narules

National Assembly Rules

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RULES (as of June 1999)

CHAPTER 1

APPLICATION, SUPPLEMENTING AND SUSPENSION OF RULES

Definitions

1. In these Rules, unless the context otherwise indicates —

"Assembly" means the National Assembly;

"ATC" means the document entitled Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports;

"Chief Whip" means the chief whip of the majority party;

"classification", with reference to a bill, means the classification of a bill in terms of Joint Rule 160 (6) or the reclassification of a bill in terms of Joint Rule 163;

"constitutional institution" means —

(a) any State institution mentioned in section 181 of the Constitution; or

(b) any other institution established, or of which the establishment is required, in terms of

a specific provision of the Constitution;

"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;

"Gazette" means the national Government Gazette;

"JTM" means the Joint Tagging Mechanism established by Joint Rule 151;

"member" means a member of the Assembly;

"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" —

(a) with reference to a bill introduced by a Cabinet member, a Deputy Minister or an Assembly member, means that Cabinet member, Deputy Minister or Assembly member;

(b) with reference to a bill introduced by an Assembly committee, means the chairperson or any other member of the committee designated by the committee;

(d) with reference to a section 76 (2) bill introduced on behalf of a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister in the Council, means that Cabinet member or Deputy Minister;

(e) with reference to a section 76 (2) bill introduced in the Council, other than bills referred to in paragraph (d), means the Assembly member designated in terms of Joint Rule 217 (2);

"recess", with reference to the Assembly, means a period determined as a recess by the Programme Committee, or by resolution of the Assembly, during which the business

of the Assembly is interrupted;

"Secretary" means the Secretary to Parliament;

"section 75 bill" means a bill to which the procedure prescribed in section 75 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;

"sitting day" means a day on which the Assembly sits;

"special petition" means a petition requesting a pension or other specific or personal relief from the State which is not authorised by law;

"term", in relation to the Assembly, means the period for which the Assembly is elected in terms of section 49 (1) of the Constitution;

"tabling", in relation to a document, the placing of a document on the Table of the Assembly;

"working day" means any day of the week except —

(a) Saturday and Sunday;

(b) a public holiday in terms of the Public Holidays Act, 1994 (Act No 36 of 1994); and

Unforeseen eventualities

2. (1) The Speaker may give a ruling or frame a Rule in respect of any eventuality for which these Rules do not provide.

(2) A Rule framed by the Speaker shall remain in force until a meeting of the Rules Committee has decided thereon.

Suspension

3. (1) Any provision of these Rules relating to the business or proceedings at a meeting of this House or of a committee of this House, may be suspended by resolution of this House.

(2) The suspension of any provision shall be limited in its operation to the particular purpose for which such suspension has been approved.

Non-diminution or non-limitation of Rules

4. No convention or Rule of practice shall limit or inhibit any provision of these Rules.

Application to President of the Republic

5. When the President of the Republic takes his or her seat in a Chamber, these Rules shall apply to him or her as they apply to a Minister.

President of the Republic and other non-members

6. A reference in these Rules to a member or a Minister shall be construed as a reference also to the President of the Republic while taking his or her seat in a Chamber, and to the Deputy President, or a Minister or Deputy Minister who is not a member of this House.

CHAPTER 2

PROCEEDINGS IN CONNECTION WITH COMMENCEMENT OF SESSION

Convening notice read, and oath or affirmation by members

7. (1) At the commencement of the proceedings of this House on the first day of its first session the Secretary, or an officer of Parliament nominated by him or her, shall read the notice convening this House under section 51(1) of the Constitution.

(2) Whenever necessary members shall be sworn or make affirmation [see section 48 of the Constitution].

Election of President of the Republic

8. At its first sitting this House shall elect one of its members as the President of the Republic [see section 86(1) and (2) of the Constitution].

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

9. At its first sitting, after the election of the President of the Republic, this House shall proceed to the election of one of its members to be the Speaker of this House and another to be the Deputy Speaker of this House [see section 52 of the Constitution].

Opening of Parliament or annual session

10. The Speaker shall inform this House of the time at which the President will open Parliament or an annual session of Parliament, and the proceedings shall then be suspended until the President has delivered his or her Opening Address.

Opening Address reported

11. The Speaker shall report to this House the President's Opening Address.

Opening Address placed on Order Paper

12. When the President has delivered his or her Opening Address, the Secretary to Parliament shall place it on the Order Paper of this House for discussion.

CHAPTER 3

PRESIDING OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

Part 1: Presiding Officers

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

13. (1) Whenever it is necessary to elect a Speaker or a Deputy Speaker, the Secretary or an officer of Parliament nominated by him or her, shall inform this House accordingly, whereupon this House shall forthwith or at a time announced by the Secretary or such officer proceed to the election in terms of section 52 of the Constitution.

(2) The member elected shall, from his or her place, express his or her sense of the honour conferred upon him or her.

Election of other presiding officers

14. This House shall elect a member as Chairperson of Committees and another member as Deputy Chairperson of Committees, for the duration of the House.

Relief of Speaker

15. The Deputy Speaker or the Chairperson of Committees or the Deputy Chairperson of Committees shall take the Chair whenever requested to do so by the Speaker during a sitting of this House.

Absence of Speaker

16. (1) Whenever the Speaker is absent or unable to perform the functions of the office of Speaker, or whenever that office is vacant, the Deputy Speaker shall act as Speaker.

(2) Whenever both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are absent or unable to perform the functions of the office of Speaker, or whenever both offices are vacant, the Chairperson of Committees (or, in his or her absence, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees) shall act as Speaker.

Continued absence of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

17. Whenever this House has been informed of the likelihood of the continued absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker for longer than seven consecutive Parliamentary working days, this House may appoint a member to act as Deputy Chairperson of Committees while the Chairperson of Committees acts as Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees as Chairperson of Committees, until the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker resumes the Chair or this House decides otherwise.

Absence of presiding officers

18. Whenever this House has been informed that all the elected presiding officers are unavoidably absent, this House shall forthwith elect one of its members to act as Speaker for that day only, the question being put by the Secretary.

Part 2: Members

Oath or affirmation

19. (1) When the convening notice has been read at the commencement of the proceedings of this House on the first day on which it meets after a general election at which members of this House were elected, members shall be sworn or shall make affirmation.

(2) At all other times members may be introduced and conducted to the Table by not more than two members in order to be sworn or to make affirmation [see section 48 of the Constitution].

Leave of absence

20. (1) A member who wishes to absent himself or herself from sittings of this House, or of any other Parliamentary forum of which he or she is a member, for 15 or more consecutive days on which this House or such forum sits, shall, before so absenting himself or herself, obtain the leave of this House or of a committee of this House authorised to grant such leave.

[NOTE: This Subrule will have to be adapted in accordance with section 47(3)(b) of the Constitution.]

(2) The grant of such leave by this House shall be moved by the chief whip of the party to which the member desiring the leave belongs or by the Leader of the House.

[NOTE: Application of reference to "Leader of the House" to be resolved.]

(3) If such leave is granted by a committee, a report by the committee to that effect shall be presented to this House and be published in the Minutes of Proceedings.

Leader of the Opposition

21. The leader of the largest party in the Assembly that is not in government must be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.

CHAPTER 4

SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY

Part 1: General

Forums for public proceedings

22. Subject to the Constitution and to these Rules and practice, proceedings are conducted in public —

(a) at meetings of this House;

(b) in extended public committees of this House; and

Sitting days and hours of sitting

23. (1) Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays shall be Parliamentary working days.

(2) The business of this House may be considered by it on these days, and the hours of sitting on these days shall be as follows:

Mondays to Thursdays:

From 14:15, or such later time as the Speaker determines, to adjournment

Fridays:

On the second Friday of a session the hours of sitting shall be as follows:

14:15 to adjournment

On the third Friday of a session and thereafter the hours of sitting shall be as follows:

From 10:00, or such later time as the Speaker determines, to adjournment

(3) On Wednesdays before the Easter recess the business of committees shall be considered by them between 09:00 and 12:45 and between 14:15 and 16:30, unless special circumstances require otherwise.

(4) New Year's Day, Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Family Day, Freedom Day, Workers' Day, Youth Day, National Women's Day, Heritage Day, the Day of Reconciliation, Christmas Day and the Day of Goodwill shall not be sitting days of this House or any committee: Provided that, if any of these days falls on a Sunday, this House or any committee shall not sit on the following Monday.

[NOTE: This Rule will need to be reviewed in view of the definition of "working day" in Chapter 1.]

