South African Economic
Regulation Conference
(SAERC)
Emperors Palace, Gauteng
21 ~ 22 August 2012
http://www.nersa.org.za
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CONTENTS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................................. 3
VISA REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 4
MONETARY ISSUES ................................................................................................................................................. 6
HEALTH INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................... 8
ELECTRICITY USAGE ................................................................................................................................................ 9
WEATHER ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
ACCOMMODATION & CONFERENCING ................................................................................................................ 11
DIRECTIONS TO EMPERORS PALACE ................................................................................................................. 12
DIRECTIONS TO THE CONVENTION CENTRE ..................................................................................................... 14
AIRPORT SHUTTLE ................................................................................................................................................. 15
CONTACTS ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW
SOUTH AFRICA
GOVERNMENT & PEOPLE
Head of State
President Jacob Zuma (2009)
Minister for Energy
Ms Dipuo Peters
Energy Regulator
NERSA
Regulator CEO
Ms Phindile Nzimande (May 2011)
National Holiday
Freedom Day – 27 April (1994)
Independence
31 May 1910 from UK
Area
1,219,912 km
Land use
14,980 km irrigated (2003)
Population
48,782,756 (2008)
Literacy
86.4% (2008)
Ethnic groups
Black (79%), White (9.6%), Coloured (8.9%), Indian (2.5%)
Religion
Christian (68%), Muslim (2%), Hindu (1.5%), Traditional & animistic (28.5%)
Languages
Afrikaans, English (Official), Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa &
Zulu
2
2
ECONOMY
GDP
$ 506.1 billion (2008)
GDP growth
3.7% (2008)
GDP per capita
$ 10,400 (2008)
GDP composition
Agriculture: 3.4%
Industry: 31.3%
Services: 65.3% (2008)
Inflation
11.3% (2008)
Labour Force
18.22 million (2008) economically active
Unemployment
21.7% (2008)
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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Natural Resources
Gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium,
gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt & natural gas
Industries
Mining (world’s largest producer of platinum, gold & chromium), automobile assembly,
metalworking, machinery, textile, iron & steel, chemicals, fertiliser, foodstuffs &
commercial ship repair
Agriculture
Corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, mutton, wool & dairy products
Notable Companies
SAB Miller – 2 largest brewer in world
nd
Old Mutual – international insurer
De Beers – largest diamond seller Anglo American, BHP Billiton – some of the largest
mining houses in the world
Standard Bank – major banker in Africa with connections with China
MTN – one of the largest cellular companies in Africa
Exports
$ 81.47 billion (2008)
USA 11.9%, Japan 11.1%, Germany 8%, UK 7.7%, China 6.6% & Netherlands 4.5%
Gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals & minerals, machinery & equipment
Imports
$ 87.3 billion (2008)
Germany 10.9%, China 10%, Spain 8.2%, US 7.2%, Japan 6.1%, UK 4.5% & Saudi Arabia 4.2%
Machinery & equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, petroleum products & scientific
instruments
External debt
$ 27.01 billion (2004)
Currency
US $1 = ZA R 7-50 (2011)
1 Rand = 100 cents

VISA REQUIREMENTS
PLEASE NOTE:
NO visas are issued at any ports of entry into South Africa! NO exceptions!
Visas must be applied for and obtained prior to your departure to South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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Visitors to South Africa need to apply for a visa at the South African Embassy / High Commission /
Consulate in their country of residence. Due to the heavy fines imposed on airlines carrying
foreigners without the required visas, you will not be allowed to board a flight to South Africa unless
you are in possession of a valid visa.
Contact the South African Embassy / High Commission / Consulate in their country of residence to
ascertain whether or not you require a visa to enter South Africa. The contact details of all South
African diplomatic offices around the world can be obtained from the Department of International
Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO)’s website:
http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED WHEN APPLYING FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA
The following documentation is required when applying for a South African visa:
 Passport / travel document
 Must be valid for at least 30 days after your return from South Africa
 Must have at least one unused page for entry / departure endorsements
 A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
 Payment of the prescribed fee – Differs in each country (Check with Embassy)
 A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)
 Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
 Two colour passport photographs (Verify specifications of the photos on the website)
 A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air
 Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of:
 Bank statements
 Salary advances
 Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa
 Bursary
 Medical cover or
 Cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)
More information on South African visas can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs
website:
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/

SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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MONETARY ISSUES
The local currency is the Rand - International code: ZAR
One Rand is comprised of 100 cents.
The Rand is available in the following denominations:
5c
Copper Coin
10c
Yellow Copper Coin
20c
Yellow Copper Coin
50c
Yellow Copper Coin
R1
Silver Coin
R2
Silver Coin
R5
Silver & Yellow Copper Coin
R10
Paper Note
R20
Paper Note
R50
Paper Note
R100 Paper Note
R200 Paper Note
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The Rand has strengthened dramatically against major currencies in the past few weeks, largely due
to the relative weakness of the US Dollar.
Estimated current exchange rates, based on recent fluctuations:
US $ 1 =
± ZAR 8.40 (May 2012)
€1
=
± ZAR 10.50
£1
=
± ZAR 12.95
CFA 1 =
± ZAR 0.015
You can safely exchange foreign currency for South African Rands at any Forex dealer or bank.
Please note that your passport and air ticket would be required.
Please shop around between the various Forex dealers to get the lowest commission.
Banking hours in South Africa are as follows:
Weekdays
Open: 8h30 / 9h00 a.m.
Close: 3h30 / 4h00 p.m.
Saturdays
Open: 8h00 / 8h30 a.m.
Close: 11h00 a.m.
Sundays
Closed!
Some branches now open
INVESTMENTS
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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Gold Kruger Rands and other gold investment coins are available from the South African Mint in
Midrand, as well as from Scoin Shops. Scoin Shops are located at the OR Tambo Airport, as well as
in Sandton City.
The price of Kruger Rands change daily, as it is linked directly to the price of Gold.
http://www.samint.co.za
http://www.scoinshop.com
VAT RECLAIMS
Currently set at 14%, Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services.
Foreign visitors are not exempt for paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim
back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total valued exceeds R250.
The refund may be lodged with the VAT Refund Administrator's offices, which are situated at
Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports, various land border posts and designated
commercial harbours. Note that the refund claim should only be lodged with the South African
Customs Authorities at points of departure where the VAT Refund Administrator is not present. Go
to http://www.taxrefunds.co.za for more information.
WHO QUALIFIES
Foreign passport holders (South African Passport holders are excluded from the Scheme) who travel
to the Republic of South Africa on a non-resident travel document and export moveable goods
from the Republic of South Africa.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
You need an original tax invoice reflecting the seller's name, address VAT registration number,
invoice number, your name and full postal address, a complete description of the item/s purchased,
the cost of the item/s in Rand with the VAT reflected separately or the cost including VAT with a
statement that the price includes VAT.
NOTE: Carbon copies, photostat copies or facsimiles of the original tax invoices are NOT acceptable.
You must insist on the correct documentation when purchasing an item.
CLAIMING PROCEDURE
Identify yourself as a tourist to shop assistants, and request a tax invoice for the goods you have
purchased. A Tax Invoice must contain all the following information:
 The amount of VAT charged, or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost of the goods
 The quantity and full description of the goods purchased
 A unique serialised tax invoice number
 The buyer's name and address
 The amount of VAT charged, or a statement to the effect that VAT at the rate of 14% is included
in the total cost of the goods.
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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When departing from South Africa, you must present the tax invoices, together with all the items
on which a VAT refund is claimed, at the VAT Refund Administration for inspection and
endorsement of the tax invoices.
NOTE: It is essential that ALL the items on which VAT Refund is claimed, are presented for
examination. If you cannot display the items and documents, you will not obtain a VAT Refund.

HEALTH INFORMATION
South Africa has excellent health services and doctors with some of the best training in the world.
There are adequate hospitals and medical care facilities throughout the country. However, visitors
should ensure that they have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover the fees of private
facilities.
As a rule, the tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as all water has been treated. Hygiene and
food preparation are of excellent standards and fresh fruit and vegetables are safe to eat.
VACCINATIONS
It is recommended that the necessary precautions be taken with regard to the following diseases:
DISEASE
COMMENTS
Malaria
Prophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), or
doxycycline is recommended for travel to low-altitude areas of the Mpumalanga
Province (including Kruger National Park), Limpopo Province, Northern Province,
and north eastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River.
VACCINATIONS
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travellers
Typhoid
Recommended for all travellers
Yellow Fever
Required for travellers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the
Americas
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all travellers
Rabies
For travellers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or
involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats
Measles, mumps, rubella
(MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travellers born after 1956, if not previously given
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Due to the high level of HIV/AIDS infection in South Africa, it is recommended that all possible care should be
taken in situations where the possibility for infection exists.

ELECTRICITY USAGE
VOLTAGE
FREQUENCY
PLUGS
220/230 V
50 Hz
C
M
C
(European 2-pin)
Round pin attachment plug
M
(South African plug)
Round pins similar to type D
but larger and with one
oversized pin

WEATHER
Gauteng has one of the world’s best climates, as summer days are warm and wind-free, whilst
winter days are crisp and clear. Johannesburg and Pretoria differ in temperature by about 2%
(Pretoria being the warmer of the two).
Johannesburg’s climate is mild, neither humid nor too hot. Winter (July to September) is
characterised by crisp, cold days with sunshine, followed by very cold nights. Johannesburg seldom
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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experiences cloudy days or rain during winter, but this might occur. Do not be fooled by the amount
of sunshine, as winter in Johannesburg can be very cold.
The rainy season is in summer. Rainstorms in Gauteng are harsh, accompanied by much thunder
and lightning, as well as occasional hail. The storms are generally brief, followed by warm sunshine.
Johannesburg is located 1,753m above sea level. Due to this high altitude, visitors from coastal and
low-lying areas often complain of headaches and a general feeling of malaise during their first few
days in Gauteng. This is NOT experienced by all visitors though. Those suffering from high blood
pressure should take special care though. Should symptoms persist, please consult a physician as
soon as possible.
Due to the high altitude experienced in Johannesburg, it is crucial for visitors to remain properly
hydrated at all times. Water in South Africa is potable and there is also a range of bottled water
available for purchase.
WEATHER FORECAST
This information will be updated closer to the time as it is too early to provide accurate weather
forecasts at this time.
Please check again 2 weeks before the conference, i.e. early August, for a fully updated weather
forecast.
Any inconvenience caused by this is sincerely regretted.

SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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ACCOMMODATION & CONFERENCING
The South African Economic Regulation Conference (SAERC) will be held in the convention centre at
the Emperors Palace.
EMPERORS PALACE
Emperors Palace Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort, Kempton Park, Gauteng
Address: 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, 1627
Tel.: (+27-11) 928-1000
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.emperorspalace.co.za
Emperors Palace is just down the road from the OR Tambo International Airport, in Kempton Park.
This world-class venue boasts four hotels; numerous restaurants; shops; a theatre; a casino, as well
as a spa & health centre.
ACCOMMODATION
Please Note:
Delegates are responsible for their own accommodation and transportation, as well as for making
the necessary arrangements.
Emperors Palace has four world-class hotels within the premises:
 Peermont D’oreale Grande (5-star);
 Peermont Mondior (4-star);
 Peermont Metcourt Suites (3-star); &
 Peermont Metcourt (3-star).
PEERMONT DÓREALE GRANDE
Tel.: (+27-11) 928-1770
Reservations Tel.: (+27-11) 928-1928 / 557-0777
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.doreale.com
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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PEERMONT MONDIOR
Tel.: (+27-11) 928-1000
Reservations Tel.: (+27-11) 557-0777
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mondior.com/emperorspalace
PEERMONT METCOURT SUITES
Tel.: (+27-11) 928-1000
Reservations Tel.: (+27-11) 557-0777
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.metcourt.com
PEERMONT METCOURT
Tel.: (+27-11) 977-9299
Reservations Tel.: (+27-11) 557-0777
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.metcourt.com
DIRECTIONS TO EMPERORS PALACE
Address: 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, 1627
GPS Coordinates: 26 08 53.20 S & 28 13 19.88 E
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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FROM JOHANNESBURG
Take the R24 towards the O.R. Tambo International Airport. At the airport, the road splits - keep to
the left lane and follow the R21 East Rand/Boksburg lane. Follow the road until you reach Griffiths
Road off-ramp; turn left at the top of the bridge. At the T-junction, turn left into Jones Road.
Entrance to Emperors Palace is on your left.
FROM SANDTON / NORTHERN AREAS
Take the N3 towards Germiston. At Giloolly’s interchange, take the R24 towards the O.R. Tambo
International Airport. At the airport, the road splits - keep to the left lane and follow the R21 East
Rand/Boksburg lane. Follow the road until you reach Griffiths Road off-ramp; turn left at the top of the
bridge. At the T-junction, turn left into Jones Road. Entrance to Emperors Palace is on your left.
FROM PRETORIA
Take the R21 towards the O.R. Tambo International Airport. At the airport, the road splits - keep to
the left lane and follow the R21 East Rand/Boksburg lane. Follow the road until you reach Griffiths
Road off-ramp; turn left at the top of the bridge. At the T-junction, turn left into Jones Road.
Entrance to Emperors Palace is on your left.
USING THE GAUTRAIN
Take the Gautrain to OR Tambo Airport. From there, use the Emperors Palace shuttle to get to the
conference.
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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DIRECTIONS TO THE CONVENTION CENTRE
NEGOTIATING COUNCIL CHAMBER (NCC) – Plenary
ASSEMBLY 1 – Parallel Session
ASSEMBLY 6 – Entrance to Assembly 1
SENATE 1 – Cocktail Function
CLAUDIUS ROOM – Holding Room
AUGUSTUS ROOM - Secretariat

SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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AIRPORT SHUTTLE
The scheduled shuttle service runs daily, every 20 minutes between 06h00 & 23h00. For after-hours
collections, call Unicab on (+011) 928-1762. The shuttle vans are black with the Emperors Palace
logo on the sides and the drivers wear a black Emperors Palace uniform.
Please Note:
The shuttle is between Emperors Palace and OR Tambo International Airport only. Should you
require transportation to anywhere else, please consult with the concierge at your hotel.

CONTACTS
Should you require any assistance or need advice, please feel free to contact the SAERC Secretariat:
MRS FIONA MBEWE
NERSA
Tel.: (+27-12) 401-4668
Email: [email protected]
SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012
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MR LEBOHANG MAKEKENG
NERSA
Tel.: (+27-12) 401-4653
Email: [email protected]
Presenters should please contact, if they have need assistance or have any enquiries:
MS IPELENG MOHLALA
TIPS
Tel.: (+27-12) 431-7900
Email: [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference on 21 &
22 August and wish you safe travels!
SAERC Secretariat

SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIC REGULATION CONFERENCE (SAERC) – EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
21 ~ 22 AUGUST 2012