Joint Rules
The Joint Rules Committee, having considered proposed amendments to the Joint Rules presented by the Joint Subcommittee on the Review of the Joint Rules, reports as follows:
(1) the Joint Rules require amendment to achieve consistency with the proposed amendments to the Rules of the National Assembly and the Rules of the National Council of Provinces;
(2) certain outstanding issues have now been resolved and incorporated into the Joint Rules;
(3) the Joint Rules Committee accordingly recommends that the Joint Rules dated 24 March 1999 be adopted; and
(4) on adoption these Joint Rules will replace the Joint Rules dated 19 November 1997.
JOINT RULES OF PARLIAMENT
(As approved by the Joint Rules Committee)
24 March 1998
CHAPTER 1
INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION
Interpretation
1. (1) In the Joint Rules, unless the context indicates otherwise-
"Assembly" means the National Assembly;
"ATC" means the document entitled "Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports";
"classification", with reference to a Bill, means the classification of a Bill in terms of joint rule l60(6) or the reclassification of a Bill in terms of joint rule 163, and "classify" and "classified" have a corresponding meaning;
"constitution amendment Bill" means a Bill to which section 74 of the Constitution applies;
"Council" means the National Council of Provinces;
"document" means any written instrument, and includes any electronic or other device in or on which information, including visual material, is recorded, stored or kept;
"JTM" means the Joint Tagging Mechanism established by joint rule 151;
"member", with reference to -
(a) the Assembly, means a member of the Assembly; and
(b) the Council, means a permanent or special delegate to the Council, and "permanent member" and "special member" have a corresponding meaning;
"mixed section 75/76 Bill" means a Bill that contains provisions to which section 75 of the Constitution applies and provisions to which section 76 applies;
"money Bill" means a Bill that appropriates money or imposes taxes, levies or duties and to which section 77 of the Constitution applies;
"person in charge", with reference to a Bill, means the person in charge of the Bill in terms of the Assembly or Council rules, as the case may be;
"recess", with reference to -
(a) a House, means a period determined as a recess by the Programme Committee of the House, or by resolution of the House, during which the business of the House is interrupted; or
(b) both Houses, means a period determined as a recess by the Joint Programme Committee, or by resolutions adopted in the Houses, during which the business of both Houses is interrupted;
"remitted Bill" means a Bill which the President, on account of reservations about its constitutionality, has in terms of section 79 of the Constitution referred back to the Assembly for reconsideration;
"Secretary" means the Secretary to Parliament;
"section 75 Bill" means a Bill to which the procedure prescribed in section 75 of the Constitution applies, and includes a money Bill;
"section 76 Bill" means a Bill to which the procedure prescribed in section 76 of the Constitution applies;
"section 76(1) Bill" means a section 76 Bill introduced in the Assembly;
"section 76(2) Bill" means a section 76 Bill introduced in the Council;
"working day" means any day of the week except -
(a) Saturday and Sunday; and
(b) a public holiday in terms of the Public Holidays Act, 1994 (Act 36 of 1994), and, if such a public holiday falls on a Sunday, also the Monday.
(2) A reference in the Joint Rules to the Speaker or Chairperson of the Council must be read as a reference also to the Deputy Speaker or the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council, as the case may be, if -
(a) the Speaker or the Chairperson is absent;
(b) there is a vacancy in the office of the Speaker or the Chairperson; or
(c) the Speaker or the Chairperson is not available to perform a function or exercise a power conferred on the Speaker or Chairperson in terms of the Joint Rules.
Unforeseen matters
2. (1) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, may give a ruling or make a rule in respect of any matter for which the Joint Rules do not provide.
(2) A rule made by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, remains in force until a meeting of the Joint Rules Committee has decided on it.
Suspension
3. (1) The Assembly and the Council, by resolution in each House, may dispose with or suspend a provision of the Joint Rules for a specific period or purpose.
(2) The suspension of any provision is limited in its operation to the particular purpose for which the suspension has been approved.
Non-diminution or non-limitation of Rules
4. No convention or rule of practice limits or inhibits any provision of the Joint Rules.
Application of joint Rules to non-members
5. When a Cabinet member who is not a member of the Assembly or the Council, participates in the proceedings of the joint business of the Houses, the Joint Rules, unless clearly inappropriate, apply to that Cabinet member as they apply to a member of the Assembly or the Council.
Public participation
6. (1) Members of the public may participate in the joint business of the Houses by -
(a) attending joint sittings of the Houses or meetings of joint committees;
(b) responding to public or specific invitations-
(i) to comment in writing on Bills or other matters before a joint committee; or
(ii) to give evidence or to make representations or recommendations before joint committees on such Bills or other matters, either in person or through a representative.
(2) Public participation in terms of subrule (1) is subject to, and must be exercised in accordance with, the applicable provisions of theJoint Rules.
CHAPTER 2
JOINT SITTINGS OF THE HOUSES
Calling of joint sittings
7. (1) The President may call a joint sitting of the Houses when it is necessary
for -
(a) the President to deliver the annual or a special address to Parliament; or
(b) a purpose mentioned in section 42 (5) or 203 of the Constitution.
(2) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, may call a
joint sitting of the Houses when necessary.
Venue
8. Joint sittings are held in the Chamber of the Assembly.
Day and time
9. The date and time of a joint sitting must be made known to the members of the Assembly and the Council -
(a) by placing it on the Order Papers of the Houses;
(b) by way of an announcement by the officer presiding at a sitting of a House; or
(c) by giving notice to the members in a way determined by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council for their respective Houses.
Presiding officer
10. Either the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council, by arrangement between
them, presides at a joint sitting.
Relief of presiding officer
11. An Assembly or Council member must take the Chair whenever requested to do
so by the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council while presiding at a joint sitting.
Discipline
12. When the Houses sit jointly -
(a) the Assembly Rules on discipline remain applicable to an Assembly member; and
(b) the Council Rules on discipline remain applicable to a Council member.
Procedure
13. (1) An Assembly or Council member, other than the officer presiding at a joint sitting, may not speak at the sitting -
(a) unless invited to do so by the presiding officer; or
(b) without having obtained the permission of the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council before the meeting.
(2) No vote or decision may be taken by or in a joint sitting.
Public access
14. (1) Joint sittings are open to the public, including the media.
(2) The Assembly Rules concerning access of the public to the Chamber of the Assembly apply to a joint sitting, except that the Speaker must consult the Chairperson of the Council when exercising the powers assigned to the Speaker in those rules.
CHAPTER 3
JOINT COMMITTEE SYSTEM
Part 1: Introduction
Joint committees
15. (l) The Assembly and the Council have the following joint committees:
(a) Committees established by or in terms of the Joint Rules:
(i) the Joint Rules Committee established by joint rule 53;
(ii) the Joint Programme Committee established by joint rule 90;
(iii) the Constitutional Review Committee established by joint rule 97;
(iv) the Mediation Committee established by section 78 of the Constitution and referred to in joint rule 104;
(v) the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests established by joint rule 121;
(vi) the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women established by joint rule 128;
(vii) the Joint Monitoring Committee on Reconstruction and Development established by joint rule 133;
(viii) any joint committees that may be established in terms of joint rule 111 to consider and report on Bills; and
(ix) any ad hoc joint committees that may be established in terms of joint rule 138.
(b) Committees established in terms of legislation:
(i) The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence mentioned in joint rule 120; and
(ii) the Joint Committee on Oversight of Security Matters established by joint rule 117.
(2) Other joint committees may be established to deal with any other matters affecting both Houses but only in terms of joint rule 142.
(3) If a proposal to establish a joint committee is contained in draft legislation before a portfolio committee, a select committee or a joint committee referred to in joint rule 111, that committee must first refer the proposal to the Joint Rules Committee for a report and recommendation before that committee considers the proposal.
Subcommittees
16. (1) A joint committee -
(a) has such subcommittees as are established by the Joint Rules; and
(b) may appoint a subcommittee only when -
(i) there is provision for such appointment in the Joint Rules; or
(ii) authorised by the Joint Rules Committee or by resolutions adopted in the Assembly and the Council.
(2) Subrule (1) does not prevent a joint committee from assigning a task to one
or more of its members for a purely internal or administrative purpose.
(3) If a proposal to establish a joint subcommittee is contained in draft legislation before a portfolio committee, a select committee or a joint committee referred to in joint rule 111, that committee must first refer the proposal to the Joint Rules Committee for a report and recommendation before that committee considers the proposal.
Application of Rules to committees and subcommittees established in terms of legislation
17. The Joint Rules also apply to a joint committee or joint subcommittee established in terms of legislation, and in such application the committee or subcommittee must be regarded as having been established in terms of these Rules.
Part 2: Rules applicable to joint committees generally
Application of this Part
18. The provisions of this Part apply to all joint committees established by or in terms of the Joint Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with -
(a) another provision of the Joint Rules applicable in a specific case; or
(b) a resolution adopted in both Houses.
Composition
19. (1) Except where the Joint Rules prescribe the composition of a joint committee-
(a) parties are entitled to be represented in the Assembly component of joint committees in substantially the same proportion as the proportion in which they are represented in the Assembly; and
(b) provinces are entitled to equal representation in the Council component of joint committees.
(2) Subrule (1)(a) only applies if the number of members in the Assembly
component of the joint committee allows for all parties to be represented.
Appointment procedures
20. (1) Except where the Joint Rules provide for the appointment of the members of a joint committee in a specific case -
(a) the Speaker appoints the members of the Assembly component of a joint committee after consulting -
(i) the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly, when a member representing the majority party is appointed; or
(ii) the most senior whip of a minority party in the Assembly, when a member representing that particular party is appointed; and
(b) the Chairperson of the Council appoints the members of the Council component of a
joint committee after consulting the head of a provincial delegation, when a member
representing that delegation is appointed.
(2) The names of the members appointed must be announced in the ATC without
delay.
Alternates
21. (1) Alternates may be appointed for one or more specific members of a joint committee in accordance with the same procedure prescribed for committee members in terms of joint rule 20.
