c3d6d82fe6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/22-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2022.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2022 and of 22 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. In 2022, various legal developments are expected to have an impact on businesses, particularly in the fields of liability, ESG, digital and economic transformation. 2022-03-22T22:00:00Z 07fedc7a-22da-4245-80ac-897b5acee4df https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/significant-shift-in-environmental-landscape-anticipated-as-NEMLAA4-enters-home-stretch.aspx The long-awaited NEMLAA4 has been sent to the President for signature concluding a 6-year long parliamentary process. NEMLAA4 once signed will introduce higher environmental compliance standards across the board, as well as stricter penalties for environmental transgressions. 2022-03-06T22:00:00Z a9dea874-d85c-4079-ac9b-2bb5f3810045 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Landowner-consent-requirement-withdrawn-for-mining-related-EA-applications.aspx Welcome news for mining companies as the contentious landowner consent requirement introduced in June 2021 has now been withdrawn for mining related environmental authorisation or waste management licence applications. 2022-03-03T22:00:00Z d7a5eaf3-7711-47d0-a257-082a1229dcc8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Climate-change-bill-introduced-in-Parliament.aspx The Climate Change Bill, which will implement South Africa’s effective climate change response, has been introduced in Parliament. 2022-02-21T22:00:00Z 52cbecc4-ef8e-4d11-a389-b56d49fc7723 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-regulatory-regime-announced-for-treatment-of-organic-waste.aspx New Norms and Standards for Organic Waste Composting came into effect on 11 February 2022, introducing important measures that will help to divert this waste stream from landfills 2022-02-21T22:00:00Z 6d6c8528-ef3f-44e2-a518-01e3f0638b4f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-in-chambers-global-2022.aspx Earlier this year, Webber Wentzel was awarded South Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Africa Awards 2022. Yesterday, Chambers Global released its 2022 results, ranking law firm practices and lawyers according to their client service, commercial vision, business understanding, diligence and value for money. 2022-02-17T22:00:00Z 316fcbcd-e404-49a9-938a-603320c684c9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/EAP-Registration-Deadline-Extended.aspx Environmental Assessment Practitioners have been granted an extension to 8 August 2022 to register with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa. Unless they register, they cannot take primary responsibility for Environmental Impact Assessments. 2022-02-14T22:00:00Z 152acf9e-e50f-4dac-ae97-00b47f2b5e06 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-cross-jurisdictional-assessment-of-the-development-of-climate-change-related-legislation-across-africa.aspx This cross-jurisdictional assessment unpacks 8 key questions across 9 African jurisdictions, namely: Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 2022-02-08T22:00:00Z 7f1e0e8a-3ea2-48c7-9f98-ae3525cc7d4b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africas-climate-change-targets.aspx All countries will need to adopt stricter legislation to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global temperature rise to 1,5 degrees Celsius and reach the targeted net-zero by 2050. 2022-01-24T22:00:00Z 27d2c30d-c579-4eaf-a0bf-e1e39db697a9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-african-law-year-to-come-2022-and-year-in-review-2021.aspx Webber Wentzel has contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year to Come 2022 and Year in Review 2021. The series brings together analysis, thinking and highlights from lawyers around the world across multiple jurisdictions, in the form of topic-specific and jurisdictional guides. 2022-01-17T22:00:00Z 8c1498bc-337b-4841-b2d3-d700da2d018e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-changes-to-the-extended-producer-responsibility-regulations.aspx Amendments to the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations have been published for public comment, affecting the lighting, electrical and electronic equipment, and paper and packaging sectors 2021-12-05T22:00:00Z 523ff85f-28d4-4b31-ae22-0fbbd76af1df https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africas-biggest-retailers-and-brands-move-towards-environmentally-friendly-and-sustainable-packaging.aspx As environmental awareness increases, both globally and locally, the amount of waste generated in South Africa is attracting more concern. Significant volumes of waste are still being diverted to landfill sites, which reflects a continued and dangerous "take-make-dispose" relationship with consumer products. In response to both consumer and legislative pressures, some of South Africa’s largest retailers and brands are now putting a greater emphasis on the recyclability of their packaging. 