Annexure A

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE & INDUSTRY

LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME FOR 2005

 

1. CO-OPERATIVES BILL

To provide for the formation, registration and winding up of co-operatives and for matters incidental thereto.

2. NATIONAL CREDIT BILL

New legislation replacing the Credit Agreements Act, the Usury Act and aspects of the Alienation of Land Act that will comprehensively regulate all consumer credit transactions.

3. CONSUMER BILL

New policy and legislative framework, setting out guiding principles for interaction between businesses and consumers. The new consumer law will repeal the Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practices) Act, Sale and Service Matters Act and the Trade Practices Act, and will result in amendments to various sector laws.

4. INTERIM COMPANIES AMENDMENT BILL

The Bill deals with financial reporting standards, both the imposition of standards and the infrastructure necessary to give effect to it, and accounting standards.

 

5. ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT BILL

To align the dti financial incentives with the requirements of a changing economy.

 

6. CLOSE CORPORATIONS AMENDMENT BILL

To amend the principal Act, so as to limit the legal liability of members of the corporations arising from deregistration. Currently, upon deregistration of a close corporation, liability is borne by the members and in the event of re-registering, liability should be borne by the corporation. The proposed amendments are necessitated by a judgement of court and there is also a need to update the principal Act.

7. PATENTS AMENDMENT BILL

To provide for the protection of indigenous knowledge, in particular the disclosure of the origin of genetic or biological materials and for compulsory licensing of medicines.

8. DESIGNS AMENDMENT BILL

 

Pursuant to the accession to the Madrid Protocol 1989 for the International Registration of Marks, there is a need to introduce legislation to give effect to the provisions of the Madrid Protocol. Especially given the fact that this system of registration is user friendly and cost effective resulting in benefits accruing to the South African community.

9. SUGAR BILL

To consolidate and amend the laws relating to the Sugar Industry; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

10. COUNTERFEIT GOODS AMENDMENT BILL

Deals with issues of definition and with the designation of depots.

 

11. TRADE MARKS AMENDMENT BILL

Pursuant to the Madrid Protocol 1989 for the Iternational Registration of Marks, there is a need to introduce legislation to give effect to the provisions of the Madrid Protocol. Especially given the fact that this system of registration is user friendly and cost effective resulting in benefits accruing to the South African community.