When can an appeal be submitted?

In terms of section 96(1) of the MPRDA, where the rights or legitimate expectations of any person have been materially and adversely affected or where a person has been aggrieved by any administrative decision made in terms of the MPRDA, such person may submit an appeal against such decision in the manner prescribed in regulation 74 of the Amended Regulations.

Pursuant to regulation 74(2) of the Amended Regulations, an appeal must now be submitted within 30 days of the date on which the appellant became aware of the administrative decision (not 30 days from the date on which any such decision was made, as was the position prior to the Amended Regulations).

Who must an appeal be addressed to and who must be notified?

If an administrative decision was made by a Regional Manager (RM) of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), such appeal must be submitted to the relevant Regional Office of the DMRE (Regional Office) and be addressed to the relevant Director-General of the DMRE (DG).

If an administrative decision was made by a DG (or any other officer to whom the particular power in question has been delegated), such appeal must be submitted to the relevant Regional Office and be addressed to the Minister.

Furthermore, pursuant to regulations 74(1)(b) and 74(1)(c) of the Amended Regulations:

• an appeal must also be served in writing on any other persons who, in the opinion of the appellant, may have their rights affected by the outcome of the appeal, and such persons must also be made aware of their rights in terms of the Amended Regulations; and
• the relevant DG or the Minister (as the case may be) must be sent written notification that an appeal has been lodged at the relevant Regional Office, together with a copy of such appeal.

The notice of appeal, affidavit and ancillary documentation to be submitted

The Amended Regulations require that a notice of appeal be submitted, which notice must be accompanied by an affidavit. In terms of regulation 74(5) of the Amended Regulations, the affidavit must:

• clearly state the administrative decision to which the appeal relates;
• set out the grounds on which the appeal is based, and provide all ancillary information and documentation in support thereof;
• list the affected parties contemplated in terms of regulation 74(1)(b) of the Amended Regulations; and
• be accompanied by any supporting documentation referred to in the affidavit.

The requirement to set out the abovementioned information in the form of an affidavit is a substantial change brought about in the Amended Regulations. It is essential that any individual who deposes to an affidavit in this regard has intimate knowledge of the history of the matter and all relevant facts relating thereto. We note that in circumstances where an appellant is a corporate entity (particularly larger organisations), we have found that it is difficult to single out one representative who is comfortable making such a declaration and taking on this responsibility. It is unclear how an appellant should proceed in these circumstances, as it may be impossible for any one individual representing an appellant to have personal knowledge of all relevant facts. We recommend that the DMRE provide guidance in this regard.

Proof of payment of the non-refundable appeal fee must either accompany the notice of appeal, or be submitted within 14 days of the notice of appeal being lodged.

An appellant must also submit proof that the notice of appeal has been served upon the relevant Regional Office to the relevant DG or the Minister (as the case may be).

Recommendations

As the changes brought about in the Amended Regulations are still relatively new, we recommend that guidance be sought prior to submitting appeals against administrative decisions made under the MPRDA. It is crucial that the amended requirements are complied with in order to prevent situations where appeals may be potentially dismissed due to the failure to comply with the Amended Regulations.