2021-12-01T22:00:00Z a88353f9-9818-4e8a-b2b4-7d9b2212d56c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/compliance-blitz-on-the-cards-for-the-agrochemicals-sector.aspx In the wake of the UPL warehouse fire, the agrochemicals sector should take immediate steps to comply with the relevant legislative obligations before a pending crackdown by regulators 2021-11-17T22:00:00Z 86162766-6bcf-4dd2-a0c6-f1f94bf4762c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/supreme-court-of-appeal-clarifies-position-on-trading-of-water-use-entitlements.aspx The SCA has recently found that section 25 of the National Water Act allows for the transfer of water use entitlements. This decision is important as it is contrary to the position held by the Department of Water and Sanitation and may also have significant implications from a deal making perspective. 2021-11-11T22:00:00Z c159580e-abfd-4ac6-ba83-55b142005814 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-innovates-in-sustainable-finance-for-biodiversity-protection.aspx South Africa was the first country in the world to grant the tax concession in Section 37D of the Income Tax Act to protect biodiversity, which provides a sustainable financing solution 2021-10-18T22:00:00Z 9c50db57-f311-44f7-8d92-acd4e20786d0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cop26-what-it-means-for-south-africa-and-africa.aspx This series of articles leading up to and accompanying the COP26 conference, Webber Wentzel is focusing on what the conference means for South Africa and Africa and, specifically on businesses operating in Africa. 2021-10-17T22:00:00Z 2625e54a-188d-48f3-9e11-eaba4350a648 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-2021-un-climate-change-conference-what-it-means-for-south-africa.aspx At the United Nations climate change conference in Paris (COP21), governments agreed that mobilising stronger and more ambitious climate action is urgently required to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. 2021-10-17T22:00:00Z 312dcb3d-0512-4e53-bef9-a27e7009b5b6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/what-does-the-just-transition-look-like-in-south-africa.aspx Ahead of COP26 later this month, South Africa's commitment to the Just Transition will be a crucial element of its negotiating position. 2021-10-17T22:00:00Z d5ff7b3c-88c6-42d5-af58-6cef8c0933dd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-long-awaited-third-draft-of-the-replacement-nema-financial-provisioning-regulations-has-arrived.aspx The third and hopefully final warm-up match has started. The public has been called on to comment on DFFE's final suggested draft of the NEMA Financial Provisioning Regulations before they are Gazetted into law. 2021-08-31T22:00:00Z 70a4a02e-7a96-48dc-8abd-2213f48d8b3b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-journey-of-growth-and-success.aspx Webber Wentzel Senior Partner Christo Els and Managing Partner, Sally Hutton, chat to Tom Pearson in a podcast focussing on the growth and success of one of Africa’s foremost law firms. 2021-08-09T22:00:00Z 6cff7f51-fba3-48c6-86fc-a4441c9385dd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sustainable-and-responsible-business.aspx Regulation of environmental impacts has become increasingly important and influences the operation and sustainability of many businesses. We can advise you on how to achieve your business goals in an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective way. 2021-07-20T22:00:00Z 87ca00ff-f366-44a1-8a42-59541ca32683 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-draft-guideline-for-climate-change-impact-assessments-to-be-undertaken-when-pursuing-environmental-consent-applications.aspx A Climate Change guideline will shortly be published to assist with incorporating climate change considerations in various applications for environmentally-related licences 2021-07-13T22:00:00Z c60e537b-95a0-40e9-a01f-3f67b46c5a51 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-draft-guideline-published-for-ecosystem-impact-assessments-needed-when-pursuing-environmental-consent-applications.aspx SANBI, DFFE and the CSIR have developed a new Ecosystem Guideline in line with the Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity Protocols that were gazetted last year 2021-07-11T22:00:00Z 951192c0-ff62-4458-ba5d-76047e2e1b42 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/update-nema-financial-provision-regulations-2015-further-extension-to-comply.aspx The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has amended the transitional arrangements in the National Environmental Management Act Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015, for the third time. 2021-06-13T22:00:00Z 480334cc-7762-4b3c-a29b-fbd6092f4d61 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-extended-producer-responsibility-regulations-laudable-goals-challenging-implementation.aspx The Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations recently introduced in South Africa are expected to drive the circular economy agenda, but continue to provide legal conundrums and interpretational challenges 2021-06-02T22:00:00Z 4f920a42-f720-4925-9f02-002593290bb3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/brand-owners-manufactures-importers-retailers-beware.aspx On 5 May 2021 the Regulations Regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR Regs) came into force under the Waste Act. On the same day, the second round of amendments to the EPR Regs were finally published after extensive consultation with the affected sectors. 