What does the DMR do?

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is a South African government department responsible for the regulation, promotion, and transformation of the mining and energy sectors. Its mission is to ensure that South Africa’s mineral and energy resources are managed and developed in a sustainable and efficient manner, for the benefit of all South Africans.

The DMRE’s core functions include:

  • Regulation of the mining and energy sectors: The DMRE is responsible for issuing mining and prospecting rights, as well as enforcing environmental regulations and safety standards in the mining industry. It also regulates the electricity and liquid fuels industries.
  • Promotion of the mining and energy sectors: The DMRE promotes investment in the mining and energy sectors through a variety of initiatives, including marketing South Africa’s mineral resources to international investors and providing support to South African mining and energy companies.
  • Transformation of the mining and energy sectors: The DMRE is committed to transforming the mining and energy sectors to make them more inclusive and equitable. This includes promoting participation by black South Africans in the mining and energy industries, and ensuring that mining and energy development benefits all South Africans.

The DMRE is headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, and has regional offices throughout the country. It is led by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, who is appointed by the President of South Africa.

Here are some of the specific functions of the DMRE:

  • Issuing and managing mining and prospecting rights: The DMRE is responsible for issuing mining and prospecting rights to companies that want to mine South Africa’s mineral resources. The DMRE also monitors and enforces compliance with the terms and conditions of mining and prospecting rights.
  • Enforcing environmental regulations: The DMRE is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in the mining industry. This includes ensuring that mining companies comply with environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.
  • Enforcing safety standards: The DMRE is responsible for enforcing safety standards in the mining industry. This includes ensuring that mines are safe for workers and that mining companies have adequate safety procedures in place.
  • Regulating the electricity and liquid fuels industries: The DMRE is responsible for regulating the electricity and liquid fuels industries. This includes setting tariffs, monitoring the supply of electricity and liquid fuels, and promoting energy efficiency.
  • Promoting investment in the mining and energy sectors: The DMRE promotes investment in the mining and energy sectors through a variety of initiatives, including marketing South Africa’s mineral resources to international investors and providing support to South African mining and energy companies.
  • Transforming the mining and energy sectors: The DMRE is committed to transforming the mining and energy sectors to make them more inclusive and equitable. This includes promoting participation by black South Africans in the mining and energy industries, and ensuring that mining and energy development benefits all South Africans.

The DMRE plays an important role in the South African economy. The mining and energy sectors are major contributors to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ a large number of people. The DMRE’s work is essential to ensuring that these sectors continue to contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and development.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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