Report of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs on the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Amendment Bill [B9B-2006] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 15 November 2007:

The Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs , having considered the subject matter of the Regulation of Interception of Communication and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment Bill [B9B-2006] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, reports the Bill as follows:

The Bill was referred to the Committee on 29th August 2007. The committee received a briefing on the 14th September on the Bill.

On 17 October 2007, the Committee received submissions from the three service providers, namely, Vodacom, MTN and Cell C and some state departments, namely, Department of Communications and Department of Safety and Security.

The committee deliberated on the Bill on 9th November 2007. On the basis of numerous inputs which were valid in nature, the Committee is of the view that the issues raised need to be addressed by the department.

The committee therefore recommends:

That the Bill be referred back to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to look at issues raised by the committee. Due to the nature of inputs received from the stakeholders, the committee is of the view that, if it proposes amendments, it will be tantamount to redrafting of the Bill.