2021-05-05T22:00:00Z 449c44eb-b2dd-461a-812c-b114fa478c30 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/doubling-down-on-plastic-bag-producers.aspx South Africa’s amended Plastic Bag Regulations and the new Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations raise concerns about double taxation in the plastic bag sector 2021-04-27T22:00:00Z ad9f8eb5-e423-427c-a4d6-3cd5b34ae21a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/more-breathing-room-nema-financial-provision-regulations-2015.aspx On 22 April 2021, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, published notice of her intention to again amend the transitional arrangements contained in the NEMA Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015, for the third time. 2021-04-22T22:00:00Z 5d804a48-9d2f-4ac6-8291-0d64f5f85de8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/over-extension-of-extended-producer-responsibility.aspx South Africa recently published a set of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which aim to extend companies' financial or physical responsibility for certain identified products to the post-consumer stage of the products. Contrary to international best practice, however, Government has overextended the reach of this responsibility, which raises a host of challenges. 2021-04-15T22:00:00Z cb2e0d5e-6659-4fe5-94f9-b9069b3dba33 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-regulations-for-landcare-projects.aspx A recently published Generic Environmental Management Programme seeks to regulate LandCare projects and exclude identified activities related to the implementation of the LandCare Programme from the need to obtain environmental authorisation 2021-04-15T22:00:00Z 572cb111-e484-414f-a26b-3363afaed382 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/incentivising-strategic-development-moving-one-step-closer-or-two-steps-back.aspx Recent moves to incentivise renewable energy development in designated areas are welcome, but a new requirement has been introduced which may prove onerous and cause significant delays. 2021-03-07T22:00:00Z 1648cb9d-083d-449e-b075-751e2e79ed07 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sa-lets-do-business-ebook.aspx ​A tailored and on-the-ground perspective for business in South Africa and those looking to invest in South Africa. 2021-02-28T22:00:00Z 50ae2ab5-1f22-490d-90dd-f594cf826ec5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzels-expertise-recognised-by-chambers-global.aspx Chambers Global has released their 2021 results. Webber Wentzel had an exceptional year with key highlights. 2021-02-21T22:00:00Z 57747638-cf63-464b-87b4-0f3efab6afd8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/21-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2021.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2021 and of 21 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. 2021-02-17T22:00:00Z cf8a6838-8b15-4631-832b-131e296350ac https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-legal-imperative-behind-esg-compliance-and-decarbonisation-reflections-from-mi-virtual-2021.aspx ESG Compliance Mapping will help mining companies to achieve ESG's priority impacts throughout their value chain 2021-02-08T22:00:00Z bf7c225a-ab64-42f8-87db-dffb066cd0dd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/good-job-minister-mantashe-now-more-of-the-same.aspx Minister Gwede Mantashe and his Department of Mineral Resources and Energy should be complimented for working hard through varying lockdown levels and a personal bout of Covid-19. 2021-01-28T22:00:00Z 67453d4e-df46-4207-b12d-c1fba3408bd0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/linklaters-global-guide-year-in-review-2020-and-year-to-come-2021.aspx We have contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year in Review 2020 and Year to Come 2021. 2020-12-06T22:00:00Z 5f2903fc-014f-4423-a59b-f8d8d0a5b51e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/extended-producer-responsibility-regulations-and-three-schemes-published-as-law.aspx The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published several new laws on 5 November 2020, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008. Although this new legal regime has laudable goals of extending the responsibility of a producer to the post-consumer stage of a product's life cycle and to encourage and enable the implementation of the circular economy initiatives, these new laws will have far-reaching financial and practical implications for all that are impacted. 