Publication of the Draft National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations

SHE Alert 24, 4 August 2025

On 1 August 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published two notices for public comment under the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024. These notices include the draft National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations (GNR 6476) and the draft Technical Guidelines for these regulations (GNR 6477). The draft regulations also list the Greenhouse Gases and Activities that are included.

The regulations form part of South Africa's broader climate change mitigation strategy and will establish mandatory carbon budgets for high-emitting companies and sectors. These measures are designed to help the country meet its international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement whilst supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Key aspects of the draft regulations include frameworks for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, as well as establishing penalties for non-compliance. Companies that exceed their allocated carbon budgets may face significant financial penalties or be required to implement additional mitigation measures.

The public has 60 days from the publication date to submit written comments, with the deadline being 30 September 2025. This consultation period provides an opportunity for businesses, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to provide input on the practical implementation of these regulations.

The regulations represent a significant step in South Africa's climate policy framework and will have substantial implications for energy-intensive industries including mining, manufacturing, and power generation.