Extreme weather warning for South Africa
The Gas Bill is currently in Parliament, but passing it into law could lead to more extreme weather events in South Africa, which are becoming increasingly prevalent.
This is according to the non-profit The Green Connection, which has called for the Bill to be withdrawn.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament in March 2026 and aims to modernise the natural gas sector and repeal the outdated Gas Act of 2001.
It looks to encourage infrastructure investment, support liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, and strengthen the regulatory oversight by NERSA.
However, the Green Connection said that the Bill could expose South African consumers to volatile international gas prices and weaken protection for communities and landowners.
It also warned that it could give the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, sweeping new powers.
The NPO added that the Bill is not aligned with South Africa’s Climate Change Act and would worsen weather conditions.
Natural gas is mainly made up of methane, which is a well-known potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming.
The Green Connection noted that the Bill also makes no requirements to monitor, report or limit methane leaks across the gas value chain.
The Bill’s proposal comes amid heightened concerns over extreme weather in South Africa, with destructive events such as floods becoming more frequent and causing billions in damage.
“South Africa has recently experienced severe cold conditions and snowfall in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces,” said the Green Connection’s Advocacy Lead, Lisa Makaula.
“While individual weather events cannot simply be attributed to climate change, scientists have established that a warming climate is increasing the likelihood and intensity of many types of extreme weather.”
While large parts of South Africa were recently hit by unusual snowfall, the nation is now expected to enter a drought due to a Super El Niño, which is anticipated to be worsened by climate change.
“The Bill makes no reference to the Climate Change Act, South Africa’s emissions targets or the just transition,” said Makaula.
“It also treats liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a clean or transition fuel, despite growing scientific concern about methane emissions and the climate impacts of expanding fossil-fuel infrastructure.”
Minister’s powers extended
The Green Connection has also raised concerns that the Bill could reduce precious public safeguards.
The Green Connection’s Outreach Ambassador, Neville van Rooy, said that repealing the current Gas Act would put protections at risk, such as notification of affected people and local-language advertising.
“Too risky for the people, the proposed Bill leaves many of these matters to ministerial discretion, without guaranteeing that equivalent protections will be put in place,” said Van Rooy.
“The Bill would also give the Minister broad powers, including to determine which activities require licences, granting exemptions and deciding whether to expropriate land.”
He warned that concentrating power in the hands of the Minister and weakening oversight and public participation could allow for crucial national decisions to be made without input from those affected.
Land rights, including customary and informal land rights, are also a concern, as the Bill would allow the Minister to initiate expropriation, while removing some safeguards.
The current act does allow for expropriation at the request of a licensee, but this must follow a public hearing and include compensation.
“We urge Parliament to withdraw the Bill and reconsider whether expanding imported gas infrastructure is consistent with South Africa’s climate commitments and broader social and economic objectives,” said Makaula.
“However, should Parliament decide to proceed, the Bill requires substantial amendments to ensure that it is aligned with the Climate Change Act and national emissions targets.”
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