2020-11-09T22:00:00Z 7d3238fe-face-49e1-8f46-80dd43c0e0ff https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-process-to-manage-carbon-budgets-for-the-period-of-1-jan-2021-to-31-dec-2022.aspx On 22 October 2020, The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries issued a notice governing the submission of "Subsequent Pollution Prevention Plans" under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004: National Pollution Prevention Plans Regulations, 2017 and the Proposed process to manage carbon budgets for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022. 2020-10-26T22:00:00Z 9ec35ff0-82f8-4789-adea-bed170766a5b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-proposed-domestication-of-the-rotterdam-convention-on-the-prior-informed-consent-procedure.aspx The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is proposing domestic regulations (under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998) which embody the requirements of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. 2020-10-15T22:00:00Z 0cb5600e-1b46-4ad1-a0db-deef1df89a1f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-alien-and-invasive-species-regime-introduced.aspx On 25 September 2020, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, gazetted a new set of Alien and Invasive Species Regulations. 2020-09-27T22:00:00Z ac16f1b3-dd89-480b-aa9a-305949e216b7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/irrigation-water-users-granted-time-extension-to-install-water-measuring-devices.aspx On 18 September 2020, the Acting Director General of the Department of Human Settlements Water and Sanitation gazetted a notice extending the timeframe within which irrigation water users must install water measuring devices. 2020-09-27T22:00:00Z 47603299-8041-4a32-928b-1d4e581461d4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/pop-phase-out-regulations-submission-of-phase-out-plans-by-producers-importers-and-exporters-due.aspx On 10 September 2019, the regulations to phase-out the use, production, distribution, sale, import and export of persistent organic pollutants were published. 2020-09-16T22:00:00Z 4a464c97-7a63-4521-98f4-19f93ba6e784 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-covid-19-directions-call-for-the-resumption-of-activities-and-processes-in-respect-of-environmental-permits-and-licence.aspx On 9 September 2020, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published new directions regarding environmental permits and licences under the COVID-19 disaster management framework. 2020-09-14T22:00:00Z 7f3fc60f-e878-4248-893a-7e9b3ff82daa https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/important-revisions-to-the-greenhouse-gas-emission-reporting-framework.aspx On 11 September 2020, amendments to the National Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations were published, which include the identification of a new competent authority; the re-classification and re-registration of data providers; and provision for revised reporting, verification and validation methodologies. 2020-09-14T22:00:00Z fd15c4fd-fde4-4135-bc78-97af83d38c7c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/eap-registration-deadline-extended-to-8-february-2022.aspx The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has announced that Environmental Assessment Practitioners will have until 8 February 2022 to register with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa. 2020-08-27T22:00:00Z eb1e5931-d892-4421-84d2-0538ac46ec27 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/filing-and-first-payment-requirement-of-carbon-tax.aspx As part of the Covid-19 tax relief, President Ramaphosa announced a carbon tax stimulus relief, which entails delaying the filing and first payment of carbon tax by three months. 2020-07-28T22:00:00Z 219b5994-2db9-482d-8d6b-0c219aa72036 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/incentivising-strategic-development-red-zones-power-corridors-and-gas-pipelines.aspx The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has proposed further regulatory changes to expedite the development of strategically important infrastructure. 2020-07-27T22:00:00Z ec8838bd-70e2-4c1d-a9d4-7b9d883f291e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/minister-creecy-sets-the-tone-for-the-regulation-of-extended-producer-responsibility-in-identified-waste-sectors.aspx Section 18 of the NEM: Waste Act provides the framework for the identification of products or classes of products in respect of which the extended producer responsibility (EPR) applies, as well as for the specification of EPR measures to be taken in respect of such products and their related wastes. 