Change of venue

24. Before directing under section 51(3) of the Constitution that this House shall sit at a place other than the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town, the Speaker shall consult the Leader of the House and the Chief Whip of each party represented in this House.

Part 2: Sittings in plenary

Quorum

25. The presence of at least one third or, when a vote is taken on a bill, of at least one half of all the members of this House, other than the Speaker or other presiding member, shall be necessary to constitute a meeting of this House.

[NOTE: Wording of this Rule is not inconsistent with the Constitution but must be brought in line with section 53.]

Absence of quorum

26. (1) If there is no quorum present at the time appointed for the meeting of this House, the Speaker shall take the Chair as soon as a quorum is present.

(2) If a quorum is still not present at the expiration of half an hour after the time appointed for the meeting, the Speaker shall take the Chair and adjourn this House.

(3) If the attention of the presiding officer is called to the absence of a quorum and if after an interval of three minutes, during which time the bells shall be rung, there is still no quorum, the presiding officer may suspend the proceedings or adjourn this House or postpone the decision of the question.

Adjournment owing to absence of quorum

27. (1) Whenever this House is adjourned owing to the absence of a quorum, the time of such adjournment, as well as the names of the members present, shall be recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings.

(2) Any member calling the attention of the presiding officer to the absence of a quorum shall be held to be present, whether present or not, when the members are counted.

Opportunity for prayer or meditation

28. At the commencement of Parliamentary business on every sitting day the presiding officer shall afford members an opportunity for silent prayer or meditation.

Sequence of proceedings

29. Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and these Rules, and unless altered by resolution of this House, the business on each sitting day of this House, shall, where applicable, follow the following sequence of events:

(1) Opportunity for silent prayer or meditation;

(2) announcements from the Chair;

(3) notices of motion;

(4) formal motions;

(5) opportunity for statements by members;

(6) opportunity for statements and personal explanations by Cabinet members;

(7) petitions;

(8) Orders of the Day and notices of motion on the Order Paper, which shall be dealt with in sequence: Provided that precedence shall be given to questions and interpellations on Question Days.

Interruption, suspension or adjournment of proceedings

30. (1) The proceedings of this House or a committee of this House shall be interrupted, suspended or adjourned by the presiding officer.

(2) The presiding officer may in consultation with the Leader of this House adjourn this House until a later Parliamentary working day than the following sitting day: Provided that during such adjournment the Speaker may accelerate or postpone the date for the resumption of business.

[NOTE: For application of reference to "Leader of this House", see Rule 222 and section 91(4) of the Constitution].

Part 3: Extended public committees

Business of extended public committee

31. Any bill or any provision of a bill may be discussed in an extended public committee.

Members

32. An extended public committee in respect of a bill or any provision of a bill shall consist of the members of the portfolio committee under which the bill or provision falls, and all other members of this House who attend the proceedings of the extended public committee [see Rule 201(1)].

Chairperson of extended public committee

33. The Speaker shall appoint the chairperson of an extended public committee from the ranks of the elected presiding officers of this House.

Relief of chairperson

34. A member of an extended public committee shall take the Chair whenever requested to do so by the chairperson of the committee.

Part 4: Appropriation committees

Referral of business to appropriation committee

35. This House may by resolution refer —

(a) a vote in the schedule to an appropriation bill which appears on the Order Paper for consideration; or

(b) a provision of a taxation bill which appears on the Order Paper for consideration, to an appropriation committee of this House for discussion.

Members

36. An appropriation committee of this House shall consist of the members of the portfolio committee under which the subject of the vote or taxation provision referred to the appropriation committee falls, or the members of a committee specified in the resolution of referral, and all other members of this House who attend the proceedings of the appropriation committee.

Chairperson

37. The Chair of an appropriation committee may be taken by the Chairperson of Committees, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees or a member appointed by the Speaker for that purpose.

Relief of chairperson

38. Any member of an appropriation committee may take the Chair whenever requested to do so by the chairperson of the committee during a sitting of the committee.

Sitting days and times of meeting

39. The days on which and times at which an appropriation committee shall meet, shall be determined by the Leader of this House.

[NOTE: For application of reference to "Leader of the House", see Rule 222 and section 91(4) of the Constitution.]

Part 5: Public access

Admittance of strangers

40. The power to admit strangers to the precincts of this House or an extended public committee or an appropriation committee of this House, and the places set apart for them in a Chamber, shall vest in the Speaker, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.

Withdrawal of strangers

41. The presiding officer may, whenever he or she thinks fit, order strangers to withdraw.

Serjeant-at-Arms to remove strangers

42. Subject to the provisions of Rule 43, the Serjeant-at-Arms shall remove, or cause to be removed, any stranger from any part of a Chamber which has been set apart for members only, and also any stranger who, having been admitted into any other part of the Chamber, misconducts himself or herself or does not withdraw when strangers are ordered to withdraw.

Visiting Heads of State

43. The Speaker, acting after consultation with the Leader of the House, may invite any Head of State who is on a State visit to the Republic, to address this House.

CHAPTER 5

ORDER IN PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RULES OF DEBATE

Part 1: Order in meetings

Freedom of speech and debate

44. (1) In accordance with section 55(2) of the Constitution, 1993, there shall be freedom of speech and debate in or before this House and any committee thereof, or any joint committee of Parliament, subject only to the restrictions placed on such freedom in terms of or under the Constitution, any other law or these Rules.

(2) In accordance with section 55(3) of the Constitution, 1993, and subject to these Rules, a member of this House shall not be liable to any civil or criminal proceedings, arrest, imprisonment or damages by reason of anything which he or she has said, produced or submitted in or before or to this House or any committee thereof, or any joint committee, or by reason of anything which may have been revealed as a result of what he or she has said, produced or submitted in or before or to this House or any such committee.

[NOTE: This Rule is based on the wording of the 1993 Constitution and will have to be adapted in line with the wording of sections 45(2) and 58 of the 1996 Constitution.]

Conduct of members

45. (1) Every member is to be uncovered when he or she enters or leaves the Chamber, or moves to any other part of the Chamber during a debate, unless the Speaker directs otherwise, and shall bow to the Chair in passing to or from his or her seat.

(2) No member shall pass between the Chair and the member who is speaking, nor between the Chair and the Table, nor stand in any of the passages or gangways.

Members not to converse aloud

46. During debate no member shall converse aloud.

Member not to be interrupted

47. No member shall interrupt another member whilst speaking, except to call attention to a point of order or a question of privilege.

Order at adjournment

48. When a meeting adjourns, members shall rise and remain in their places until the presiding officer has left the Chamber.

Precedence of presiding officer

49. Whenever the presiding officer rises during a debate, any member then speaking or offering to speak shall resume his or her seat, and the presiding officer shall be heard without interruption.

Irrelevance or repetition

50. The presiding officer, after having called attention to the conduct of a member who persists in irrelevance or repetition of arguments, may direct the member to discontinue his or her speech.

Member ordered to withdraw

51. If the presiding officer is of the opinion that a member is deliberately contravening a provision of these Rules, or that a member is in contempt of or is disregarding the authority of the Chair, or that a member's conduct is grossly disorderly, he or she may order the member to withdraw immediately from the Chamber for the remainder of the day's sitting.

Naming or suspension of member

52. If a presiding officer is of the opinion that a contravention committed by a member of this House is of so serious a nature that an order to withdraw from the Chamber for the remainder of the day's sitting is inadequate, the presiding officer may —

(a) if he or she is the Speaker, suspend the member; or

(b) if he or she is not the Speaker, name the member, whereupon the Speaker, after consultation with the presiding officer, may take such action as he or she deems necessary.

Member to withdraw from precincts of Parliament

53. (1) A member ordered to withdraw from the Chamber or suspended or named shall, subject to Subrule (2), forthwith withdraw from the precincts of Parliament.

(2) If a presiding officer other than the Speaker orders a member of this House to withdraw from the Chamber and the member is a Minister or a Deputy Minister, the Speaker shall, after consultation with the presiding officer, order the member to withdraw from the precincts of Parliament or take such other action as the Speaker deems necessary.

(3) The action taken against a member by the Speaker under Rule 52(b) or Subrule (1) of this Rule shall be announced in this House.

(4) A member of this House who has been named shall not return to the precincts of Parliament before the action taken against him or her by the Speaker has been announced.

Period of suspension

54. The suspension of a member shall on the first occasion during a session continue for 5 Parliamentary working days, on the second occasion for 10 Parliamentary working days, and on any subsequent occasion for 20 Parliamentary working days.

