tax will assist, in a least-cost manner, in reducing GHG emissions and ensuring that South Africa will meet its NDC commitments as part of its ratification of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Thus, the carbon tax is an essential element of South Africa's commitment to the Paris Agreement, as part of a package of measures to mitigate climate change. It is not the only one, but part of what is being done. The carbon tax is intended as an instrument to help drive down emissions in a cost- effective and dynamic way over the medium to long term.