Chair, this report sets the stage for COP 17, bringing climate change issues closer to home. In a meeting of the Basic countries, of which South Africa is a member, the Ministers, including ours, called for a transparent and inclusive preparatory process in order to ensure that Durban takes a major step forward in working towards a comprehensive, ambitious, fair and effective outcome. Yet, in South Africa, the run-up to COP 17 has been marked by a process that is less than transparent and shows a lack of genuine commitment to climate mitigation. Let me explain.
Stakeholders agree that mitigation will best be served by a strong renewable energy agenda. Yet, after two years of an inclusive process endorsed by all parties aimed at speeding up the uptake of renewable energy through the adoption of the Renewable Feed-in Tariff, Refit, the Minister of Energy has ditched that entire process for a tender on price, the complete opposite of a tariff. The Refit has proved itself around the world as the most transparent and inclusive way to stimulate a changeover to renewable energy, in order to create jobs and foster investment. Tenders by contrast, particularly in South Africa, have shown themselves to be subject to corruption, false pricing, delays, and anything but transparency and certainty for investors.
This about-turn follows thousands of hours of hearings by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, Nersa, and government, and thousands of written pages of submissions based on the regulations for Refit introduced by the Minister of Energy. The Minister's decision to reverse the way in which the country mitigates climate change makes a mockery of democratic processes. Why do we consult? Where is due process?
The ACDP is concerned that climate change negotiations in Durban will be little more than political posturing to get money into coffers. The danger of short-term and individual interests being placed above those of future generations is real and will inhibit the long-term interests of our country and the planet.
Government's failure to observe the democratic process and their decision to experiment with yet another process in working with independent power producers could also result in a series of legal challenges. Our country and our children deserve better. Thank you.