(3) An alternate acts as a member when the member for which the alternate was
appointed -
(a) is absent; or
(b) has vacated office, until the vacancy is filled.
Term of office
22. (1) Members of a joint committee and alternates for members are appointed until the Assembly's term expires or the Assembly is dissolved, whichever occurs first.
(2) A member of a joint committee ceases to be a member and an alternate for a
member ceases to be an alternate -
(a) if a whip of the party to which that member or alternate belongs -
(i) in the case of an Assembly member, gives notice to the Speaker, in writing, that the member or alternate is to be replaced or withdrawn; or
(ii) in the case of a Council member representing a party in a committee, gives notice to the Chairperson of the Council , in writing, that the member or alternate is to be replaced or withdrawn; or
(b) if a whip of the provincial delegation to which that member or alternate belongs, in the case
of a Council member representing a province in a committee, gives notice to the
Chairperson of the Council, in writing, that the member or alternate is to be replaced or
withdrawn.
Chairpersons
23. (1) If a joint committee has co-chairpersons, the co-chairpersons must co-chair meetings of the committee except when one of them takes the chair by agreement between them. If a committee has a single chairperson, that person must chair meetings of the committee.
(2) The co-chairpersons or the chairperson of a joint committee, as the case may be -
(a) may act in any matter on behalf of and in the best interest of the committee when it is not practical to arrange a meeting of the committee to discuss that matter, if that matter concerns -
(i) a request by a person to give evidence or make oral representations to the committee;
(ii) any other request to the committee; and
(iii) the initiation of any steps or decisions necessary for the committee to perform its functions or exercise its powers; and
(b) perform the functions, tasks and duties and exercise the powers that the committee, resolutions adopted by both the Assembly and the Council or legislation may assign to the co-chairpersons.
(3) The co-chairpersons or chairperson of a joint committee must report to the
committee on any steps taken in terms of subrule (2).
(4) (a) If a joint committee has a single chairperson, the chairperson, in the
event of an equality of votes on any question before the committee, must exercise a casting
vote in addition to the chairperson's vote as a member.
(b) If a joint committee consists of House components and decides questions before it by way of agreement between the majorities in the respective components, the co-chairperson of the committee appointed from a component, in the event of an equality of votes on any question before the component, must exercise a casting vote in addition to that person's vote as a member.
(5) The co-chairpersons or the chairperson of a joint committee, as the case may be,
perform the functions set out in subrules (1) and (2) subject to the other provisions of the Joint Rules and the directions of the committee.
Acting chairpersons
24. (1) If a joint committee has co-chairpersons and one of the co-chairpersons is absent or unable to perform the functions of co-chairperson, the relevant component of the committee may elect another of its members as acting co-chairperson to perform the functions and exercise the powers of that co-chairperson.
(2) If a joint committee has a single chairperson and that chairperson is absent or unable to perform the functions of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson acts as chairperson to perform the functions and exercise the powers of the chairperson.
First meetings
25. (1) The Secretary must call a meeting of a joint committee within five working days after the names of the committee members have been announced in the ATC.
(2) If both or either of the Houses are in recess the Secretary must notify the
members of the committee, the Chief Whip of the majority party and the most senior whip of each of the other parties in the Assembly and the Chief Whip of, and the delegation whips in, the Council, of the time and place of the meeting at least 14 days before the meeting.
Meetings
26. (1) Joint committees meet whenever necessary and as determined in accordance with the Joint Rules and the decisions, directives and guidelines of the Joint Programme Committee.
(2) A meeting of a joint committee may be called in terms of subrule (1) by -
(a) the chairperson or co-chairpersons of the joint committee; or
(b) the Joint Rules Committee.
(3) If one of the co-chairpersons of a joint committee is not available, the
other co-chairperson may call a meeting of the committee.
Matters relating to quorum and decisions
27. (1) A joint committee may proceed with business irrespective of the number of members present.
(2) When a joint committee has to decide a question and the number of members
present is insufficient for a decision to be taken, the member or members presiding may either suspend business until a sufficient number of members is present, or adjourn the meeting.
(3) If a joint committee consists of House components and decides questions before it by way of agreement between the majorities in the respective components subrule (2) applies also to such a component when the number of members in that component who are present at the meeting, is insufficient for a decision to be taken by the component.
Co-option when members and alternates not available
28. If a member of a joint committee and that member's alternate are both absent from a meeting of the committee, the chairperson or co-chairpersons may co-opt any other Assembly or Council member, as may be appropriate, to act as a member of the committee until that committee member or the alternate member is no longer absent.
Interruption suspension or adjournment
29. The member or members presiding at a meeting of a joint committee may interrupt or
suspend the proceedings or adjourn the meeting, and may change the date for the resumption of business.
Charges against members
30. If any information charging an Assembly or Council member comes before a joint committee, the committee may not proceed upon that information, but must report it without delay to the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council, as may be appropriate.
Reporting to Houses
31. (1) A joint committee must report to both Houses on a matter referred to the
committee-
(a) when the Houses are to decide the matter in terms of -
(i) the Joint Rules;
(ii) the respective House Rules;
(iii) a resolution adopted in both Houses; or
(iv) legislation;
(b) if the committee has taken a decision on the matter, whether or not the Houses are to decide the matter as contemplated in paragraph (a); or
(c) if the committee is unable to decide a matter referred to it for a report.
(2) A joint committee must report to both Houses on -
(a) all other decisions taken by it, except those decisions concerning its internal business; and
(b) its activities at least once per year.
(3) A report of a joint committee -
(a) must be submitted to a House by the co-chairperson of the committee who is a member of that House, or by another member of the committee who is a member of that House and designated by the committee; and
(b) may request that that co-chairperson, or another member of the committee who is a member of the relevant House and designated by the committee, introduces or explains the report in the House.
(4) A joint committee may not submit a minority report except where provided for
in these Rules.
(5) If a joint committee reports on a matter other than a matter mentioned in subrule (1) (a) and is of the view that its report, or a specific matter mentioned in the report, should be considered by the Houses, it may make a request to that effect in the report.
General powers
32. (1) For the purposes of performing its functions a joint committee may, subject to the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of the Joint Rules and resolutions of the
Houses -
(a) summon any person to appear before it to give evidence on oath or affirmation, or to produce documents;
(b) receive petitions, representations or submissions from interested persons or institutions;
(c) conduct public hearings;
(d) permit oral evidence, including evidence on petitions, representations and submissions;
(e) determine its own procedure;
(f) meet at a venue determined by it, which may be a venue beyond the seat of Parliament;
(g) meet on any day and at any time, including-
(i) on a day which is not a working day;
(ii) on a day on which a House or both Houses are not sitting;
(iii) at a time when a House or both Houses are sitting; or
(iv) during a recess of a House or both Houses; and
(i) exercise any other powers assigned to it by the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of the Joint Rules or resolutions adopted in both Houses.
(2) No joint committee may -
(a) initiate legislation for introduction in a House; or
(b) consider legislation in the legislative process except when expressly empowered to do so.
Conferring powers
33. (1) A joint committee may confer with any other joint committee or with a committee of either House.
(2) Joint committees must confer -
(a) if a resolution adopted in both Houses instructs them to confer; or
(b) during a recess of both or any of the Houses, if the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly and with the concurrence of the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly and the Chief Whip of the Council, instruct them to confer.
(3) When joint committees meet to confer the respective chairpersons or co-
chairpersons of the committees co-chair the meeting except when one of them takes the Chair by agreement between them.
Part 3: Rules applicable to joint subcommittees generally
Application of this Part
34. The provisions of this Part apply to all joint subcommittees established by or in terms of the Joint Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with -
(a) another provision of the Joint Rules applicable in a specific case; or
(b) a resolution adopted in both Houses.
General rules
35. (1) A joint subcommittee established by or in terms of the Joint Rules -
(a) is accountable to its parent committee;
(b) must carry out its task and responsibilities within a policy framework determined by its parent committee and in accordance with the Joint Rules and any directives, guidelines or regulations issued by the parent committee;
(c) may consult any joint committee or subcommittee , or any House committee or subcommittee;
(d) may determine its own procedure, subject to the Joint Rules, any directives of the parent committee or resolutions adopted in both Houses; and
(e) may only make recommendations to its parent committee; and
(f) must report to the its parent committee regularly or when requested by the parent committee.
(2) The parent committee of a joint subcommittee -
(a) must appoint the members of the subcommittee from among its members;
(b) may, if appropriate, determine a period within which the subcommittee must complete its task;
(c) must determine the extent, nature and form of the subcommittee's reports to the committee, and time limit for the submission of a report;
(d) may delegate any of its powers to the subcommittee necessary for the subcommittee to perform its task; and
(e) may instruct the subcommittee to perform any of its functions.
Alternates
36. (1) A parent committee may appoint alternates from among its members for one or more specific members of a joint subcommittee.
(2) An alternate acts as a member when the member for which the alternate was
appointed -
(a) is absent; or
(b) has vacated office, until the vacancy is filled.
Term of office
37. (1) The members of a joint subcommittee established by a provision of the Joint Rules and any alternates for those members, are appointed until the Assembly's term expires or the Assembly is dissolved, whichever occurs first.
(2) A joint subcommittee established by a joint committee in terms of a provision of the
Joint Rules ceases to exist -
(a) when it has completed the task for which it was established; or
(b) if it is dissolved by the parent committee earlier.
(3) A member of a joint subcommittee ceases to be a member and an alternate for a member ceases to be an alternate if that member ceases to be a member of the parent committee.
Chairpersons
38. (1) If a joint subcommittee has co-chairpersons, the co-chairpersons must co-chair meetings of the subcommittee except when one of them takes the chair by agreement between them. If a subcommittee has a single chairperson, that person must chair meetings of the subcommittee.