2020-06-30T22:00:00Z 3eb0f1a2-5208-469d-8262-ec6b20f479df https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Further-developments-to-the-carbon-tax-framework-Regulations-regarding-allowances-and-renewable-energy-premiums.aspx On 19 June 2020, Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, finalised the Trade Exposure Allowance Regulations and GHG Emission Intensity Benchmark Regulations for the purposes of calculating the respective allowances permitted under the Carbon Tax Act, 2019 (the Act). Minister Mboweni further gave notice of the renewable energy premiums for the tax period ending on 31 December 2019 for the identified renewable energy sources, for purposes of competing the carbon tax payable in respect of the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. 2020-06-21T22:00:00Z c8250f90-3d17-4bde-9db8-af34ed6512c6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/environmental-considerations-for-surviving-covid-19.aspx The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on businesses and economies across the globe. 2020-06-09T22:00:00Z 237c2708-b066-4c19-bcc5-0349644852a8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/recent-amsa-judgment-far-reaching-implications-for-waste-management.aspx The Supreme Court of Appeal judgment handed down in the matter of Minister of Environmental Affairs v ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd in April this year has far-reaching implications for how "waste" (as defined) is regulated under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008. 2020-06-08T22:00:00Z 4d2d960c-fffb-4402-96a4-0defe4a34e22 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/what-post-covid-restructuring-and-insolvency-means-for-environmental-compliance.aspx As the marketplace enters unchartered territory for corporate governance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in business restructurings and insolvency (R&I) proceedings is becoming commonplace for those companies struggling to recover from the pandemic's devastating effects. 2020-06-04T22:00:00Z 9930d5a4-640d-455c-8acf-e4a776bb8ef0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-what-lockdown-means-for-environmental-applications-and-administrative-timeframes.aspx On 31 March 2020, Minister Creecy published directions in terms of the recently promulgated Disaster Management Act Regulations, whose purpose, in curtailing the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is to ensure fair processes governing licensing, public participation and appeals; reporting requirements; and the provision of waste management services during the lockdown period (Directions). 2020-03-31T22:00:00Z 1a21ef12-cb33-45d2-8100-da4ef670e086 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/recent-developments-relating-to-emissions-standards.aspx On 27 March 2020, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, published further amendments to the Listed Activities under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004. 2020-03-31T22:00:00Z 2ef28f96-848a-485e-bb7d-47d153d31d85 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/environmental-emergencies-as-a-consequence-of-covid-19.aspx The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 defines an "emergency situation" as one that has arisen suddenly that poses an imminent and serious threat to the environment, human life or property. 2020-03-18T22:00:00Z e12fce9c-546c-44a2-9930-2c15f9ed7502 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/carbon-tax-rate-increase.aspx In Finance Minister Mboweni's Budget Speech and Budget Review of 26 February 2020, it was announced that the tax rate under the Carbon Tax Act, 2019 will increase by 5.6% for the 2020 calendar year. 2020-02-26T22:00:00Z df582341-f01d-4c68-80d0-2d4ea862b024 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/environmental-consideration-of-the-shifting-self-generation-regime.aspx There has been much discussion following Minister Mantashe's statements at the 26th Investing in Africa Mining Indaba relating to forthcoming legislative amendments which would allow mining companies to generate their own power without licences from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. 2020-02-13T22:00:00Z 87140f0a-7119-4a90-8614-9a0811d794fa https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/chambers-global-recognises-excellence-at-webber-wentzel.aspx Chambers Global has released their 2020 results. Webber Wentzel had an exceptional year with key highlights. 2020-02-13T22:00:00Z 077a9e20-50ba-41ba-842b-0bf7f685118f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/eapasa-registration-deadline-extended.aspx On 24 January 2020, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published her intention to amend the Section 24H Registration Authority Regulations, 2016 under NEMA. 2020-01-26T22:00:00Z 391ec325-327e-4298-b37c-bd4175ba73a5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/extension-of-timeframe-to-comply-with-the-financial-provisioning-regulations-2015.aspx On 17 January 2020, the long-awaited notice extending the transitional timeframe for compliance with the Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 was published by Minister Creecy. 