Expression of regret

55. (1) A member of this House who has been suspended or named may submit to the Speaker a written expression of regret, and if the Speaker approves such expression of regret, he or she may discharge the suspension or permit the member to take his or her seat, and the Speaker shall inform this House accordingly.

(2) An expression of regret approved by the Speaker shall be recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings.

Grave disorder

56. In the event of grave disorder at a meeting, the presiding officer may adjourn the meeting, or may suspend the proceedings for a period to be stated by him or her.

Member to withdraw while his or her conduct is debated

57. Whenever a charge is made against a member, he or she shall, after having been heard from his or her place, withdraw from the Chamber while such charge is being debated.

Part 2: Rules of debate

Member to address Chair

58. (1) Every member desiring to speak shall stand while addressing the Chair.

(2) At a sitting in the Chamber of the National Assembly a member may only speak from the podium, except —

(a) to raise a point of order or a question of privilege; and

(b) to furnish an explanation in terms of Rule 69(1), when he or she may address the Chair from a microphone on the floor of the Chamber.

Calling of members

59. A member shall be called in a debate by the presiding officer in accordance with a list of members who are to speak in the debate and the times allocated for speeches by members of different parties.

Time limits for speeches

60. Unless otherwise provided in these Rules, members shall be restricted, in regard to the length of time they may speak, to the times allocated to them in the list contemplated in Rule 59, and if or in so far as times have not been so allocated —

(a) the President, Deputy President, the leader of the largest minority party and the member in charge of the business before a meeting, shall not be restricted in regard to the length of time they may speak; and

[NOTE: Relook reference to "leader of the largest minority party" in the light of Rule 21.]

(b) members other than those mentioned in paragraph (a) may not speak for longer than 10 minutes at a time on a vote in the schedule to an appropriation bill or 30 minutes at a time on any other business before a meeting.

Reference to member by name

61. No member shall refer to any other member by his or her first name or names only.

Member not to read speech

62. A member shall as far as possible refrain from reading his or her speech, but may refresh his or her memory by referring to notes.

Offensive language

63. No member shall use offensive or unbecoming language.

Reflections upon decisions of same session

64. No member shall reflect upon any decision of this House of the same session, except for the purpose of moving that such decision be amended or rescinded.

Reflections upon statutes

65. No member shall reflect upon any statute of the same session, except for the purpose of moving for its amendment or repeal.

Reflections upon judges, etc

66. No member shall reflect upon the competence or honour of a judge of a superior court, or of the holder of an office (other than a member of the Government) whose removal from such office is dependent upon a decision of this House, except upon a substantive motion in this House alleging facts which, if true, would in the opinion of the Speaker prima facie warrant such a decision.

Matters sub judice

67. No member shall refer to any matter on which a judicial decision is pending.

Rule of anticipation

68. (1) No member shall anticipate the discussion of a matter appearing on the Order Paper.

(2) In determining whether a discussion is out of order on the ground of anticipation, the presiding officer shall have regard to the probability that the matter anticipated will be discussed in this House or at a joint sitting within a reasonable time.

Explanations

69. (1) An explanation during debate is allowed only when a material part of a member's speech has been misquoted or misunderstood, but such member shall not be permitted to introduce any new matter, and no debate shall be allowed upon such explanation.

(2) A member may, with the prior consent of the presiding officer, also explain matters of a personal nature, but such matters may not be debated, and the member shall confine himself or herself strictly to the vindication of his or her own conduct and may not speak for longer than three minutes.

Points of order

70. When a point of order is raised, the member called to order shall resume his or her seat, and after the point of order has been stated to the presiding officer by the member raising it, the presiding officer shall give his or her ruling or decision thereon either forthwith or subsequently.

Acting for absent member

71. A member may take charge of a motion or an order of the day in the absence of the member in charge, provided he or she has been authorised to do so by the absent member.

Right of members to speak

72. A member may speak —

(a) when called upon to do so by the presiding officer; or

(b) to a point of order.

When reply allowed

73. A reply shall be allowed to the member introducing a subject for discussion (except in the case of the President's Opening Address) or to the member in charge of an order of the day.

Debate closed

74. A reply to a debate closes the debate.

CHAPTER 6

DECISION OF QUESTIONS

Decision of postponed questions

75. Whenever it is expedient to do so, a day may be determined for the decision of questions by this House.

Decision of question postponed

76. When the debate on a question has been concluded in this House, the presiding officer may postpone the decision of the question.

Electronic voting system

77. (1) At a sitting of this House held in a Chamber where an electronic voting system is in operation, questions may at the discretion of the presiding officer be decided by the utilisation of such system in accordance with a procedure determined by the Speaker.

(2) Where no electronic voting system is in operation or where such a system is in operation but not utilised, questions shall be decided in accordance with the provisions of Rules 78 to 93.

Postponed question put without further debate

78. A question to be decided after the debate thereon has been concluded in this House or in an extended public committee or in an appropriation committee of the House, shall be put without further debate.

Question put again

79. If the presiding officer has put a question and it is not heard or understood, he or she shall put it again.

Question fully put

80. (1) No member, except a member who is permitted to make a declaration of vote, shall speak to any question after it has been fully put by the presiding officer.

(2) A question shall be deemed to have been fully put when the voices of both the ``Ayes'' and the ``Noes'' have been given thereon.

Declaration of vote

81. (1) The presiding officer may at any time after a question has been fully put permit one member of each political party to state on behalf of his or her party, in a speech not exceeding three minutes, the reasons why the party is in favour of or against the question.

(2) A member addressing the Chair in terms of Subrule (1), may read out aloud a written formulation of his or her party's viewpoint, and deliver a signed copy thereof at the Table for inclusion in the Minutes of Proceedings.

Recording of opposition

82. (1) Whenever a question is put by the presiding officer, any member may, instead of demanding a division, inform the presiding officer that he or she wishes his or her opposition or that of the party to which he or she belongs to be formally recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings.

(2) The presiding officer may order that a division take place in the event of four or more members wishing to record their individual opposition.

Demand for division

83. After a question has been put and the presiding officer has indicated whether in his or her opinion the ``Ayes'' or the ``Noes'' have it, any member may demand a division, whereupon a division shall, subject to Rule 84, take place without debate.

Fewer than four members supporting demand for division

84. (1) Whenever a division is demanded, the presiding officer shall, before ordering the division bells to be rung, satisfy himself or herself that at least four members support the demand for the division.

(2) If fewer than four members rise in support thereof, the presiding officer shall forthwith declare the decision on the question.

Division bells rung and doors locked

85. (1) If the required number of members support the demand for a division, the division bells shall be rung and the doors shall be locked as soon after the lapse of three minutes as the presiding officer may direct, but if further divisions are required to dispose of the question and such divisions follow immediately upon the first division, the division bells shall again be rung and the doors shall be locked as soon after the lapse of 15 seconds as the presiding officer may direct.

(2) When the doors have been locked, no member shall enter or leave the Chamber until the result of the division has been declared.

Procedure after doors locked

86. (1) Subject to Subrule (3), the presiding officer shall again put the question when the doors have been locked.

(2) Thereupon the presiding officer shall indicate on which side of the Chair the ``Ayes'' and the ``Noes'' shall take their seats and he or she shall appoint tellers for each side.

(3) After the lapse of the periods prescribed by Rule 85 the presiding officer may again put the question and may declare afresh whether in his or her opinion the ``Ayes'' or the ``Noes'' have it, in which case a division shall take place only if such fresh declaration is challenged.

Minority consisting of fewer than 15 members

87. When, on a division taking place, fewer than 15 members appear on one side, the presiding officer shall forthwith declare the decision on the question.

Member calling for division to vote with minority

88. A member demanding a division shall not leave the Chamber until the result of the division has been declared and shall vote with those who, in the opinion of the presiding officer, are in the minority.

Members present shall vote

89. (1) Every member present in the Chamber when the question is put with the doors locked shall vote.

(2) The provisions of Subrule (1) do not apply to the President of the Republic or to a Minister who is not a member of this House [see section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution].

Points of order during division

90. While a division is in progress, members may speak to a point of order arising out of or during the division.

Result to be declared

91. The tellers shall sign the division lists and hand them to the presiding officer, who shall declare the result of the division.

Confusion or error concerning division

92. In the event of confusion or error concerning a division, another division shall take place, unless the numbers can be corrected otherwise.

Correction of Minutes

93. If the numbers have been inaccurately reported or error occurs in the names on the division lists, the presiding officer shall order the Minutes of Proceedings to be corrected.

CHAPTER 7

MOTIONS

Nature of motions

94. A member may propose a subject for discussion, or a draft resolution for approval as a resolution of this House.

Same question Rule

95. (1) No matter shall be proposed for discussion in this House which is the same in substance as a matter that has been discussed in it during the same session.