(2) The co-chairpersons or the chairperson of a joint subcommittee, as the case may be -
(a) may act in any matter on behalf of and in the best interest of the subcommittee when it is not practical to arrange a meeting of the subcommittee to discuss that matter, if that matter concerns -
(i) a request by a person to give evidence or make oral representations to the subcommittee;
(ii) any other request to the subcommittee; and
(iii) the initiation of any steps or decisions necessary for the subcommittee to perform its functions or exercise its powers; and
(b) performs the functions, tasks and duties and exercises the powers that the parent committee, a resolution adopted in both Houses or legislation may assign to the co-chairpersons.
(3) The co-chairpersons or chairperson of a joint subcommittee must report to the committee on any steps taken in terms of subrule (2).
(4) The co-chairpersons or the chairperson of a joint subcommittee, as the case may be, perform the functions set out in subrules (1) and (2) subject to the other provisions of the Joint Rules and the directions of the parent committee.
Acting chairpersons
39. (1) If a joint subcommittee has co-chairpersons and one of the co-chairpersons is absent or unable to perform the functions of co-chairperson, the relevant component of the subcommittee may elect another of its members as acting co-chairperson to perform the functions and exercise the powers of that co-chairperson.
(2) If a joint subcommittee has a single chairperson and that chairperson is absent or unable to perform the functions of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson acts as chairperson to perform the functions and exercise the powers of the chairperson.
Meetings
40. (1) Joint subcommittees meet whenever necessary and as determined in accordance with the Joint Rules and the decisions, directives and guidelines of the Programme Committee.
(2) A meeting of a joint subcommittee may be called in terms of subrule (1) by -
(a) the co-chairpersons of the subcommittee;
(b) the parent committee; or
(c) the co-chairpersons of the parent joint committee.
Matters relating to quorum
41. A joint subcommittee may proceed with business irrespective of the number of members present.
Decisions
42. (1) A question before a joint subcommittee consisting of House components, is decided by consensus between the two components and within each component.
(2) If consensus cannot be reached all views in the joint subcommittee on the question must be reported to the parent committee.
General powers of joint subcommittees
43. A joint subcommittee has the powers listed in rule 32 only when assigned to it in terms of the Joint Rules or a resolution adopted in both Houses.
Part 4: Rules applicable to both joint committees and joint subcommittees generally
Application of this Part
44. The provisions of this Part apply to all joint committees and joint subcommittees established by or in terms of the Joint Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with -
(a) another provision of the Joint Rules applicable in a specific case; or
(b) a resolution adopted in both Houses.
Unusual meetings of committees and subcommittees
45. (1) A joint committee or subcommittee may sit on a day which is not a working day, or at a venue beyond the seat of Parliament, or during a recess of both or any of the Houses, or at a time when both or any of the Houses is sitting, but only with the permission of the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly and the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Council.
(2) If a joint committee or subcommittee applies to the Chief Whips to sit on a day
which is not a working day, or at a venue beyond the seat of Parliament, the Chief Whips may give their permission in terms of subrule (1) only after having consulted the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council.
Persons appearing before joint committees and subcommittees
46. Any person, including counsel and attorneys, appearing before a joint committee or subcommittee must observe the directions and conform to the procedures determined by the chairperson or co-chairpersons of the joint committee or subcommittee.
Admission of the public
47. (1) Meetings of joint committees and subcommittees are open to the public, including the media, and the member or members presiding may not exclude the public, including the media, from the meeting, except when -
(a) legislation, the Joint Rules or resolutions adopted in both Houses provide for the committee or subcommittee to meet in closed session; or
(b) the committee or subcommittee is considering a matter which is -
(i) of a private nature that is prejudicial to a particular person;
(ii) protected under parliamentary privilege, or for any other reason privileged in terms of the law;
(iii) confidential in terms of legislation; or
(iv) of such a nature that its confidential treatment is for any other reason reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society.
(2) A decision in terms of subrule (1) to exclude the public must be taken by the
joint committee or subcommittee concerned, provided that the chairperson of the committee or subcommittee may at any time -
(a) before the start of the meeting rule that the meeting must take place in closed session, but the committee or subcommittee may at any time after the start of the meeting open the meeting; or
(b) close the meeting for a decision by the committee or subcommittee whether the matter should be considered in closed session.
(3) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, must -
(a) set aside places for the public in the committee rooms; and
(b) determine the entrances and routes through which the public can obtain access to these places.
(4) The Speaker and the Chairperson, acting jointly, may take reasonable measures -
(a) to regulate public access, including access of the media, to the joint committees and subcommittees;
(b) to prevent and control misconduct of the public in committee rooms; and
(c) to provide for the searching of any person, including that person's vehicle or other property in that person's possession, and, where appropriate, the refusal of entry to, or the removal of, any person.
Participation of Assembly and Council members
48. (1) Any Assembly or Council member who is not a member of the joint committee or subcommittee may be present at a meeting of a joint committee or subcommittee.
(2) A member mentioned in subrule (1) who is present at a meeting of a joint committee or subcommittee -
(a) may speak on a matter before a joint committee or subcommittee subject to any reasonable restrictions the chairperson or co-chairpersons may impose; and
(b) may not vote except when the vote is cast as an alternate or as a co-opted member.
Exclusion of members of public from meetings
The member or members presiding at a meeting of a joint committee or subcommittee may -
(a) order a member of the public to leave the meeting -
(i) when the public is excluded from a meeting in terms of joint rule 47 (1); or
(ii) when necessary to give effect to the measures taken under joint rule 47 (3); or
(b) order a person referred to in joint rule 46 to leave the meeting if that person does not comply with a ruling of the presiding member or members.
Exclusion of other persons from meetings
50. When the public is excluded from a meeting of a joint committee or subcommittee in terms of rule 47 (1), the member or members presiding may order a staff member, a member or official of the executive or an Assembly or Council member who is not a member of the committee or subcommittee, also to leave the meeting.
Removal of persons
51. When instructed by the member or members presiding, the Serjeant-at-Arms of the Assembly or the Usher of the Council must remove or arrange for the removal of any person -
(a) who, without permission, is present in that part of a committee room designated for members of the joint committee or subcommittee only; or
(b) who disrupts the proceedings of a joint committee or subcommittee, causes a nuisance or does not leave when ordered to leave under joint rule 49 or 50.
Publication of proceedings, evidence, reports, etc.
52. (1) All documents officially before, or emanating from, a joint committee or subcommittee are open to the public, including the media, but the following documents may not be published, and their contents may not be disclosed, except with the permission of the committee, or the parent committee in the case of a subcommittee, or by order of the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, or by resolutions adopted in both Houses:
(a) The proceedings of, or evidence taken by or placed before, the committee or subcommittee while the public were excluded from a meeting in terms of joint rule 47 (1).
(b) Any report on or summary of such proceedings or evidence.
(c) Any document placed before, or presented to, the committee or subcommittee as a confidential document and declared by it as a confidential document.
(d) Any document -
(i) submitted or to be submitted to members of the committee or subcommittee as a confidential document by order of the chairperson or co-chairpersons of the committee or subcommittee; or
(ii) after its submission to members declared by the chairperson or co-chairpersons as a confidential document.
(2) The permission, order or resolution authorising the publication, or
the disclosure of the contents, of documents mentioned in subrule (1) may provide that specific parts of, or names mentioned in, the document may not be published or disclosed.
(3) For the purposes of subrule (1) a document is officially before a joint committee or subcommittee when -
(a) the presiding member or members place the document or permit the document to be placed before the committee or subcommittee; or
(b) a person appearing before the committee or subcommittee as a witness or to make representations, presents the document to the committee or subcommittee.
(4) Subrule (1)(c) and (d) applies only to documents that -
(a) contain private information that is prejudicial to a particular person;
(b) are protected under parliamentary privilege, or for any other reason are privileged in terms of the law;
(c) are confidential in terms of legislation;
(d) are subject to a media embargo, until the embargo expires; or
(e) are of such a nature that their confidential treatment is for any other reason reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society.
Part 5: Joint Rules Committee
Establishment
53. There is a Joint Rules Committee.
Composition
54. The Joint Rules Committee consists of the Rules Committee of the Assembly and
the Rules Committee of the Council sitting together.
Chairpersons
55. (1) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council are the co-chairpersons of the Joint Rules Committee.
(2) If a co-chairperson is not available joint rule 1 (2) applies.
Functions and powers
56. (1) The Joint Rules Committee may -
(a) develop, formulate and adopt policy concerning the joint business of the Houses in respect of -
(i) the management, administration and functioning of Parliament;
(ii) the financial management and policy of Parliament, including the sources of funding, the budget, income and expenditure of Parliament;
(iii) the provision of facilities and other support for Assembly and Council members;
(b) make recommendations to the Houses concerning Parliament's annual budget;
(c) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on all matters referred to in paragraph (a)
(d) lay down guidelines, issue directives and formulate regulations regarding any aspect referred to in this rule;
(e) prescribe the style in which draft legislation must be drafted, including the
form and format of Bills and amendments to Bills;
(f) apart from the subcommittees mentioned in joint rule 63 (1) (a) to (i), appoint any other subcommittees to assist it with the performance of any of its functions or the exercise of any of its powers;
(g) in terms of section 45 of the Constitution make joint rules and orders concerning the joint business of the Houses, including joint rules and orders -
(i) to determine procedures to facilitate the legislative process,
including setting a time limit for completing any step in the process; and
(ii) to regulate its own business and that of any other joint committee or any joint subcommittee;
(h) deal with all matters relating to the funding of political parties, including the making of recommendations to the President for the enactment of regulations for the purposes of section 10 of the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, 1997 (Act 103 of 1997); and
(i) perform any other functions assigned to it by legislation, the other provisions of the Joint Rules or resolutions adopted in the Assembly and the Council.
(2) The Joint Rules Committee may deal with a matter falling within its functions and powers -
(a) on its own initiative; or
(b) when referred to it for consideration and report by -
(i) the Assembly or the Council, or both;
(ii) the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council, or both; or
(iii) the Assembly Rules Committee or the Council Rules Committee.
