The NCOP delegates visited the Matlosana 99MW Gas-to-Power Project in Matlosana Local Municipality yesterday as part of the NCOP’s Taking Parliament to the People programme.
The delegation was led by Mr Bheki Radebe, the House Chairperson responsible for International Relations and Members Support. The programme seeks to ensure that communities are actively engaged and involved in development projects implemented by municipalities.
The Deputy Director for Planning and Human Settlements, Mr Danny Selemoseng, explained the aims of the gas-to-power project. The project includes the use of advanced international modular LNG-to-power technology to deliver rapid, flexible and cleaner base-load electricity fully integrated into the municipal grid.
Mr Selemoseng further informed the delegates that the project is fully privately funded by Urban Blue, with no government guarantees or fiscal exposure. He stated that the land earmarked for the project was donated to the municipality by local mines, although the transfer process has not yet been finalised.
However, the delegation heard that the project is experiencing some challenges, include delays in the rezoning and transfer of the land, environmental rehabilitation requirements, and outstanding provincial approvals needed for the project to proceed.
Members were concerned about the implementation partners involved in the project and asked whether local youth would benefit through skills development and capacity-building initiatives. In response, officials indicated that the project is expected to create between 100 and 130 permanent operational jobs, while also generating employment opportunities during the construction phase and supporting indirect business growth.
The committee was further informed that skills development programmes would be implemented in partnership with North-West University, regional TVET colleges and SETA-accredited training providers to develop expertise in LNG handling, electrical engineering, plant operations and energy systems maintenance.
NCOP members were displeased that some municipal officials present at the site were unable to adequately respond to questions about the project. They were also concerned to hear that ward councillors are often not informed or invited to participate during oversight visits to projects within their wards.
Responding to these concerns, Mr Selemoseng assured the committee that a comprehensive written report addressing unanswered questions and providing further clarity would be submitted after the visit.
Delegation leader Mr Radebe emphasised the importance of members receiving project presentations at least a day prior to oversight visits to allow sufficient time for proper interrogation of the information presented.
Namhla Luhabe
14 May 2026
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