2020-01-19T22:00:00Z 912e7ddd-75f8-4b94-ba04-5e8fb939f5de https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/carbon-tax-act-regulations-published-for-comment.aspx On 29 November 2019, the Minister of Finance gazetted the long-awaited Regulations on Carbon Offsets under Section 19 of the Carbon Tax Act, 2019. 2019-12-12T22:00:00Z 4c642e4d-9197-402c-a18a-038fb6cbec54 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/one-step-at-a-time-irp-2019-the-transition-to-a-low-carbon-economy.aspx The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 is the latest addition to the array of legal instruments South Africa has adopted to transition to a low carbon economy and as part of its commitment to adapt to and mitigate against climate change under the international climate change framework. 2019-11-10T22:00:00Z 0010af8b-8d96-4034-b7a3-06c94063c85f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/national-environmental-management-laws-amendment-bill-iv-revived-in-parliament.aspx On 17 October 2019, sitting at its first session of the Sixth Parliamentary term, the National Council of Provinces revived 15 Bills which were not finalised when the 5th term ended and had accordingly lapsed. 2019-10-21T22:00:00Z 5ca55eef-114d-4503-99ab-e3c1454965c1 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/regulations-to-phase-out-the-use-of-persistent-organic-pollutants.aspx On 10 September 2019, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries finally published the regulations to phase-out the use, production, distribution, sale, import and export of persistent organic pollutants. 2019-09-18T22:00:00Z df1edb93-5c07-45e3-a83c-e3c253ee96da https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-national-norms-and-standards-for-organic-waste-composting.aspx On 4 September 2019, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published the Draft National Norms and Standards for Organic Waste Composting under the National Environmental Management Act: Waste Act, 2008 and National Waste Management Strategy for comment. 2019-09-15T22:00:00Z 61deaac8-a382-473b-96cf-9b0842855916 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-amendments-of-the-national-greenhouse-gas-emission-reporting-regulations.aspx On 6 September 2019, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published notice of her intention to amend the National Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations. 2019-09-11T22:00:00Z e4d92e15-e2c6-4f1d-8ed0-d416ffe09734 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-is-african-law-firm-of-the-year-at-the-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel received the coveted African Law Firm of the Year award at the 2019 African Legal Awards on Friday, 6 September 2019. 2019-09-08T22:00:00Z 7c166a01-cf40-42bf-8afe-6a54fd623219 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/upcoming-compliance-dates-to-diarise.aspx There are a number of important upcoming environmental law related compliance dates to diarise. 2019-07-21T22:00:00Z 0a4ad530-e781-4b04-b175-0e4a1327552b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/navigating-the-administrative-regime-of-the-carbon-tax-act.aspx The Carbon Tax Act 15 of 2019 (Carbon Tax Act), the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 (Customs Act) and the Customs and Excise Amendment Act 13 of 2019 (Customs Amendment Act) pose numerous uncertainties on the road to implementation of carbon tax. 2019-05-29T22:00:00Z ec3734b0-7b3a-404b-88ce-8c796867c33b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/carbon-tax-laws-effective-from-1-june-2019-business-be-warned-.aspx On 22 May 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the long-awaited Carbon Tax Act, 2019, which was gazetted on 23 May 2019. 2019-05-23T22:00:00Z 3f4a8e9b-921c-4d48-b996-07992d06db51 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/2nd-draft-of-the-proposed-replacement-financial-provisioning-regulations-published-for-comment.aspx Last Friday, 17 May 2019, the Minister of Environmental Affairs published the long-awaited 2nd draft of the 'Proposed Regulations Pertaining to the Financial Provision for the Rehabilitation and Remediation of Environmental Damage caused by Reconnaissance, Prospecting, Exploration, Mining or Production Operations' (2nd Draft FP Regulations) for comment. 2019-05-19T22:00:00Z 7244eb25-17e6-4aeb-9d49-1c9fef62a985 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-steps-to-improve-the-quality-of-specialist-studies-in-eia-processes.aspx The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has developed a 'National Screening Tool' which is a geographically based web-enabled system that houses a wealth of environmental data obtained from a number of public and private organisations over the last few years. 