The South African government has proposed a six month ban on the export of scrap metal in phases to combat widespread theft and vandalism of public infrastructure, according to a draft document published by the Trade, Industry and Competition Ministry.
The first of the three phases proposes a six-month ban on all export of scrap metal, with future phases including a new, enhanced registration system for scrap buyers and sellers to improve monitoring, policing and law-enforcement as well as limitations on the ports and border posts to be used for trade in scrap metal.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim published proposals in the government gazette last week for public comment for a three-week period before the plans are finalised.
Also suggested are changes to legislation that would make it more difficult for stolen copper and metal to be traded.