Decisions
57. (1) A question before the Joint Rules Committee is decided when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) the majority of the members of the Assembly component; and
(b) the majority of the members of the Council component.
(2) If the Joint Rules Committee reports to the Houses in terms of joint rule 31 on a decision taken by the Committee on any question within its powers and the one House accepts the decision and the other House rejects the decision, the question must be reconsidered by the Committee.
(3) On reconsideration, the question is decided by the Joint Rules Committee when it is supported by the majority of the votes cast jointly provided that the votes are weighted in such a way that the Assembly and Council components have an equal number of votes.
(4) A decision in terms of subrule (3) on a matter other than a matter
mentioned in joint rule 58, is binding on both Houses.
New joint rules and amendments to the Joint Rules
58. lf the Joint Rules Committee amends the Joint Rules, or makes a new joint rule,
in terms of section 45 of the Constitution and either the Assembly or the Council, or both, reject the amendment or new rule, the Committee must reconsider the amendment or new rule and either -
(a) withdraw the amendment or new rule; or
(b) rephrase it in a way acceptable to both Houses.
Minority party participation
59. A political party represented in the Council that is not represented in the
Council Rules Committee may designate one of its Council members to attend, and to speak in, the Joint Rules Committee, but that member may not vote.
Local government participation
60. The Joint Rules Committee must invite the representatives of organised local government in the Council to designate one of them to attend, and to speak in, the Committee, but that representative may not vote.
Control and management of joint administration
61. (1) Subject to the decisions of the Joint Rules Committee or resolutions adopted in both Houses, the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, are responsible for-
(a) the implementation of policy determined by the Joint Rules Committee; and
(b) the control and management of all matters relating to the joint administration of the Houses.
(2) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly and with the concurrence of the Joint Rules Committee, may appoint task teams to assist them in executing their responsibility mentioned in subrule (1).
Policy matters requiring decision during recess
62. (1) If during a recess a matter of policy arises that requires a Joint Rules Committee decision but cannot await finalisation when the session resumes, the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council may convene a meeting of those of the following office-bearers that are available to decide on the matter:
(a) From the Assembly:
(i) the Speaker;
(ii) the Deputy Speaker;
(iii) the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly;
(iv) the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly;
(v) the Chairperson of Committees in the Assembly;
(vi) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees in the Assembly;
(vii) the chairperson of the relevant Subcommittee of the Assembly Rules Committee under whose jurisdiction the matter in question falls;
(viii) the most senior whip of each of the other parties in the Assembly; and
(ix) a committee chairperson designated by the Committee of Chairpersons in the Assembly; and
(b) from the Council:
(i) the Chairperson of the Council;
(ii) the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council;
(iii) the Chief Whip of the Council;
(iv) the Chairperson of Committees in the Council;
(v) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees in the Council;
(vi) the chairperson of the relevant Subcommittee of the Council Rules Committee under whose jurisdiction the matter in question falls;
(vii) each delegation whip; and
(ix) a committee chairperson designated by the Committee of Chairpersons in the Council.
(2) Joint rule 21 applies to the office-bearers referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subrule (1).
(3) (a) A majority of the members listed in subrule (1) (a) and a majority of the members listed in subrule (1) (b) constitute a quorum.
(b) The matter before a meeting convened in terms of subrule (1), is
decided when there is agreement on the question among -
(i) the majority of the members in the Assembly component who are present; and
(ii) the majority of the members in the Council component who are present.
(4) Decisions taken in terms of this rule must be published in the ATC within three days.
Subcommittees
63. (1) The Joint Rules Committee has the following subcommittees:
(a) The Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary Budget;
(b) the Joint Subcommittee on Review of the Joint Rules
(c) the Joint Subcommittee on Support for Members;
(d) the Joint Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements;
(e) the Joint Subcommittee on International Relations;
(f) the Joint Subcommittee on the Funding of Political Parties;
(g) the Joint Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation;
(h) the Joint Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament; and
(i) any other subcommittees appointed in terms of joint rule 56(1)(f).
Notes: 1. NCOP Subcommittee proposes the combination of -
- the Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary Budget and the Joint Subcommittee on Support for Members; and
- the Joint Subcommittee on Review of Joint Rules and Joint Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament.
2. The Joint Subcommittee considered the matter and supports the NCOP's
recommendation with the exception of the IFP in the Assembly. The IFP is not
against the clustering of subcommittees but does not support combining the
Subcommittees on the Budget and Support for Members.
(2) When the Joint Rules Committee appoints members of a subcommittee, the
Committee -
(a) is not restricted to the members of the Committee; and
(b) may appoint any Assembly or Council member.
Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary Budget
Composition
64. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary Budget consists of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of the members of the Assembly Subcommittee on the National Assembly Budget.
(3) The Council component consists of the members of the Council Subcommittee on the Council Budget and Support for Members.
Chairpersons
65. The chairperson of the Assembly Subcommittee and the chairperson of the Council Subcommittee are the co-chairpersons of the Joint Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
66. The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on the development,
formulation and adoption of policy regarding -
(i) the financial management of Parliament;
(ii) the sources of funding, resources, income and expenditure of
Parliament; and
(iii) the preparation of Parliament's annual budget;
[NCOP Subcommittee proposes addition of the following subparagraph (iv) if its proposal for the combination of this Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Support for Members is accepted:
(iv) the provision of facilities and other support for Assembly and Council members;]
(b) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on the matters referred to in
paragraph (a) and make recommendations in this regard to the Joint Rules
Committee; and
(c) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on Review of the Joint Rules
Composition
67. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on Review of the Joint Rules consists of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of the members of the Assembly Subcommittee on Review of the National Assembly Rules.
(3) The Council component consists of the members of the Council Subcommittee on Review of the Council Rules and Parliamentary Privileges.
Chairpersons
68. The chairperson of the Assembly Subcommittee and the chairperson of the Council Subcommittee are the co-chairpersons of the Joint Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
69. The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee regarding -
(i) the proceedings, procedures, rules, orders and practices of Parliament; and
(ii) the development, formulation and adoption of policy on a matter mentioned in subparagraph (i); and
[ NCOP Subcommittee proposes addition of the following subparagraphs if its proposal for the combination of this Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges is accepted::
(aA) must review existing legislation, the common law and practice relating to parliamentary powers and privileges;
(aB) may make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee to transform the existing law and practice on parliamentary powers and privileges;]
(b) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on Support for Members
[NCOP Subcommittee proposes that this Subcommittee be combined with the Subcommittee on Support for Members.]
Composition
70. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on Support for Members consists of Assembly
and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of -
(a) the Deputy Speaker; and
(b) the other members of the Assembly Subcommittee on Support for Assembly Members.
(3) The Council component consists of -
(a) the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council; and
(b) the members of the Council Subcommittee on the Council Budget and Support for Members.
Chairpersons
71. The Deputy Speaker and the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council are the co-chairpersons of the Joint Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
72. (1) The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding the provision of facilities, including training for members, and other support for Assembly and Council members;
(b) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on the matters referred to in paragraph (a) and make recommendations in this regard to the Joint Rules Committee; and
(c) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
(2) The Subcommittee must consult the Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary
Budget on any of its recommendations that has financial implications for Parliament.
(3) If the Joint Subcommittee on the Parliamentary Budget disagrees with the recommendation, the two Subcommittees must report the disagreement to the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements
Composition
73. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements consists of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of -
(a) the Deputy Speaker; and
(b) the other members of the Assembly Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements.
(3) The Council component consists of -
(a) the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council; and
(b) the other members of the Council Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements.
Chairpersons
74. The Deputy Speaker and the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council are the co-chairpersons of the Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
75. The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding the administration and management and functioning of Parliament, including -
(i) staff;
(ii) infrastructure;
(iii) household services and catering;
(iv) human resource development and training;
(v) information systems and the library; and
(vi) public relations and public education;
(b) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on the matters referred to in paragraph (a) and make recommendations in this regard to the Joint Rules Committee; and
(c) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on International Relations
Composition
76. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on International Relations consists of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2), (3) and (4).
(2) From the Assembly:
(a) the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker;
(b) one member of each of the parties in the Assembly and designated by the party concerned;
(c) one member of the portfolio committee on foreign affairs designated by that committee;
(d) the chairperson of committees in the Assembly; and
(e) three chairpersons of Assembly committees designated by the Assembly Committee of Chairpersons.
(3) From the Council:
(a) the Chairperson and the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council; and
(b) the other members of the Council Subcommittee on International Relations.
(4) From either the Assembly or the Council:
(a) one member to represent the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU);
(b) one member to represent the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA);
(c) one member to represent the African, Caribbean and Pacific
Group of Countries - European Union (ACP-EU); and
(d) one member to represent the Southern African Developing Countries Parliamentary Forum.
Chairpersons
77. (1) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council are the co-chairpersons of the Subcommittee.
(2) If a co-chairperson is not available joint rule 1 (2) applies.
Functions and powers
78. The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding Parliament's international relations, including -
(i) relations with other Parliaments and international organisations;
(ii) membership of international parliamentary organisations;
(iii) visits abroad by parliamentary groups; and
(iv) the hosting and receiving of delegations from abroad;
(b) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on the matters referred to in paragraph (a) and make recommendations in this regard to the Joint Rules Committee; and
(c) perform any other function or exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Decisions
79. (1) A question before the Subcommittee is decided by consensus among the members of the Subcommittee.
(2) If consensus cannot be reached, all views in the Subcommittee on the question must
be reported to the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on the Funding of Represented Political Parties
Composition
80. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on the Funding of Represented Political Parties consists of members of both Houses appointed in such a way that -
(a) the party that holds the largest number of seats in the Assembly, has ten members;
(b) the party that holds the second largest number of such seats, has three members;
(c) the party that holds the third largest number of such seats, has two members; and
(d) the other parties that hold seats in the Assembly, have one member each.