(2) (a) No draft resolution shall be moved in this House which is the same in substance as a draft resolution which has been approved or rejected by it during the same session.

(b) The order, resolution or vote on such previous draft resolution may be amended or rescinded.

No amendment to draft resolution

96. No amendment to a draft resolution may be moved, except an amendment —

(a) to a draft resolution on a question of privilege;

(b) to substitute the name of another member for the name of a member in a draft resolution; or

Motions without notice

97. Every motion requires notice, except a motion —

(a) by way of amendment to a draft resolution permitted in terms of these Rules;

(b) raising a point of order or a question of privilege;

(d) referring a bill to a committee;

(e) by the member in charge, proposing a draft resolution on the report of a committee immediately after the debate on the report has been concluded;

(f) specially excepted by these Rules; or

(g) in regard to which notice is dispensed with by the unanimous concurrence of all the members present.

Notice of motion

98. (1) When giving notice of a motion a member shall —

(a) read it aloud and deliver at the Table a signed copy of the notice; or

(b) deliver to the Secretary a signed copy of the notice on any Parliamentary working day, for placing on the Order Paper.

(2) Written notices of motion delivered to the Secretary after 12:00 on any Parliamentary working day may be placed on the Order Paper of the second sitting day thereafter and not earlier, unless in a particular case the Speaker determines otherwise.

(3) Except with the unanimous concurrence of all the members present, no motion shall be moved on the day on which notice thereof is given.

Acting for absent member

99. A member may give notice of a motion on behalf of an absent member, provided he or she has been authorised to do so by the absent member.

Speaker may amend notices

100. Any notice of a motion which offends against the practice or these Rules may be amended or otherwise dealt with as the Speaker may decide.

Questions of privilege

101. An urgent motion directly concerning the privileges of this House shall take precedence of other motions and of orders of the day.

Withdrawal and lapsing of motion

102. A member who has moved a motion may move without notice that it be withdrawn.

CHAPTER 8

DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Matter of public importance

103. (1) A private member may request the Speaker to place a matter of public importance on the Order Paper for discussion.

(2) The member shall make the request to the Speaker before the adjournment of this House on the previous sitting day.

(3) Such a discussion shall not exceed the time allocated for it by the Speaker after consultation with the Leader of the House.

[NOTE: For application of reference of "Leader of the House", see Rule 222 and Section 91(4) of the Constitution.]

(4) If 15 minutes before the expiration of the allocated time a member other than the responsible Minister is speaking, the presiding officer shall interrupt such member and shall ascertain from the Minister whether or not he or she wishes to reply.

(5) (a) Questions of privilege may not be discussed under this Rule.

(b) Matters already discussed by this House during the same session may not be discussed under this Rule.

Matter of urgent public importance

104. (1) A private member may on any sitting day request the Speaker in writing to allow a matter of urgent public importance to be discussed by this House.

(2) The request shall be made to the Speaker before 12:00 on days on which this House sits at 14:15 or at least one hour prior to an earlier or later time appointed for a sitting.

(3) If the Speaker grants the request, the presiding officer shall announce it in this House, and debate on the matter shall stand over until the time appointed by the presiding officer.

(4) Such a discussion shall not exceed the time allocated for it by the Speaker after consultation with the Leader of the House.

[NOTE: For application of reference of "Leader of the House", see Rule 222 and Section 91(4) of the Constitution.]

(5) If 15 minutes before the expiration of the allocated time a member other than the responsible Minister is speaking, the presiding officer shall interrupt such member and shall ascertain from the Minister whether or not he or she wishes to reply.

(6) (a) Questions of privilege may not be discussed under this Rule.

(b) Matters already discussed by this House during the same session may not be discussed under this Rule.

(7) The Rule of anticipation shall not apply during such a debate.

(8) Not more than one matter shall be discussed on the same day under this Rule.

CHAPTER 9

STATEMENTS BY CABINET MEMBERS AND ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

Statements by members

105. (1) A member, other than the Deputy President, a Minister or the leader of a party, may be recognised by the Chair to make a statement on any matter for not more than one and a half minutes.

(2) Members of each party are entitled to make a number of statements in substantially the same proportion in which their parties are represented in the Assembly, provided that each party must have the right to make at least one statement.

(3) If a member, for whatever reason, during the sequence of proceedings, fails to utilise the opportunity to make a statement, the party to which that member belongs forfeits that opportunity.

(4) Members of the various parties must be recognised in the following order:

(a) a member of the majority party; and

(b) a member of each of the other parties in the order of the size of their membership in the Assembly, provided that a member of the majority party must be recognised each time after a member of another party has made a statement or has been given the opportunity to do so.

(5) The process in Subrule (4) must continue until statements by members are exhausted or the time allotted for statements by members has expired, whichever occurs first.

(6) At the conclusion of statements by members, a Cabinet member present must be given an opportunity to respond, for not more than two minutes, to any statement directed to that Cabinet member or made in respect of that Cabinet member's portfolio.

(7) The total time allotted for responses by Cabinet members may not exceed 30 minutes.

Executive statements

106. (1) A Cabinet member may make a factual or policy statement relating to government policy, any executive action or other similar matter of which the Assembly should be informed.

(2) The time allotted to a Cabinet member making an executive statement in terms of Subrule (1) may not exceed 20 minutes, except with the consent of the Assembly.

(3) Whenever possible, a copy of an executive statement must be delivered to the leader of each party, or that leader's representative, at or before the time the statement is made in the Assembly.

(4) After any executive statement has been made, the Cabinet member concerned must, if applicable, table a compendium of background information.

(5) Following any executive statement, a member or members of each of the parties may comment on the executive statement for not more than three minutes per party, commencing with the official opposition and followed by other parties in the order of the size of their membership in the Assembly.

CHAPTER 10

INTERPELLATIONS AND QUESTIONS

Part 1: General

Notice

107. (1) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules or with the prior consent of the Speaker —

(a) notice shall be given of each interpellation selected for reply by the whips' committee in this House and of each question by placing it on the Question Paper; and

(b) no interpellation or question for oral reply shall be asked on the day on which notice thereof is given.

(2) A member who desires to give notice of an interpellation or a question shall deliver to the Secretary for placement on the Question Paper a signed copy of the notice, indicating the day on which the interpellation or question will be put.

(3) A member may give notice of an interpellation or a question or take charge of an interpellation on behalf of an absent member, provided he or she has been authorised to do so by the absent member.

(4) Any notice of an interpellation or a question which offends against the practice or these Rules may be amended or otherwise dealt with as the Speaker may decide.

(5) No interpellation or question may be addressed to any person other than a member of the Cabinet.

Part 2: Interpellations

Form and placing

108. (1) An interpellation shall consist of a question containing not more than two subdivisions.

(2) An interpellation may be placed on the Question Paper for reply on a day at least one Parliamentary working day after the day on which it appears on it for the first time: Provided that the Speaker may, in consultation with the whips' committee, consent to an interpellation on a matter of urgent public importance being taken at shorter notice in substitution of an interpellation of which due notice has been given.

Procedure

109. After the presiding officer has formally put the interpellation from the Chair—

(a) the responsible Minister shall reply to the interpellation in a speech not exceeding three minutes;

(b) the interpellant shall respond to the Minister's reply in a speech not exceeding three minutes; and

(c) in the remainder of the allotted 15 minutes, the Minister and other members may speak for up to two minutes at a time: Provided that the Minister shall be restricted to two such additional turns to speak, including an opportunity to reply to the debate.

Precedence

110. Interpellations shall have precedence on Wednesdays.

Number of interpellation debates

111. The number of interpellation debates on one and the same day shall be limited to four 15-minute debates.

Part 3: Questions

Placing and arrangement

112. (1) Questions delivered to the Secretary before 12:00 on any Parliamentary working day may appear on the Question Paper on the second sitting day thereafter and not earlier.

(2) Subject to this Rule, the Secretary shall place the questions on the Question Paper in the order in which they are handed to him or her.

(3) Questions for oral reply shall be dealt with in the following order:

(a) Questions to the President standing over from previous question days;

(b) new questions to the President;

(d) new questions to the Deputy President;

(e) questions to Ministers standing over from previous question days; and

(f) new questions to Ministers.

Questions for oral reply

Period for which notices may be set down

113. (1) No notice of a question shall be placed on the Question Paper for oral reply on a day beyond 11 consecutive Parliamentary working days following the day upon which it appears on the Question Paper for the first time.