2019-05-14T22:00:00Z 881f5258-1d56-485d-9012-754ee739ed9b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/carbon-tax-updates.aspx On Friday, 29 March 2019 the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) adopted the Carbon Tax Bill (the Bill) in its last sitting ahead of the national elections. 2019-03-31T22:00:00Z 235b8dbb-30f3-4e8e-9aff-a26c87dbe648 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/water-takes-its-rightful-place-in-environmental-laws.aspx The Nemla IV amendments currently before Parliament place greater emphasis on implementing measures required for treating mine water, strengthening the ability of the authorities to address issues like acid mine drainage (AMD) and deteriorating water quality before they become an even greater burden on the fiscus. 2019-02-21T22:00:00Z 34a8f148-fec7-4446-9c52-6aff929c340a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-kicks-off-the-year-by-appointing-three-new-partners.aspx Leading law firm Webber Wentzel has kicked off the year by appointing three new partners. Lizle Louw, Mzukisi Kota and Gillian Niven all bring a wealth of experience and expertise which span across diverse areas. 2019-01-29T22:00:00Z 78e49469-5d74-490d-a6f9-43cd59e43877 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-publishes-insights-pieces-looking-at-key-legal-and-regulatory-developments-for-2018-2019.aspx Webber Wentzel together with its alliance partner, Linklaters, recently published a Year in Review and Year to Come 2018/2019 insights piece. This publication highlights significant legal and regulatory developments that took place in South Africa during 2018, and expected changes for 2019. 2019-01-14T22:00:00Z 19cd90e8-52d4-4785-8383-4fd2440342fc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/revised-carbon-tax-bill-introduced-to-parliament.aspx Last week the Minister of Finance introduced the revised Carbon Tax Bill (Bill) to Parliament. The Bill takes into account feedback received during the Parliamentary hearings on the December 2017 draft Bill that took place earlier this year. The Bill aims to give effect to South Africa's objectives and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the National Climate Change Response Policy and the Paris Agreement, respectively. 2018-11-27T22:00:00Z 9ea93acc-a83b-430b-bb96-b8572fac4acd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/reportable-irregularities-spilling-over-into-environmental-compliance.aspx The increased scrutiny on the auditing profession in South Africa is resulting in some auditors refusing to sign off on an entity's annual financial statements where the entity is believed or found to have contravened environmental laws. 2018-10-24T22:00:00Z a95a8a2f-4fea-4fa5-9442-a735be0a0c25 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/amendment-of-the-financial-provisioning-regulations-2015-holders-of-a-right-or-permit-to-comply-by.aspx In April this year, the Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 were amended to extend the transitional time period within which holders of offshore oil or gas exploration or production rights are required to comply with these Regulations to 19 February 2024. On Friday last week, the Minister of Environmental Affairs amended the Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 again, this time to extend the transitional period that is applicable to all other holders of a right or permit to 19 February 2020 (FP Amendment). 2018-09-24T22:00:00Z d4bb80b2-5c18-4474-a7a3-cfbfe19a50bd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/financial-provisioning-latest-proposed-changes-to-nema.aspx On Tuesday, 19 June 2018, the latest revision to the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill, version "B" (NEMLAA5 Bill) was tabled. 2018-06-27T22:00:00Z d85899e1-73ca-4a21-a587-42fa87d0ea7d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/climate-change-soon-to-be-a-matter-of-law.aspx On Tuesday this week, the world celebrated World Environment Day but commiserated the fact that the Earth Overshoot Day this year is 1 August. 2018-06-08T22:00:00Z 77f9cbaa-9a44-43b5-a526-a35fbcd29a95 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/did-you-know-a-water-use-registration-certificate-does-not-mean-that-the-registered-water-use-is.aspx Having a Water Use Registration Certificates in place does not mean that the registered water uses which are undertaken by your business are lawful. 2018-05-06T22:00:00Z a69f8d81-2d5b-4b82-ab5d-b33f908b6161 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/amendment-of-the-financial-regulations-2015-offshore-oil-gas-rights-holders-to-comply-by-february.aspx On Friday last week, the Minister of Environmental Affairs amended the Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 to extend the transitional period to comply with these Regulations for holders of offshore oil or gas exploration or production rights to 19 February 2024 (FP Amendment). 