(2) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, appoint the
members of the Subcommittee on the advice of -
(a) the Chief Whips of the majority party in the Assembly and in the Council, when a member to represent the majority party must be appointed; or
(b) the most senior whips of a minority party in the Assembly and the Council, when a member to represent that party must be appointed.
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
81. The Subcommittee must elect one of its members from the one House as its chairperson and another of its members from the other House as its deputy chairperson.
Functions and powers
82. The Subcommittee may -
(a) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee concerning the enactment of regulations referred to in section 10 of the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, l997 (Act 103 of 1997); and
(b) perform any other function, task or duty and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Decisions
83. (1) A question before the Subcommittee is decided by consensus among the members of the Subcommittee.
(2) If consensus cannot be reached all views in the Subcommittee on the question must be reported to the Joint Rules Committee.
Joint Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation
Composition
84. The Joint Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation consists of Assembly and Council
members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of the members of the Assembly Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation.
(3) The Council component consists of the members of the Council Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation.
Chairpersons
85. The chairperson of the Assembly Subcommittee and the chairperson of the Council Subcommittee are the co-chairpersons of the Joint Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
86. The Subcommittee -
(a) must investigate and make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on possible mechanisms that could be used by legislators to maintain oversight of the exercise of legislative powers delegated to the executive; and
(b) must perform any other function and may exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.
Note: 1. Section 101 (4) of the Constitution provides for national legislation to determine procedures for subordinate legislation to be tabled in and approved by Parliament.
2. In addition section 146 of the Constitution gives the NCOP a role in determining overrides with regard to subordinate legislation.
Joint Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament
Composition
87. (1) The Joint Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament consists of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3) .
(2) The Assembly component consists of -
(a) the Speaker; and
(b) the other members of the Assembly Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament.
(3) The Council component consists of -
(a) the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council; and
(b) the members of the Council Subcommittee on Review of the Council Rules and Parliamentary Privileges.
Chairpersons
88. The Joint Rules Committee must appoint one of the members in the Assembly component and one of the members in the Council component of the Subcommittee as co-chairpersons of the Subcommittee.
Functions and powers
89. The Subcommittee -
(a) must review existing legislation, the common law and practice relating to parliamentary powers and privileges;
(b) may make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee to transform the existing law and practice on parliamentary powers and privileges; and
(c) must perform any other function and may exercise any other power assigned to it by the Joint Rules Committee.]
Part 6: Joint Programme Committee
Establishment
90. There is a Joint Programme Committee.
Composition
91. (1) The Joint Programme Committee consists of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament and Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The Assembly component consists of -
(a) the Speaker;
(b) the Deputy Speaker;
(c) the Chairperson of Committees in the Assembly;
(d) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees in the Assembly;
(e) the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly;
(f) the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party;
(g) the whip of the majority party responsible for programming;
(h) another two whips of the majority party designated by that party;
(i) one whip and two additional representatives of the largest minority party in the Assembly, designated by that party;
(j) one whip and one additional representative of the second largest minority party in the Assembly, designated by that party; and
(k) one whip of each of the other minority parties in the Assembly, designated by the party concerned.
(3) The Council's component consists of -
(a) the Chairperson of the Council;
(b) the Deputy Chairpersons of the Council;
(c) the Chairperson of Committees in the Council; and
(d) two representatives from each provincial delegation of which one must be the delegation whip and the other a special member;
(e) the Chairperson of Committees in the Council; and
(f) the Chief Whip of the Council; and
(g) the most senior whip of each party represented in the Council.
(4) A whip referred to in subrule (2)(e) to (j) or (3)(d),(f) or (g) who is unable to attend a meeting of the Committee may designate another whip to attend the meeting.
Chairpersons
92. (1) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council are the co-chairpersons
of the Committee.
(2) If a co-chairperson is not available joint rule 1(2) applies.
Functions and powers
93. The Joint Programme Committee -
(a) must prepare and, if necessary, from time to time adjust the annual programme of Parliament, including the legislative programme;
(b) must monitor and oversee the implementation of Parliament's annual legislative programme and may set deadlines for the introduction of Bills;
(c) must implement the Joint Rules regarding the scheduling or programming of the business of Parliament, and the functioning of the joint committees, joint subcommittees and other joint structures;
(d) may take decisions and issue directives and guidelines to prioritise any joint business of the Houses;
(e) may set time limits for completing any steps in the legislative process or extend any such time limits;
(f) may take such steps as are necessary for the fast tracking of a Bill, including those steps provided for in joint rules 214 and 216; and
(g) must perform any other function or may exercise any other power as may be assigned to it by resolutions adopted in the Assembly and in the Council.
Decisions
94. A question before the Joint Programme Committee is decided when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) the majority of the members in the Assembly component; and
(b) the majority of the provinces represented in the Council component.
Reporting to Houses
95. Joint rule 31 does not apply to the Joint Programme Committee.
Subcommittees
96. (1) The Committee must appoint a subcommittee from amongst its members for the ongoing work of the Committee, including for the exercise of the powers conferred on it by joint rules 214 and 216.
(2) The Joint Programme Committee may appoint a subcommittee from among its members to perform any of its functions or exercise any of its powers as it may assign to the subcommittee.
(3) A subcommittee may only make recommendations to the Committee, except the
subcommittee envisaged in subrule (1) which may take decisions within its mandate.
Part 7: Constitutional Review Committee
Establishment
97. There is a Constitutional Review Committee which must review the Constitution at least annually.
Composition
98. The Constitutional Review Committee consists of -
(a) a number of Assembly members appointed in such a way that -
(i) the number of Assembly members is equal to the number of Council members appointed by the Council in terms of paragraph (b); and
(ii) the parties in the Assembly are represented in substantially the same proportion that they are represented in the Assembly, provided that each party is represented by at least one member; and
(b) a number of Council members appointed by the Council in such a way
that -
(i) each province is represented by one permanent and one special member; and
(ii) each party in the Council that does not have the majority of seats in at least one provincial legislature, is represented by one member.
Alternates
99. If alternates are appointed for members of the Constitutional Review Committee in terms of joint rule 21, the appointment must be in accordance with the composition requirements set out in joint rule 98.
Participation of local government
100. The Constitutional Review Committee must invite the representatives of
organised local government in the Council to designate one of them to attend, and to speak in, the Committee, but that representative may not vote.
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
101. The Constitutional Review Committee must elect one of its members
from the one House as its chairperson and one of its members from the other House as its deputy chairperson.
Functions and powers
102. (1) The Constitutional Review Committee must review the Constitution annually and report on the review to the Assembly and the Council.
(2) For the purposes of subrule (1) the Committee must annually -
(a) before the first day of May, by notice in the public media, invite the public to submit to the Committee, within 30 days, written representations on any constitutional matter;
(b) after the closing date for representations in terms of paragraph (a), identify those constitutional matters that it intends to review, taking into account any representations received in response to the invitation and any submissions made in terms of subrule (3); and
(c) at the start of the third term of a year, or in accordance with a time frame determined by resolutions adopted in the Assembly and in the Council, consider all representations concerning matters identified by the Committee in terms of paragraph (b) and received by the Committee in response to the invitation from -
(i) the public;
(ii) any Assembly and Council committees and members, and joint committees; and
(iii) any organs of state.
Decisions
103. A question before the Constitutional Review Committee is decided when there is agreement on the question among the majority of its members.
Part 8: Mediation Committee
Composition
104. (1) The Mediation Committee established by section 78 of the Constitution consists in terms of that section of -
(a) nine members of the Assembly elected in accordance with a procedure prescribed by the Assembly rules in substantially the same proportion that parties are represented in the Assembly; and
(b) one Council member from each province designated by the provincial delegation to the Council.
(2) A political party represented in the Assembly or the Council which is not
represented in the Mediation Committee may designate one of its members in either the Assembly or the Council to attend, and to speak in the Committee, but that member may not vote.
Alternates
105. If alternates are appointed for members of the Mediation Committee in terms of joint rule 21, the appointment must be in accordance with the composition requirements set out in joint rule 104 (1) (a) and (b).
Chairpersons
106. A member of the Assembly component of the Mediation Committee elected by that component and a member of the Council component elected by that component are the co-chairpersons of the Committee.
Functions and powers
107. (1) The Mediation Committee must consider Bills referred to it in terms of joint rule 177, 186 or 212 (2) with a view to finding agreement between the two components of the Committee on a version of the Bill.
(2) When the Committee considers a Bill it may -
(a) require any person to appear before it to give explanations or to produce a document concerning the Bill;
(b) consult any Assembly portfolio committee, any Council select committee or any joint committee; and
(c) conduct its proceedings in any way it considers appropriate.
Meetings
108. (1) The Mediation Committee must meet promptly whenever a Bill is referred to it in terms of the Joint Rules.
(2) A meeting of the Committee must be called by the co-chairpersons.
(3) If one of the co-chairpersons is not available the other co-chairperson must call the meeting.
(4) If both co-chairpersons are not available or for any reason omit to call the meeting, the speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, must call the meeting.
(5) Joint rule 31 does not apply to the Mediation Committee.
Decisions
109. (1) A question before the Mediation Committee is decided in accordance with section 78(2) of the Constitution when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) at least five members in the Assembly component of the Committee; and
(b) at least five members in the Council component of the Committee.
(2) Each of the co-chairpersons has a vote as a member but has no casting
vote.
Meetings to be held in closed session
110. In order to facilitate negotiation and mediation, meetings of the Mediation Committee, despite joint rules 47 and 48, are closed to non-members of the Committee, including the public and the media, except with the permission of the Committee.
Part 9: Joint committees on Bills
Note: As drafted these Rules provide for referral of section 74, 75 and 76 Bills to a joint committee, although section 45 of the Constitution only applies to sections 74 and 75 Bills. We have added section 76 Bills, but have provided in rule 171 for the removal of such a Bill from the joint committee if there is no consensus. This rule would therefore not undermine the mediation process or the two-thirds NA majority requirement.