(2) A question for oral reply may be placed on the Question Paper for reply on a day at least 5 Parliamentary working days after the day on which it appears on the Question Paper for the first time.

Form of questions

114. (1) (a) A member who desires an oral reply to a question shall distinguish it by an asterisk.

(b) If the Speaker is of the opinion that a question deals with matters of a statistical nature, he or she may direct that such question be placed on the Question Paper for written reply.

(2) Questions for oral reply shall be limited to two questions per member per question day.

(3) A question for oral reply shall contain not more than five subdivisions.

(4) Not more than four questions for oral reply shall be put to a Minister in respect of any one Government department on any particular question day.

(5) The restrictions imposed by Subrules (1)(b), (2), (3) and (4) shall not apply to questions for written reply placed on the Question Paper for oral reply in terms of Rule 117.

Times allotted

115. (1) (a) Questions for oral reply shall be taken immediately after interpellations on Wednesdays.

(b) Any unused portions of the times allotted for interpellations shall be used for replies to questions.

(2) The time allotted for questions shall be 30 minutes.

(3) Replies to questions for oral reply which have not been reached on the expiration of the time allotted shall be handed to the Secretary for inclusion in the Official Report of the Debates of this House.

Questions for written reply

Form of questions

116. (1) Questions for written reply may be placed on the Question Paper for reply on any Parliamentary working day: Provided that such questions shall be delivered to the Secretary before 12:00 on the Tuesday of the Parliamentary working week during which they are to be placed on the Question Paper for reply.

(2) A question for written reply shall contain not more than 15 subdivisions.

(3) Questions for written reply shall be limited per member to three in respect of any one Parliamentary working week.

Written question not replied to

117. If the responsible Minister has not within 10 Parliamentary working days of the day for which a question has been set down for written reply furnished a reply to the question, the Secretary shall, if the member in whose name the question stands so requests, place the question on the Question Paper for oral reply.

CHAPTER 11

MESSAGES

Messages from Council

118. A message received from the Council shall be recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings, or be made known in such other manner as the Speaker may determine.

Messages to President of the Republic

119. A message from this House to the President of the Republic shall be signed by the Speaker and the Secretary.

Messages from President of the Republic

120. (1) All communications from the President of the Republic to this House shall, if he or she does not take his or her seat in this House or in a joint sitting, be by message.

(2) The message shall be presented to this House by the presiding officer, may in the discretion of the presiding officer be read out by him or her and shall be printed in the Minutes of Proceedings.

(3) The consideration of the message may be placed on the Order Paper, or the presiding officer may interrupt business at the request of the Leader of the House in order that precedence may be given to the consideration of the message: Provided that a message whereby the President of the Republic calls a sitting of Parliament [see section 42(5) of the Constitution] shall not be considered.

[NOTE: For application of reference to "Leader of the House", see Rule 222 and section 91(4) of the Constitution.]

CHAPTER 12

COMMITTEE SYSTEM

Part 1: Introduction

List of committees

121. (1) The Assembly has the following committees:

(a) the Rules Committee established by Rule 158;

(b) the Programme Committee established by Rule 187;

(d) the Committee of Chairpersons established by Rule 195;

(e) the portfolio committees that must be established in terms of Rule 199;

(f) the Committee on Public Accounts established by Rule 204;

(g) the Committee on Private Member's Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions established by Rule 209; and

(h) ad hoc committees that may be established in terms of Rule 214.

(2) Other committees may be established but only by —

(a) resolution of the Assembly; or

(b) the Rules Committee.

(3) If a proposal to establish a committee is contained in draft legislation before a portfolio committee, that committee must first refer the proposal to the Rules Committee for a report and recommendation before that committee considers the proposal.

Subcommittees

122. (1) A committee —

(a) has such subcommittees as are established by these Rules; and

(b) may appoint a subcommittee only when —

(i) there is provision for such appointment in these Rules; or

(ii) authorised by the Rules Committee or by resolution of the Assembly.

(2) Subrule (1) does not prevent a 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 subcommittee is contained in draft legislation before a portfolio committee, that committee must first refer the proposal to the 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

123. These Rules also apply to a committee or 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 committees generally

Application of this Part

124. The provisions of this Part apply to all committees established by or in terms of these Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with —

(a) another provision of these Rules applicable in a specific case; or

(b) a resolution of the Assembly.

Composition

125. (1) Parties are entitled to be represented in committees in substantially the same proportion as the proportion in which they are represented in the Assembly, except where —

(a) these Rules prescribe the composition of the committee; or

(b) the number of members in the committee does not allow for all parties to be represented.

(2) Subject to these Rules and the Joint Rules and where practically possible each

party is entitled to at least one representative in a committee.

Appointment procedures

126. (1) Unless these Rules provide otherwise the parties appoint the members of a committee and advise the Speaker accordingly.

(2) The names of the members appointed must be published in the ATC without

delay.

Alternates

127. (1) Alternates may be appointed for one or more specific members of a committee.

(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

128. (1) Members of a 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 committee ceases to be a member and an alternate for a

member ceases to be an alternate if a whip of the party to which that member or alternate belongs gives notice to the Speaker, in writing, that the member or alternate is to be replaced or withdrawn.

Chairpersons

129. (1) A committee must elect one of its members as the chairperson of the committee.

(2) The chairperson of a committee, subject to the other provisions of these Rules

and the directions of the committee —

(a) presides at meetings of the committee;

(b) 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;

(c) performs the functions, tasks and duties and exercises the powers that the committee, resolutions of the Assembly and legislation may assign to the chairperson;

(d) 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.

(3) The chairperson must report to the committee on any steps taken in terms of Subrule (2)(b).

Acting chairpersons

130. (1) If the chairperson of a committee is absent or unable to perform the functions of chairperson, the committee may elect another of its members as acting chairperson.

(2) An acting chairperson performs the functions and may exercise the powers of

the chairperson.

First meetings

131. (1) The Secretary must call a meeting of a committee within five working days after the names of the members of the committee have been announced.

(2) If the Assembly is 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, of the time and place of the meeting at least 14 days before the meeting.

Meetings

132. (1) Committees meet whenever necessary and as determined in accordance with these Rules and the decisions, directives and guidelines of the Programme Committee.

(2) A meeting of a committee may be called in terms of Subrule (1) —

(a) by the chairperson of the committee; or

(b) by resolution of the Assembly.

Quorum

133. (1) A majority of the members of a committee constitutes a quorum, subject to Subrule (2).

(2) A committee may proceed with business irrespective of the number of members present, but may decide a question only if a quorum is present.

(3) When a committee has to decide a question and a quorum is not present, the

member presiding may either suspend business until a quorum is present, or adjourn the meeting.

Co-option when members and alternates not available

134. If a member of a committee and that member's alternate are both absent from a meeting of the committee, the chairperson may co-opt any other Assembly member to act as a member of the committee until that committee member or the alternate member is no longer absent.

Interruption, suspension or adjournment

135. The member presiding at a meeting of a committee may interrupt or suspend the proceedings or adjourn the meeting, and may change the date for the resumption of business.

Charges against members

136. If any information charging an Assembly member comes before a committee, the committee may not proceed upon that information, but must report it to the Speaker without delay.

Reporting

137. (1) A committee must report to the Assembly on a matter referred to the

committee —

(a) when the Assembly is to decide the matter in terms of these Rules, the Joint Rules, a resolution of the Assembly or legislation;

(b) if the committee has taken a decision on the matter, whether or not the Assembly is to decide the matter as contemplated in paragraph (a); or

(2) A committee must report to the Assembly 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 committee —

(a) must be submitted to the Assembly by the chairperson or another member of the committee designated by the committee; and

(b) may request that the chairperson or another member of the committee designated by the committee introduces or explains the report in the Assembly.

(4) A committee may not submit a minority report except where provided for in

these Rules.

(5) If a 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 Assembly, it may make a request to that effect in the report.

General powers

138. For the purposes of performing its functions a committee may, subject to the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of these Rules and resolutions of the

Assembly —

(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;

(d) permit oral evidence on petitions, representations, submissions and any other matter before the committee;

(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 the Assembly is not sitting;

(iii) at a time when the Assembly is sitting; or

(iv) during a recess;

(h) exercise any other powers assigned to it by the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of these Rules or resolutions of the Assembly.

Conferring powers of committees

139. (1) A committee may confer with any other committee of the Assembly.

(2) Committees must confer —

(a) if the Assembly instructs them to confer; or

(b) during a recess, if the Speaker, with the concurrence of the Chief Whip, instructs them to confer.

(3) When committees meet to confer the respective chairpersons of the committees co-chair the meeting.

