To:	ZA Dingani Secretary to Parliament	From:	Adv. SM Maifadi Manager: Parliamentary Services
Subject:	Comments on Bill: Human Sciences Research Council Bill	Date:	18 July 2007

Dear Mr. Dingani

We refer to the above subject matter.

The Human Sciences Research Council Bill was referred to the National House by parliament. The Bill has been classified as a section 75 Bill and a Bill falling within the ambit of section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No 41 of 2003)

The National House has carefully considered the Bill and hereby wishes to comment as follows:

1. Indigenous knowledge forms part of the cultures, customs and traditions of our people;
2. Traditional leaders are custodians of cultures, customs and traditions of our people;
3. The National House is a statutory body representing traditional leaders throughout the country;

The House therefore wishes to amend Section 14 by inserting a clause to read as follows:

14 (6) The Council must, with regard to research conducted by employees of the Council in the area under the jurisdiction of a traditional leader, notify the National House of Traditional Leaders of its intention to conduct such research.

Thank you

SM Maifadi

Manager: Parliamentary Services