Establishment
111. A joint committee to consider a Bill may be established -
(a) by a resolution adopted in both Houses, but if the Council is not sitting the Chairperson of the Council may decide on its behalf provided that the Chairperson's decision is ratified at the next sitting of the Council; or
(b) by a decision of the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, if the Houses are in recess.
Composition
112. A joint committee on a Bill consists of an Assembly portfolio committee and the corresponding Council select committee.
Chairpersons
113. A joint committee on a Bill is co-chaired by the chairperson of the Assembly portfolio committee and the chairperson of the Council select committee.
Functions and powers
114. A joint committee on a Bill must consider the Bill referred to it, in accordance with Part 3 and other relevant provisions of Chapter 4 of the Joint Rules.
Decisions
115. A question before a joint committee is decided when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) the Assembly component, by a vote taken in terms of the Assembly rules applicable to portfolio committees; and
(b) the Council component, by a vote taken in terms of the Council rules applicable to select committees.
Participation of local government
116. A joint committee must invite the representatives of organised local government in the Council to designate one of them to attend, and to speak in, the committee, but that
representative may not vote.
Part 10: Committees on security services
Joint Committee on Oversight of Security Matters
117. (1) There is a Joint Committee on Oversight of Security Matters consisting of Assembly and Council members as set out in subrules (2) and (3).
(2) The members of the Committee in the Assembly component must be appointed in such a way that -
(a) the majority party in the Assembly has 13 members;
(b) the largest minority party in the Assembly has three members;
(c) the second largest minority party in the Assembly has two members; and
(d) each of the other parties in the Assembly has one member.
(3) The Council component consists of the members of the select committee responsible for security matters.
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
118. The Joint Committee must elect one of its members from the one House as the chairperson and another of its members from the other House as the deputy chairperson of the Committee.
Functions
119. (1) The Joint Committee has oversight of the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service to give effect to the principles of transparency and accountability as envisaged in section 199(8) of the Constitution, and for that purpose the Committee must meet at least once a year to do an annual review of the security service concerned, including a review of -
(a) the budget, functioning, organisation, armaments, policy, morale and state of preparedness of the South African National Defence Force; and
(b) the budget, functioning, organisation, policy and morale of the South African Police Service.
(2) The Committee -
(a) must report to both Houses before the end of May every year on its annual review; and
(b) may at any time report to the Assembly and the Council on any other matter relating to parliamentary oversight of the security services concerned.
Note: 1. Draft rules 117 to 119 are proposed to give effect to the
requirements of section 199(8) of the Constitution that multi-party
parliamentary committees must have oversight of the security services in
a matter determined by national legislation or the rules and orders of
Parliament.
2. The main function of the Joint Committee on Security Matters will be to do an annual overview of the SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service.
3. In addition to the Joint Committee, the relevant Portfolio Committee of the Assembly and Select Committee of the Council will have their usual oversight powers, to be exercised throughout the year on a continuous basis.
4. The intelligence Services are dealt with separately in rule 120.
5. Rules 117 to 119 will have to stand over until section 228 of the l993 Constitution is repealed. Until such repeal the Joint Standing Committee on Defence established by that section must perform the oversight function concerning the South African National Defence Force.
Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence
120. The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence established by the Intelligence Services Control Act, 1994 (Act 40 of 1994), must perform the oversight function concerning the intelligence services as required by section 199(8) of the Constitution.
Part 11: Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests
Establishment
121. There is a Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests.
Composition
122. (1) The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests consists of -
(a) eighteen Assembly members; and
(b) nine permanent members of the Council.
(2) The Committee must be composed in such a way that the majority party in Parliament has one member more than the combined total of members representing all other parties in the Committee..
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
123. (1) The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests must elect one of its members from the one House as its chairperson and one of its members from the other House as its deputy chairperson.
(2) The chairperson and deputy chairperson are not entitled to remuneration.
(3) The chairperson presides at meetings of the Committee.
(4) If the chairperson is unable to perform his or her function the deputy chairperson performs the functions of the chairperson.
Functions
124. (1) The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests must -
(a) implement the Code of Conduct for Assembly and permanent Council members set out in the Schedule;
(b) develop standards of ethical conduct for Assembly and Council members;
(c) serve as an advisory and consultative body, both generally and to members, concerning the implementation and interpretation of the Code;
(d) regularly review the Code and make recommendations for its amendment; and.
(e) perform the other functions and exercise the other powers reasonably assigned to the Committee in the Code and in terms of resolutions adopted in both Houses.
(2) The Committee must report to both Houses at least annually on the operation and effectiveness of the Code.
Public access
125. Meetings of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests must be held in closed session when the Committee considers a matter affecting a specific Assembly or Council member and the Committee regards that matter to be confidential.
Decisions
126. A question before the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests is decided when there is agreement on the question among the majority of the members present, provided at least half of its members are present.
Confidentiality
127. (1) Each member and alternate member of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests must swear or affirm, before either the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council, depending on the House of which that person is a member, to comply with the requirements of confidentiality set out in the Code.
(2) The Registrar appointed in terms of the Code and each member of the staff assigned for the work of the Committee must swear or affirm, before either the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Council, to comply with the requirements of confidentiality set out in the Code.
Part 12: Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality
of Life and Status of Women
Establishment
128. There is a Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women.
Composition
129. (1) The Joint Committee consists of both Assembly and Council members appointed in such a way that -
(a) the party that holds the largest number of seats in the Assembly, has eleven members;
(b) the party that holds the second largest number of such seats, has three members; and
(c) the party that holds the third largest number of such seats, has two members; and
(d) the other parties that hold seats in the Assembly, has one member each.
(2) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, appoint the
members of the Committee on the advice of -
(a) the Chief Whips of the majority party in the Assembly and in the Council, when a member representing the majority party is appointed; or
(b) the most senior whips of a minority party in the Assembly and in the Council, when a member representing that party is appointed.
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
130. The Joint Committee must elect one of its members from the one House as its chairperson and another of its members from the other House as its deputy chairperson.
Functions
131. The Joint Committee must -
(a) monitor and evaluate progress with regard to the improvement in the quality of life and status of women in South Africa, with specific reference to the Government's
commitments -
(i) to the Beijing platform of action; and
(ii) with regard to the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; and
(iii) to any other applicable international instruments;
(b) may make recommendations to both or either of the Houses, or any joint or House committee, on any matter arising from paragraph (a) or (b).
Decisions
132. A question before the Joint Committee is decided when there is agreement among the majority of the members.
Part 13: Joint Monitoring Committee on Reconstruction and Development
Establishment
133. There is a Joint Monitoring Committee on Reconstruction and Development.
Composition
134. (1) The Joint Committee consists of Assembly and Council members appointed in such a way that -
(a) in the Assembly component -
(i) the majority party in the Assembly has eleven members;
(iv) the largest minority party in the Assembly has three members;
(v) the other minority parties in the Assembly have one member each; and
(b) in the Council component -
(i) the provinces have one member each; and
(ii) each party in the Council that does not have the majority of seats in at least one provincial legislature, has one member each.
(2) Members for the Committee must be selected from among members of those
Assembly portfolio and Council select committees involved in matters directly relevant to the reconstruction and development programme.
(3) The Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, appoint the
members of the Committee on the advice of -
(a) the Chief Whips of the majority party in the Assembly and the Council, when a member representing the majority party is appointed; or
(b) the most senior whips of a minority party in the Assembly and the Council, when a member representing that minority party is appointed.
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
135. The Joint Committee must elect one of its members from the one House as its chairperson and another of its members from the other House as its deputy chairperson.
Function
136. The Joint Committee -
(a) must monitor and evaluate the implementation of the reconstruction and development
programme; and
(b) may make recommendations to either or both Houses, or any joint or House committee, on a matter concerning the reconstruction an development programme.
Decisions
137. A question before the Joint Committee is decided when there is agreement between -
(a) the majority of the Assembly component; and
(b) the majority of the Council component.
Part 14: Ad Hoc Joint Committees
Establishment
138. (1) An ad hoc joint committee may be established for the performance any specific task -
(a) by resolution adopted in both Houses; or
(b) if both or any of the Houses are in recess, by decision of the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly after consulting the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly and the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Council.
(2) The resolution or decision establishing an ad hoc committee must include time frames for -
(a) the completion of any steps in performing the task for which the committee was established; and
(b) the completion of the task:
(3) An ad hoc joint committee has those of the powers listed in joint rule 14A only as are specified in the resolution or decision.
(4) Any decision by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council to appoint an
ad hoc committee in terms of subrule (1) (b) must -
(a) be tabled in the Houses for ratification by the Houses; and
(b) be tabled in a House on its first sitting day after the decision was taken.
(5) An ad hoc joint committee ceases to exist -
(a) when it has completed the task for which it was established;
(b) when the date for completion of the task has expired; or
(c) if it is dissolved by the Houses earlier.
Composition
139. (1) The resolutions establishing an ad hoc joint committee must specify either the names of the committee members or the number of committee members from each House.
(2) lf the resolutions specify only the number of committee members from each House -
(a) the Speaker must appoint the Assembly members who are to serve on the committee; and
(b) the Chairperson of the Council must appoint the Council members who are to serve on the committee.
Chairpersons
140. A member of the Assembly component of an ad hoc committee elected by that component and a member of the Council component elected by that component are the co-chairpersons of the committee.
Decisions
141. Except when the resolutions establishing an ad hoc joint committee provide otherwise, a question before the ad hoc committee is decided when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) the Assembly component, by a vote taken in terms of the Assembly rules applicable to portfolio committees; and
(b) the Council component, by a vote taken in terms of the Council rules applicable to select committees.
Part 15: Joint committees appointed by Assembly and Council resolution
Establishment
142. The Assembly and the Council may by resolutions adopted in the Assembly and the Council establish any joint committee.
Composition
143. (1) The resolutions establishing the joint committee must specify either the names of the committee members or the number of committee members from each House.