Part 3: Rules applicable to subcommittees generally

Application of this Part

140. The provisions of this Part apply to all subcommittees established by or in terms of these Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with —

(a) another provision of these Rules applicable in a specific case; or

(b) a resolution of the Assembly.

General Rules

141. (1) A subcommittee established by or in terms of these 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 these Rules and any directives, guidelines or regulations issued by the parent committee;

(d) may determine its own procedure, subject to these Rules, any directives of the parent committee or resolutions of the Assembly;

(e) may only make recommendations to its parent committee; and

(f) must report to its parent committee regularly or when requested by the parent committee.

(2) The parent committee of a 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 limits 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

142. (1) A parent committee may appoint alternates from among its members for

one or more specific members of a 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

143. (1) The members of a subcommittee established by a provision of these 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 subcommittee established by a committee in terms of a provision of these

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 subcommittee ceases to be a member and an alternate for a

member ceases to be an alternate if a whip of the party to which that member or alternate belongs gives notice to the Speaker, in writing, that the member or alternate is to be replaced or withdrawn.

Chairpersons

144. (1) The parent committee of a subcommittee must designate a member of the subcommittee as the chairperson of the subcommittee.

(2) The chairperson of a subcommittee, subject to the other provisions of these

Rules and the directions of the parent committee —

(a) presides at meetings of the subcommittee;

(b) 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

(c) performs the functions, tasks and duties and exercises the powers that the parent committee, resolutions of the Assembly and legislation may assign to the chairperson.

(3) The chairperson must report to the subcommittee on any steps taken in terms of Subrule (2)(b).

Acting chairpersons

145. (1) If the chairperson of a subcommittee is absent or unable to perform the functions of chairperson, the subcommittee may elect another of its members as acting chairperson.

(2) An acting chairperson performs the functions and may exercise the powers of

the chairperson.

Meetings

146. (1) Subcommittees meet whenever necessary and as determined in accordance with these Rules and the decisions, directives and guidelines of the Programme Committee.

(2) A meeting of a subcommittee may be called in terms of Subrule (1) by —

(a) the chairperson of the subcommittee;

(b) the parent committee; or

Matters relating to quorum

147. A subcommittee may proceed with business irrespective of the number of members present.

Decisions

148. (1) A question before a subcommittee is decided by consensus.

(2) If consensus cannot be reached all views in the subcommittee on the question

must be reported to the parent committee.

General powers

149. A subcommittee has the powers listed in Rule 138 only when assigned to it in terms of these Rules or by a resolution of the Assembly.

Part 4: Rules applicable to both committees and subcommittees generally

Application of this Part

150. The provisions of this Part apply to all committees and subcommittees established by or in terms of these Rules except in so far as any of these provisions is inconsistent with —

(a) another provision of these Rules applicable in a specific case; or

(b) a resolution of the Assembly.

Persons appearing before committees

151. Any person, including counsel and attorneys, appearing before a committee or subcommittee must observe the directions and conform to the procedures determined by the chairperson of the committee or subcommittee.

Admission of the public

152. (1) Meetings of committees and subcommittees are open to the public, including the media, and the member presiding may not exclude the public, including the media, from the meeting, except when —

(a) legislation, these Rules or resolutions of the Assembly 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 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 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 may take reasonable measures —

(a) to regulate public access, including access of the media, to the 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.

Presence of other Assembly members

153. (1) A member of the Assembly who is not a member of the committee or subcommittee may be present at a meeting of the committee or subcommittee.

(2) A member mentioned in Subrule (1) who is present at a meeting of a committee or subcommittee —

(a) may speak on a matter before the committee or subcommittee subject to any reasonable restrictions the chairperson may impose; and

(b) may not vote except when the vote is cast as an alternate or as a co-opted member in terms of Rule 127, 134 or 142.

Exclusion of members of the public from meetings

154. The member presiding at a meeting of a 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 Rule 152(1); or

(ii) when necessary to give effect to the measures taken under Rule 152(3); or

(b) order a person referred to in Rule 151 to leave the meeting if that person does not comply with a ruling of the presiding member.

Exclusion of other persons from meetings

155. When the public is excluded from a meeting of a committee or subcommittee in terms of Rule 152(1), the member presiding may order a staff member, a member or official of the executive or a member of Parliament who is not a member of the committee or subcommittee, also to leave the meeting.

Removal of persons

156. When instructed by the presiding member, the Serjeant-at-Arms must remove or arrange for the removal of any person who —

(a) without permission, is present in that part of a committee room designated for members of the committee or subcommittee only;

(b) disrupts the proceedings of the committee or subcommittee or causes a nuisance; or

Publication or disclosure of proceedings, evidence, reports, etc.

157. (1) All documents officially before, or emanating from, a 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, or by resolution of the Assembly:

(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 Rule 152(1).

(b) Any report 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 of the committee or subcommittee; or

(ii) after its submission to members declared by the chairperson 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 committee or subcommittee when —

(a) the presiding member places the document, or permits 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;

(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: Rules Committee

Establishment

158. There is a Rules Committee.

Composition

159. The Rules Committee consists of —

(a) the Speaker;

(b) the Deputy Speaker;

(d) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees; and

(e) no more than 50 other Assembly members appointed by the Speaker.

Chairperson

160. (1) The Speaker is the chairperson of the Rules Committee.

(2) If the Speaker is not available the Deputy Speaker performs the functions of

the Speaker.

Functions and powers

161. (1) The Rules Committee may —

(a) develop, formulate and adopt policy concerning the exclusive business of the Assembly in respect of —

(i) the management, administration and functioning of the Assembly;

(ii) the financial management and policy of the Assembly, including the sources of funding, the budget, income and expenditure of the Assembly;

(iii) the proceedings, procedures, Rules, orders and practices concerning the business of the Assembly; or

(iv) the provision of facilities and other support for Assembly members;

(b) make recommendations to the Assembly concerning the Assembly's annual budget;

(d) make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on any matter falling within the functions and powers of the Committee;

(e) lay down guidelines, issue directives, and formulate regulations regarding any aspect referred to in this Rule;

(f) appoint committees or subcommittees to assist it with the performance of any of its functions or the exercise of any of its powers;

(g) recommend to the Assembly Rules and orders concerning the business of the Assembly; and

(h) perform any other functions assigned to it by legislation, the other provisions of these Rules or resolutions of the Assembly.

(2) The 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

(ii) the Speaker.

Control and management of administration

162. (1) The responsibility for the implementation of policy determined by the Rules Committee and the control and management of all matters relating to the

administration of the Assembly vests in the Speaker subject to the decisions of the Rules Committee and resolutions of the Assembly.

(2) The Speaker, with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, may appoint task teams to assist the Speaker in executing the responsibility mentioned in Subrule (1).

Policy matters requiring decision during recess

163. (1) If during a recess a matter of policy arises that requires a Rules Committee decision but cannot await finilisation when the session resumes, the Speaker may convene a meeting of those of the following office-bearers who are available to decide on the matter:

(a) the Speaker;

(b) the Deputy Speaker;

(d) the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party;

(e) the Chairperson of Committees;

(f) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees;

(g) the chairperson of the relevant Subcommittee of the Rules Committee under whose jurisdiction the matter in question falls;

(h) the most senior whip of each of the other parties in the Assembly or alternate of such whip; and

(i) a committee chairperson designated by the Committee of Chairpersons.

(2) (a) A majority of the members listed in Subrule (1) constitutes a quorum.

(b) The matter before a meeting convened in terms of Subrule (1), is decided when there is agreement on the question among the majority of the members present.

(3) A decision taken in terms of this Rule must be published in the ATC within 3 days after the Assembly reconvenes after the recess.

Decisions

164. A question before the Rules Committee is decided when there is a quorum present and there is agreement on the question among the majority of the members of the Committee.

Subcommittees

165. (1) The Rules Committee has the following subcommittees:

(a) The Subcommittee on the National Assembly Budget;

(b) The Subcommittee on Support for Members;

(d) The Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements;

(e) The Subcommittee on International Relations;

(f) The Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation;

(g) The Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament; and

(h) Any other subcommittees appointed in terms of Rule 161(1)(f).

(2) When the Rules Committee appoints the members of a subcommittee the Committee —

(a) is not restricted to the members of the Rules Committee; and

(b) may appoint any Assembly member.

(3) A subcommittee of the Rules Committee may take a matter to a Joint

Subcommittee of the Joint Rules Committee only if authorised by the Rules Committee.