2018-04-23T22:00:00Z ef366d4a-bf8a-48b1-8705-491ffc1611c7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/corporate-environmental-sustainability-sa-s-impending-carbon-tax.aspx Having signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in November 2016, and as part of its National Climate Change Response Policy, South Africa has endorsed its "national-determined contribution" commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 2018-04-15T22:00:00Z b33679f4-8639-44ae-a3ef-4ac9d4110eb2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/don-t-let-your-waste-management-create-a-business-risk-new-national-norms-and-standards.aspx In an attempt to simplify licensing processes, the Department of Environmental Affairs removed the requirement to obtain a waste management licence for waste facilities where sorting, shredding, grinding, crushing, screening or baling of general waste is undertaken. 2018-04-04T22:00:00Z 815fc61d-6b39-45f8-9f95-c1df0cbc1114 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/when-the-wells-run-dry.aspx South Africa’s water supply is predicted to reach a crisis point by 2030. But could better management of this critical resource actually be the economic saviour of the country? Dr Anthony Turton, Professor in the Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State believes so. 2018-01-30T22:00:00Z 33ab0691-b5c2-410c-b3f3-42830155d8f3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-year-in-review-and-year-to-come-2017-2018.aspx In 2017, we saw significant legal and regulatory changes affecting South African businesses. It is likely that 2018 will bring further changes. 2018-01-24T22:00:00Z f705843e-82f9-4cbb-94e6-c6c236fb75a6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-overhaul-of-the-financial-provisioning-regulations-of-2015.aspx Last Friday, 10 November 2017, the Minister of Environmental Affairs published the 'Proposed Regulations Pertaining to the Financial Provision for Prospecting, Exploration, Mining or Production Operations' (Draft FP Regulations) for comment. 2017-11-12T22:00:00Z 1f712922-ee4a-49ab-8011-4b650bfeedd2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/water-management-in-south-africa-change-on-the-horizon.aspx Following on from a previous alert in relation to the restructuring of South Africa's Water Management Areas (WMAs) from 19 WMAs previously to a consolidated 8 WMAs currently (circulated on 30 September 2016), the Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) recently published the proposed Reserve determination of water resources for the Olifants-Doorn Catchment on 13 April 2017 and for the Olifants and Letaba Catchment on 22 September 2017. 2017-10-05T22:00:00Z cebbecd7-29ae-47f3-a3b5-810201ee2674 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/companies-and-directors-past-environmental-transgressions-may-haunt-you.aspx Section 24G of National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) which enables the ex post facto authorisation of activities that unlawfully commenced under NEMA and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (NEMWA) is contentious in the environmental world. 2017-09-06T22:00:00Z 81fcc597-238c-49cd-88c4-34ab12bf3fbd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/climate-chang-ing-the-scope-of-lender-due-diligence-and-annual-reporting.aspx On 7 August 2017, an Australian couple (the Applicants) filed a law suit against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where they allege that the CBA failed to disclose material risks in relation to climate change in their financial report for the 2016 financial year (CBA Application). 2017-08-20T22:00:00Z 205b6bc4-16d2-4016-a57f-56849e3a2636 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/implications-of-the-distinction-between-primary-and-secondary-processing-environmental.aspx Historically, mining activities have been excluded from the scope of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA). 2017-08-14T22:00:00Z 7cab9174-cc2c-4a81-a72a-3d29236599cd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/subtle-changes-to-law-can-have-a-huge-impact-on-the-mining-and-oil-and-gas-industries-analysis-of.aspx Financial provisioning laws require mining and petroleum companies to set aside an amount of money for the management, remediation and rehabilitation of environmental aspects arising from mining and petroleum operations. 2017-07-31T22:00:00Z 9b0cad67-e7d2-4bd8-be7d-7b3902e91ada https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/carbon-tax-puzzle-of-law-almost-complete.aspx After the National Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) Reporting Regulations were published on 3 April 2017, the next tranche of laws have now come into force to complement the proposed carbon tax. 2017-07-26T22:00:00Z 9ee624d1-a8fb-4c69-94a2-703a526adfc9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/when-mine-rehabilitation-and-captive-power-collide.aspx The mining industry has always played a major role in the world's economy. With the global economic downturn, however, mining companies are under increasing pressure to minimise costs and increase inefficiencies. 2017-07-24T22:00:00Z