(2) If the resolutions specify only the number of committee members
from each House -
(a) the Speaker must appoint the Assembly members who are to serve on the committee; and
(b) the Chairperson of the Council must appoint the Council members who are to serve on the committee.
Functions and powers
144. (1) The resolutions establishing a joint committee in terms of this Part must specify the functions of the committee.
(2) Such a joint committee has those of the powers listed in joint rule 32 only as are specified in the resolutions.
Chairpersons
145. A member of the Assembly component of a joint committee elected by that component and a member of the Council component elected by that component are the co-chairpersons of the committee.
Decisions
146. Except when the resolutions establishing a joint committee provide otherwise, a question before the committee is decided when there is agreement on the question between -
(a) the Assembly component, by a vote taken in terms of the Assembly rules applicable to portfolio committees; and
(b) the Council component, by a vote taken in terms of the Council rules applicable to select committees.
Part 16: Conferring by House committees
Conferring powers of House committees.
147. (1) A committee of a House may confer with the corresponding committee of the other House.
(2) Conferring must take place -
(a) if the Assembly and the Council, by resolution adopted in each House, decide that it is necessary; or
(b) if, during a recess of both or any of the Houses, the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, so decide.
Chairpersons
148. When House committees meet to confer the chairpersons of the respective committees co-chair the meeting except when one of them takes the chair by agreement between them.
Part 17: Leader of Government Business in Parliament
Establishment
149. There is a Leader of Government Business in Parliament who must be a Cabinet member designated by the President.
Role
150. The Leader of Government Business in Parliament is responsible for -
(a) the affairs of the national executive in Parliament;
(b) the programming of parliamentary business initiated by the national executive, within the time allocated for that purpose;
(c) arranging the attendance of Cabinet members, as appropriate, in respect of parliamentary business generally; and
(d) performing any other function provided for by the Joint Rules or a resolution of the Assembly or the Council or resolutions adopted in both Houses.
Part 18: Joint Tagging Mechanism
Establishment
151. There is a Joint Tagging Mechanism consisting of -
(a) the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker; and
(b) the Chairperson and the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council.
Functions
152. The JTM serves, for purposes of parliamentary proceedings -
(a) as a decision-making structure to make final rulings in accordance with -
(i) joint rule l60 on the classification of all Bills introduced in the Assembly or the Council; and
(ii) joint rule 191 on whether a mixed section 75/76 Bill may be proceeded with or is out of order; and
(b) as a consultative structure for Assembly members and committees, Council members and committees, provincial delegations to the Council and joint committees to ensure that amendments to Bills do not render the Bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order in terms of joint rule 161.
Operating procedure
153. (1) Whenever the JTM must rule on the classification of a Bill or on a question whether a Bill or an amendment to a Bill is constitutionally or procedurally in order in terms of joint rule 161, the Bill, and a legal opinion on its classification or on the relevant question, must be submitted to the members of the JTM.
(2) The JTM decides the classification of a Bill or the question concerned by consensus. Consensus is reached when all available members of the JTM agree, provided that at least one from each House agrees.
(3) lf there is no consensus the JTM must obtain a second legal opinion preferably from a constitutional expert approved by the JTM.
(4) When a matter is re-submitted to the members of the JTM they must without delay take a final decision on the matter, but are not bound by any legal advice.
(5) lf the JTM is unable to reach consensus on the matter, the matter must be reported to the Assembly and the Council.
(6) lf the Houses cannot resolve the matter through any other mechanisms at their
disposal, a House may by resolution declare a dispute and apply to the Constitutional Court to resolve the dispute.
Submission of views to JTM
154. (1) Assembly and Council members and committees and provincial legislatures may submit their views on the classification of a Bill to the JTM in writing within the period stated in the ATC which may not be less than three working days.
(2) The JTM may not classify a Bill before the expiry of the period stated in the ATC.
JTM to be available at short notice
155. The JTM must be available at short notice, also during a recess of both or either of the Houses.
Time limits
156. The Joint Programme Committee may -
(a) set a time limit for the JTM to make a final ruling on a Bill referred to it; or
(b) extend any time limit set under paragraph (a).
Notification of classifications and findings
157. The JTM's classification of and, when appropriate, its findings on a Bill must without delay be -
(a) tabled in the Assembly and the Council; and
(b) conveyed to any Assembly committee, Council committee or joint committee to which the Bill may have been referred.
Binding force of JTM'S classifications and findings
158. For the purposes of all parliamentary proceedings the JTM's classification of and findings on a Bill are final and binding on both Houses.
Note: Presiding officers to give guidance whether rules on chairing and
calling of JTM meetings are necessary.
CHAPTER 4
JOINT LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Part 1: Steps prior to introduction of Bills
Submission of draft Bills as approved by Cabinet to Speaker and Chairperson of Council
159. (1) A Cabinet member or Deputy Minister who intends introducing a Bill in the Assembly or who initiates the introduction of a Bill in the Council, must as soon as possible after the Bill has been approved by Cabinet, submit to the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council -
(a) the draft of the proposed Bill as approved by Cabinet, whether or not the draft has been legally or technically formalised as a proper draft Bill; and
(b) a memorandum explaining the objects of the proposed legislation.
Note: It is highly desirable that portfolio and select committees be informed of the content of proposed legislation well before the introduction of the legislation in order to assist them in planning and developing views on the legislation.
(2) The Speaker must refer the draft of the proposed Bill and the memorandum to the responsible portfolio committee and the Chairperson of the Council must refer the draft of the proposed Bill and the memorandum to the responsible select committee and the provincial legislatures in order -
(a) to assist the committee and legislatures in planning their work; and
(b) to enable the committee members and legislatures to acquaint themselves with and to develop their positions with regard to the proposed legislation.
(3) The Leader of Government Business in Parliament must liaise with Cabinet members to facilitate the implementation of this rule.
(4) This rule does not apply to -
(a) a money Bill in respect of which the responsible Minister follows the special introductory procedure set out in Assembly rule 288; or
(b) any other Bills in respect of which premature disclosure of their contents may result in prejudice to the state or the general public.
Part 2: Classification of Bills
Referral of Bills to JTM
160. (1) When a Bill is introduced it must without delay be referred to the JTM for classification in terms of this rule.
(2) When a Bill introduced as à constitution amendment Bill is referred to the JTM, it must make a finding on whether-
(a) the Bill is in fact a constitution amendment Bill;
(b) the Bill is in terms of section 74 of the Constitution required to be passed by both Houses or only by the Assembly;
(c) the Bill or any of its provisions is in terms of section 74 required to be passed by the Assembly with a supporting vote of at least two thirds or with a supporting vote of at least 75 per cent of the members;
(d) the Bill or any of its provisions is in terms of section 74 (8) required to be approved by any province or provinces before it is passed by the Council; and
(e) the Bill is constitutionally and procedurally in order.
(3) When a Bill introduced as a section 75 Bill is referred to the JTM, it must make a finding on whether the Bill -
(a) is in fact a section 75 Bill;
(b) includes any provisions to which the procedure prescribed in section 76 of the Constitution applies; and
(c) is constitutionally and procedurally in order.
(4) When a Bill introduced as a section 76 Bill is referred to the JTM, it must
make a finding on whether the Bill -
(a) is in fact a section 76 Bill and if so, which of subsections (3), (4) or (5) of that section applies to the Bill;
(b) includes any provisions to which the procedure prescribed in section 75 applies; and
(c) is constitutionally and procedurally in order.
(5) When a Bill introduced as a mixed section 75/76 Bill is referred to the JTM, it must make a finding on whether the Bill -
(a) is in fact a mixed section 75/76 Bill; and
(b) is constitutionally and procedurally in order.
(6) Once it has made its findings, the JTM must classify the Bill as-
(a) a constitution amendment Bill;
(b) a section 75 Bill; or
(c) a money Bill;
(d) a section 76 Bill;
(e) a mixed section 75/76 Bill; or
(f) a Bill that is constitutionally or procedurally out of order.
When Bills are out of order
161. (1) A Bill is constitutionally out of order if it is in breach of -
(a) section 73 (2) or (4) of the Constitution, in that it was incorrectly introduced by an unauthorised person or committee;
(b) section 73 (3), in that the Bill was incorrectly introduced in the wrong House;
(c) section 74 (4), in that it contains both constitutional amendments and other provisions unconnected with those constitutional amendments;
(d) section 74 (5), in that the procedure prescribed in that section as a precondition for the introduction of the Bill has not been complied with; or
(e) section 77 (1), in that it is a money Bill that also deals with matters which are not subordinate and incidental to the appropriation of money or the imposition of taxes, levies or duties.
(2) A Bill is procedurally out of order if-
(a) the procedure prescribed in either the Assembly or Council rules as a precondition for the introduction of a Bill in the particular House has not been complied with;
(b) it is in breach of joint rule 172 in that it is a constitution amendment Bill that contains both constitutional amendments that may be passed by the Assembly alone and constitutional amendments that are required to be passed also by the Council;
(c) it is in breach of joint rule 193 in that it is a mixed section 75/76 Bill that was introduced in the Council; or
(d) it is in breach of joint rule 93 (b) in that a deadline set for the introduction of the Bill was not met and late introduction was not authorised
(3) Except as provided for in subrule (1) the JTM may not make a finding on
the constitutional validity of the contents of a Bill.
Consequence of classification of Bill as constitutionally or procedurally out of order .
162. (1) lf the JTM classifies a Bill as constitutionally or procedurally out of order the Bill may not be proceeded with.
(2) Subrule (1) does not prevent a Bill-
(a) from being corrected and re-introduced, if it was found to be defective because of its contents; or
(b) from being re-introduced in accordance with the correct procedure, if it was found to be defective on a procedural point.