Subcommittee on the National Assembly Budget

Composition

166. The Subcommittee on the National Assembly Budget consists of Assembly members appointed in such a way that —

(a) the majority party in the Assembly has three members;

(b) the largest minority party in the Assembly has two members; and

Chairperson

167. The Rules Committee must appoint one of the members of the Subcommittee as the chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and powers

168. The Subcommittee may —

(a) make recommendations to the Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding —

(i) the financial management of the Assembly;

(ii) the sources of funding, resources, income and expenditure of the Assembly; and

(iii) the preparation to the Assembly's annual budget;

(b) monitor and oversee the implementation of policy on the matters refereed to in paragraph (a) and make recommendations in this regard to the Rules Committee; and

Subcommittee on Support for Assembly Members

Composition

169. The Subcommittee on Support for Assembly Members consists of —

(a) the Deputy Speaker;

(b) three members of the majority party in the Assembly;

(d) one a member of each of the other minority parties in the Assembly.

Chairperson

170. The Deputy Speaker is chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and powers

171. (1) The Subcommittee may —

(a) make recommendations to the Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding the provisions of facilities and other support for Assembly members, including training of 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 Rules Committee; and

(2) The Subcommittee must consult the Subcommittee on the National Assembly budget on any of its recommendations that has financial implications for the Assembly.

(3) If the Subcommittee on the National Assembly Budget disagrees with the

recommendation, the Subcommittee must report the disagreement to the Rules Committee.

Subcommittee on Review of the National Assembly Rules

Composition

172. The Subcommittee on Review of the National Assembly Rules consists of Assembly

members appointed in such a way that —

(a) the majority party in the Assembly has three members;

(b) the largest minority party in the Assembly has two members; and

Chairperson

173. The Rules Committee must appoint one of the members of the Subcommittee as the chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and Powers

174. The Subcommittee may —

(a) make recommendations to the Rules Committee regarding —

(i) the proceedings, procedures, Rules, orders and practices of the Assembly; and

(ii) the development, formulation or adoption of policy on a matter mentioned in subparagraph (i); and

(b) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Rules Committee.

Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements

Composition

175. The Subcommittee on Internal Arrangements consists of —

(a) the Deputy Speaker;

(b) eight members of the majority party in the Assembly;

(d) one member of each of the other minority parties in the Assembly.

Chairperson

176. The Deputy Speaker is the chairperson of the subcommittee.

Functions and powers

177. The Subcommittee may —

(a) make recommendations to the Rules Committee on the development, formulation and adoption of policy regarding the administration and management of the Assembly, 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 Rules Committee; and

Subcommittee on International Relations

Composition

178. The Subcommittee on International Relations consists of —

(a) the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker;

(b) one member of each of the parties represented in the Assembly and designated by the party concerned;

(d) the Chairperson of Committees; and

(e) three chairpersons of Assembly committees designated by the Committee of Chairpersons.

Chairperson

179. The Speaker is the chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and powers

180. The Subcommittee may —

(a) make recommendations to the 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 Rules Committee; and

Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation

Composition

181. The Subcommittee on Delegated Legislation consists of Assembly members appointed in such a way that —

(a) the majority party in the Assembly has three members;

(b) the largest minority party in the Assembly has two members; and

Chairperson

182. The Rules Committee must appoint one of the members of the Subcommittee as the chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and powers

183. The Subcommittee must —

(a) investigate and make recommendations to the 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) perform any other function and exercise any other power assigned to it by the Rules Committee.

Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament

Composition

184. The Subcommittee on Powers and Privileges of Parliament consists of —

(a) the Speaker;

(b) three members of the majority party in the Assembly;

(d) one member of each of the other minority parties in the Assembly.

Chairperson

185. The Speaker is the chairperson of the Subcommittee.

Functions and powers

186. The Subcommittee —

(a) must review existing legislation, the common law and practice relating to parliamentary powers and privileges;

(b) may make recommendations to the Rules Committee to transform the existing law and practice on parliamentary powers and privileges; and

Part 6: Programme Committee

Establishment

187. There is a Programme Committee.

Composition

188. (1) The Programme Committee consists of —

(a) the Speaker;

(b) the Deputy Speaker;

(d) the Chairperson of Committees;

(e) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees;

(f) the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly;

(g) the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party in the Assembly;

(h) the whip of the majority party responsible for programming;

(i) another two whips of the majority party designated by that party;

(j) one whip and two additional representatives of the largest minority party in the Assembly designated by that party;

(k) one whip and one additional representative of the second largest minority party in the Assembly designated by that party; and

(l) one whip of each of the other minority parties in the Assembly designated by the party concerned.

(2) A whip referred to in Subrule (1)(f) to (l) who is unable to

attend a meeting of the Committee may designate another whip to attend the meeting.

(3) Rule 125 does not apply to this Committee.

Chairperson

189. (1) The Speaker is the chairperson of the Programme Committee.

(2) If the Speaker is not available the Deputy Speaker presides at a meeting of the Committee.

Functions and powers

190. The Programme Committee —

(a) must prepare and, if necessary, from time to time adjust the annual programme of the Assembly, subject to any relevant decisions of the Joint Programme Committee;

(b) must monitor and oversee the implementation of Parliament's annual programme in the Assembly, including the legislative programme;

(c) must implement the Rules regarding the scheduling or programming of the business of the Assembly, and the functioning of Assembly committees and subcommittees;

(d) may make recommendations to the Joint Programme Committee on any matter falling within the functions and powers of that Committee; and

(e) may take decisions and issue directives and guidelines to prioritise or postpone any business of the Assembly, but when the Committee prioritises or postpones any government business in the Assembly it must act with the concurrence of the Leader of Government Business.

Part 7: Disciplinary Committee

Establishment

191. There is a Disciplinary Committee consisting of —

(a) the Deputy Speaker;

(b) a senior whip from each party in the Assembly nominated by the party; and

Chairperson

192. (1) The Deputy Speaker is the chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee.

(2) If the Deputy Speaker is not available, a member of the Committee designated by the Speaker performs the functions of the Deputy Speaker as chairperson of the Committee.

Meetings

193. The Deputy Speaker convenes a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee.

Functions and powers

194. The Disciplinary Committee —

(a) at the Speaker's request, must investigate any alleged infringement by an Assembly member except —

(i) an infringement that involves the privileges or proceedings of Parliament; or

(ii) a breach of the Code of Conduct contained in the Schedule to the Joint Rules; and

(b) must report to the Speaker.

Part 8: Committee of Chairpersons

Establishment

195. There is a Committee of Chairpersons.

Composition

196. (1) The Committee of Chairpersons consists of —

(a) the Chairperson of Committees;

(b) the Deputy Chairperson of Committees; and

(c) the chairperson of each Assembly committee and each Assembly member who is a chairperson or co-chairperson of a joint committee, or an Assembly member of the committee designated by the chairperson.

(2) The Committee may co-opt the chairperson of an ad hoc committee as a

member of the Committee.

Chairperson

197. (1) The Chairperson of Committees presides at meetings of the Committee of Chairpersons.

(2) If the Chairperson of Committees is not available the Deputy Chairperson of

Committees presides at a meeting of the Committee.

Functions and powers

198. The Committee of Chairpersons may make recommendations to the Rules Committee or the Programme Committee regarding any matter affecting the scheduling or functioning of any Assembly committee, subcommittee or other Assembly forum.

Part 9: Portfolio committees

Establishment

199. The Speaker acting with the concurrence of the Rules Committee must —

(a) establish a range of portfolio committees;

(b) assign a portfolio of government affairs to each committee;

and

Composition

200. (1) A portfolio committee consists of the number of Assembly members that the Speaker may determine with the concurrence of the Rules Committee in each case.

(2) A portfolio committee must have no fewer than 15 and no more than 40

members.

Functions

201. (1) A portfolio committee —

(a) must deal with bills and other matters falling within its portfolio as are referred to it in terms of the Constitution, legislation, these Rules, the Joint Rules or by resolution of the Assembly;

(b) must maintain oversight of —

(i) the exercise within its portfolio of national executive authority, including the implementation of legislation;

(ii) any executive organ of State falling within its portfolio;

(iii) any constitutional institution falling within its portfolio; and

(iv) any other body or institution in respect of which oversight was assigned to it;

(c) may monitor, investigate, enquire into and make recommendations concerning any such executive organ of state, constitutional institution or other body or institution, including the legislative programme, budget, rationalisation, restructuring, functioning, organisation, structure, staff and policies of such organ of state, institution or other body or institution;

(d) may consult and liaise with any executive organ of State or constitutional institution; and

(e) must perform any other functions, tasks or duties assigned to it in terms of the Constitution, legislation, these Rules, the Joint Rules or resolutions of the Assembly, including functions, tasks and duties concerning parliamentary oversight or supervision of such executive organs of state, constitutional institutions or other bodies or institutions.