Reclassification of Bills
163. (1) The JTM may change the classification -
(a) of a mixed section 75/76 Bill to section 75 and section 76 Bills, if the Bill is split in terms of joint rule 194 (2)(a)(i), 196 (2)(a) or 200 (2) into separate section 75 and section 76 Bills;
(b) of a mixed section 75/76 Bill to either a section 75 or a section 76 Bill, if the Bill is amended in terms of joint rule 194 (2)(a)(ii) to become a section 75 or a section 76 Bill; or
(c) of a section 75 or a section 76 Bill to a mixed section 75/76 Bill, or a section 75 Bill to a section 76 Bill, or a section 76 to a section 75 Bill, but only if -
(i) the Bill was introduced in the Assembly; and
(ii) the Bill is amended before Second Reading of the Bill in the Assembly to become a mixed section 75/76 Bill, a section 76 Bill or a section 75 Bill, as the case may be.
(2) If the JTM reclassifies a Bill as a mixed section 75/76 Bill it must take a decision on the Bill as required by joint rule 191 (1)(a).
JTM may rule amendments constitutionally or procedurally out of order
164. (1) At any time before a House decides on an amendment to a Bill, the JTM may-
(a) rule the amendment constitutionally or procedurally out of order in terms of joint rule 161, whether or not the amendment has been referred to the JTM; and
(b) prescribe an ad hoc procedure with regard to the Bill to meet any procedural complications arising from its ruling in terms of paragraph (a).
(2) An amendment ruled out of order by the JTM may not be proceeded with.
(3) The JTM must without delay report to both Houses on any decision
taken in terms of subrule (1).
Part 3: Consideration of Bills by Joint Committees
Application
165. The provisions of this Part apply to Bills -
(a) introduced in the Assembly that are referred before Second Reading of the Bill in the Assembly to a joint committee established in terms of joint rule 111;
(b) introduced in the Council that are referred before the Council decides on the Bill to such a joint committee; or
(c) recommitted to such a joint committee in terms of the Assembly or Council rules to consider amendments proposed in the House concerned.
Referral to joint committee
166. A Bill must be referred to a joint committee-
(a) if the Assembly and the Council, by resolutions adopted in the Assembly and the Council, so decide, but if the Council is not sitting the Chairperson of the Council may decide on its behalf provided the Chairperson's decision is ratified at the next sitting of the Council; or
(b) if, during a recess of both or one of the Houses, the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council, acting jointly, so decide.
Process in committee
167. (1) lf the Bill has been published for public comment in terms of the Assembly or Council rules, the joint committee to which the Bill is referred may arrange its business in such a manner that interested persons and institutions have an opportunity to comment on the Bill.
(2) lf a Bill has not been published for public comment, and the committee considers public comment on the Bill to be necessary, it may by way of invitations, press statements, advertisements or in any other manner, invite the public to comment on the Bill.
(3) The committee -
(a) must enquire into the subject of the Bill and report on it to both the Assembly and the Council;
(b) if it is a Bill amending provisions of an Act, may seek the permission of the Houses to inquire into amending other provisions of that Act;
(c) may consult the member in charge of the Bill;
(d) may consult any other joint committee or any Assembly or Council committee that has a direct interest in the substance of the Bill;
(e) may consult the JTM on whether any amendments to the Bill proposed in the committee -
(i) may affect the classification of the Bill: or
(ii) may render the Bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the meaning of joint rule 161;
(f) may not propose an amendment that -
(i) changes the classification of the Bill except as provided for in subrule (4) and joint rule 163; or
(ii) renders the Bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the
meaning of joint rule 161;
(g) may recommend approval or rejection of the Bill or present with its report an amended Bill or a redraft of the Bill; and
(h) must report to both Houses in accordance with joint rule 168.
(4) The committee may propose an amendment that changes the classification
of a section 75 or section 76 Bill to a mixed 75/76 Bill only if the JTM is of the view that the Bill as amended is unlikely to lead to unmanageable procedural complications.
Note: Subrule (4) must be suspended until the proposed procedure for mixed Bills is implemented.
Joint committee's report
168. (1) The joint committee to which a Bill is referred must table in both Houses -
(a) its report;
(b) the Bill that has been agreed on by it, or if it has not agreed on a Bill, the Bill as referred to it; and
(c) the supporting memorandum which was introduced with the Bill or, if the memorandum has been amended by the committee, the amended memorandum.
(2) The joint committee to which a Bill is referred may report to the Houses only after the JTM has classified the Bill and has made its findings on the Bill.
(3) In its report the committee-
(a) must state the JTM'S classification of and findings on the Bill;
(b) must state whether it recommends approval of the Bill with or without amendments, a redraft of the Bill, or rejection of the Bill;
(c) must specify each amendment if an amended Bill (other than a redraft of the Bill) was agreed on by it, and each amendment which was considered and, for a reason other than its being out of order, was rejected by it;
(d) must specify each amendment rejected by the committee if a redrafted Bill was agreed on by it;
(e) must, if it is not a unanimous report-
(i) specify in which respects there was not consensus; and
(ii) in addition to the majority report, express any views of a minority in the committee;
(f) may specify such details or information about its enquiry and any representations or evidence received or taken by it, as it may consider necessary for the purposes of the debate on the Bill in the Assembly and the Council ;
(g) may report on any matter arising from its deliberations on the Bill but which is not necessarily related to the Bill; and
(h) may recommend to the Assembly or the Council that any matter contained in the report be placed on the Order Paper of the Assembly or the Council for separate consideration either before or after the House considers the Bill.
Explanation of report
169. A co-chairperson or other member of the committee who tables the report in the Assembly or the Council on behalf of the committee, may, if the committee has so recommended in its report, address the Assembly or the Council in order to explain the report.
Referral of amendments proposed in a House to joint committee
170. (1) lf a Bill is recommitted to a joint committee in terms of the Assembly or Council rules to consider amendments placed on a House's Order Paper by members, the committee-
(a) may consider only those clauses of the Bill in respect of which amendments have been placed on the Order Paper and any consequential amendments that have to be effected;
(b) may consult the JTM on whether any of the amendments-
(i) affects the JTM'S classification of the Bill; or
(ii) renders the Bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order
within the meaning of joint rule 161;
(c) must mention in its report each amendment agreed on by the committee;
(d) must specify in the report each amendment placed on the Order Paper by the person in charge of the Bill but rejected by the committee;
(e) may not agree on any amendment that -
(i) changes the classification of the Bill except as provided for in subrule (3) and joint rule 163; or
(ii) renders the Bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the
meaning of joint rule 161; and
(f) must table its report together with the Bill in both the Assembly and the Council.
(2) Subrule (1)(d) applies only if the person in charge of the Bill is a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister.
(3) The committee may agree on an amendment that changes the classification of a section 75 or section 76 Bill to a mixed 75/76 Bill only if the JTM is of the view that the Bill as amended is unlikely to lead to unmanageable procedural complications.
Note: Subrule (3) must be suspended until the proposed procedure for mixed Bills is implemented.
Absence of consensus or report
171. (1) lf a joint committee fails to reach consensus or if it is unable to report on a Bill or on any amendment referred to it in terms of joint rule 170 -
(a) the joint committee must report to the Houses that it cannot reach consensus; or
(c) the chairpersons of the committee must inform the Speaker and the Chairperson of the Council that the committee was unable to reach consensus.
(2) The Bill is then dealt with in terms of the rules of the respective Houses.
Part 4: Joint Business, Constitution Amendment Bills
Contents of constitution amendment Bills
172. Constitutional amendments that may be passed by the Assembly alone may not be contained in a Bill that contains constitutional amendments that are required to be passed also by the Council.
Process if Assembly approves Second Reading
173. lf the Assembly approves the Second Reading of a constitution amendment Bill, the Secretary must without delay submit the Bill -
(a) to the President for assent, if the Bill is not in terms of section 74 of the Constitution required to be passed by the Council; or
(b) to the Chairperson of the Council to deal with the Bill in terms of the Council rules, if the Bill is in terms of section 74 required to be passed also by the Council.
Constitutional amendments affecting specific provinces
174. (1) A constitution amendment Bill referred to in section 74 (8) of the Constitution may not be passed by the Council unless the Bill, or the affected part of it, has been approved by the provincial legislature or legislatures of the province or provinces concerned.
(2) lf the whole Bill requires the approval of a specific provincial legislature or legislatures and that legislature or any or all of those legislatures refuse to grant such approval, the Bill lapses.
(3) lf only a part of the Bill requires the approval of a specific provincial legislature or legislatures and that legislature or any or all of those legislatures refuse to grant such approval, that part of the Bill lapses, but the rest of the Bill may be proceeded with subject to amendments needed to remove the affected part of the Bill.
(4) lf a Bill referred to in subrule (3) has already been passed by the Assembly, the Bill must be referred back to the Assembly for reconsideration and amendment in terms of the Assembly rules.
Process if Council passes Bill
175. lf the Council passes a constitution amendment Bill, the Secretary must without delay
submit the Bill -
(a) to the President for assent if the Council has passed the Assembly's version of the Bill; or
(b) to the Speaker if the Council has amended the Bill.
Assembly must consider Council amendments
176. (1) lf the Council amends a constitution amendment Bill the Assembly must consider the amendments in terms of its own rules and either reject or pass the amended Bill.
(2) lf the Assembly passes the amended Bill the Secretary must without delay submit the Bill to the President for assent.
Referral to Mediation Committee in event of disagreement between Houses
177. (1) A constitution amendment Bill must be referred to the Mediation
Committee if -
(a) the Council rejects the Bill as passed by the Assembly;
or
(b) the Council has amended the Bill and the Assembly rejects the Council's amended version.
(2) A Bill must be referred to the Mediation Committee within seven working days after the Council or the Assembly has rejected the Bill in terms of subrule (1).
(3) The Secretary must within the period mentioned in subrule (2) provide the members the Mediation Committee with -
(a) a copy of the rejected Bill;
(b) a copy of each version of the Bill that was tabled or considered in either of the Houses;
(c) copies of the documents that accompanied the Bill when it was introduced; and
(d) copies of all committee reports on the Bill.
(3) A Bill is regarded as having been referred to the Mediation Committee -
(a