(2) bills and amendments to bills referred to a portfolio committee must be considered by it in accordance with Chapter 11 of these Rules and Chapter 3 of the Joint Rules.

(3) If there is doubt which portfolio committee must deal with a specific matter,

the Speaker in consultation with the Chief Whip must decide the question, subject to any directions of the Rules Committee or a resolution of the Assembly.

Decisions

202. A question before a portfolio committee is decided when a quorum in terms of Rule 133 is present and there is agreement among the majority of the members present.

Subcommittees

203. A portfolio committee may appoint a subcommittee from amongst its members to assist the committee.

Part 10: Committee on Public Accounts

Establishment

204. There is a Committee on Public Accounts.

Composition

205. The Committee on Public Accounts consists of the number of Assembly members that the Speaker may determine with the concurrence of the Rules Committee.

Functions and powers

206. (1) The Committee on Public Accounts —

(a) must consider —

(i) the financial statements of all executive organs of State and constitutional institutions when those statements are submitted to Parliament;

(ii) any audit reports issued on those statements;

(iii) any reports issued by the Auditor-General on the affairs of any executive organ of state, constitutional institution or other public body; and

(iv) any other financial statements or reports referred to the Committee in terms of these Rules;

(b) may report on any of those financial statements or reports to the Assembly;

(d) must perform any other functions, tasks or duties assigned to it in terms of the Constitution, legislation, these Rules, the Joint Rules or resolutions of the Assembly, including functions, tasks and duties concerning parliamentary financial oversight or supervision of executive organs of state, constitutional institutions. or other public bodies.

(2) The Speaker must refer the financial statements and reports

mentioned in paragraph (a)(i), (ii) and (iii) to the Committee when they are submitted to Parliament irrespective of whether they are also referred to another committee.

Subcommittees

207. The Committee on Public Accounts may appoint a subcommittee from amongst its members to assist the Committee.

Notice to portfolio committee

208. When a matter falling within a portfolio committee's competence is to be considered by the Committee on Public Accounts, the chairperson of the Committee, after consultation with the chairperson of the portfolio committee, must give notice to the portfolio committee when that matter will be considered by the Committee.

Part 11: Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions

Establishment

209. There is a Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions.

Composition

210. (1) The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions consists of the number of Assembly members that the Speaker may determine with the concurrence of the Rules Committee.

(2) The members of the Committee are appointed by the Speaker after

consulting —

(a) the Chief Whip, when a member of the majority party is appointed; or

(b) the most senior whip of another party, when a member of that

particular party is appointed.

Functions and powers

211. The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions must consider and make recommendations to the Assembly on —

(a) all legislative proposals made by Assembly members intending to introduce bills and referred to the Committee in terms of Part 2 of Chapter 12 of these Rules; and

(b) all special petitions referred to the Committee by the Speaker in terms of Rule 315.

Decisions

212. A question before the Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions is decided when a quorum in terms of Rule 133 is present and there is agreement among the majority of the members present.

Subcommittees

213. The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions may appoint a subcommittee from amongst its members to assist the Committee.

Part 12: Ad hoc Committees

Establishment

214. (1) An ad hoc committee may be established —

(a) by resolution of the Assembly; or

(b) during an adjournment of the Assembly for a period of more than 14 days, by the Speaker after consulting the Chief Whip and the most senior whip of each of the other parties.

(2) Any decision by the Speaker to appoint an ad hoc committee must be tabled in the Assembly on its first sitting day after the decision was taken, for ratification by the Assembly.

(3) An ad hoc committee may only be established for the performance of a specific task.

(4) The resolution of the Assembly or decision of the Speaker establishing an ad

hoc committee must —

(a) specify the task assigned to the committee; and

(b) set time frames for —

(i) the completion of any steps in performing the task; and

(ii) the completion of the task.

(5) An ad hoc committee has those of the powers listed in Rule 138 only as

are specified in the resolution or decision establishing the committee.

(6) An ad hoc committee ceases to exist —

(a) when it has completed the task for which it was established and has submitted its report to the Assembly;

(b) if it is dissolved by the Assembly earlier; or

Composition

215. (1) The Assembly resolution establishing an ad hoc committee must either specify the number of members to be appointed or the names of the members who are appointed.

(2) The Speaker appoints the members of an ad hoc committee if —

(a) the resolution of the Assembly establishing the ad hoc committee does not specify the names of the committee members; or

(b) the Speaker established the ad hoc committee.

(3) The Speaker must appoint the members of an ad hoc committee established

by —

(a) the Assembly, within five working days after the establishment of the committee;

(b) the Speaker, within ten working days after the establishment of the committee.

(4) When appointing the members of an ad hoc committee the Speaker must

consult —

(a) the Chief Whip, when a member of the majority party is appointed; and

(b) the most senior whip of another party, when a member of that particular party is appointed.

(5) The names of the members appointed must be published in the ATC without

delay.

Decisions

216. Unless a resolution establishing an ad hoc committee provides otherwise a question before an ad hoc committee is decided when a quorum in terms of Rule 133 is present and there is agreement among the majority of the members present.

Part 13: Other structures relating to programming and functioning

Chief Whips' Forum

Establishment

217. There is a Chief Whips' Forum.

Composition

218. (1) The Chief Whips' Forum consists of —

(a) the Speaker;

(b) the Deputy Speaker;

(d) the Chief Whip;

(e) the Deputy Chief Whip of the majority party;

(f) the most senior whip of each of the other parties represented in the Assembly; and

(g) a committee chairperson designated by the Committee of Chairpersons.

(2) A whip referred to in paragraph (d), (e) or (f) who is unable to attend a

meeting of the Committee may designate another whip to attend the meeting.

(3) Rule 127 does not apply to this Committee.

Chairperson

219. (1) The Chief Whip is the chairperson of the Chief Whips' Forum.

(2) If the Chief Whip is not available the Deputy Chief Whip performs the

functions of the Chief Whip.

Meetings

220. (1) The Chief Whip may call a meeting of the Forum on own initiative or upon

request by another member of the Forum, but must call a meeting if the Speaker so requests.

(2) The Forum meets in closed session unless it decides otherwise.

Functions and powers

221. The Chief Whips' Forum acts as a forum —

(a) for the discussion and co-ordination of matters for which the whips are responsible; and

(b) which the Speaker may consult when appropriate.

Arrangement of House business and certain committee meetings

Arrangement of business on Order Paper

222. The Chief Whip must arrange the business of the Assembly on the Order Paper, subject to these Rules, the directives of the Programme Committee and the concurrence of the Leader of Government Business when any government business is prioritised.

Unusual meetings of committees and subcommittees

223. (1) A 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 the Assembly, or at a time when the Assembly is sitting, only with the permission of the Chief Whip.

(2) If a committee or subcommittee applies to the Chief Whip to sit on a day

which is not a working day, or at a venue beyond the seat of Parliament, the Chief Whip may give permission in terms of Subrule (1) only after having consulted the Speaker.

Chairperson of Committees

Scheduling function of Chairperson of Committees

224. The Chairperson of Committees must implement any policy, directive or guideline on the scheduling and co-ordination of meetings of all committees and subcommittees.

Part 14: Miscellaneous committee matters

Composition of Assembly component in Mediation Committee

225. (1) The number of Assembly representatives in the Mediation Committee to which a party is entitled must be determined by multiplying the number of seats the party holds in the Assembly by 9 and dividing the result by 401.

(2) The result, disregarding any decimal fractions, indicates the number of

representatives allocated to the party.

(3) If any number of representatives remains unallocated the

number of representative or representatives are allocated in sequence of the highest decimal fractions referred to in Subrule (2).

(4) If no representative is allocated to a party in terms of Subrules (1) to (3), that party may designate an observer in the Assembly component of the Mediation Committee.

Election of Assembly members to Mediation Committee

226. (1) The Assembly must elect its nine representatives to the Mediation Committee in accordance with the respective allocations made to parties in terms of Rule 225.

(2) Each party must nominate in accordance with its allocation a member or

members for election by the Assembly.

(3) If the Assembly fails to elect a member nominated bv a party, the party must

nominate another member.

Alternates for Assembly representatives in Mediation Committee

227. Alternates for Assembly representatives in the Mediation Committee envisaged in

Joint Rule 105 must be elected in accordance with the same procedure applicable to the election of the Assembly representatives in terms of Rule 226.

Ad hoc joint committees

228. (1) The Speaker must appoint the members of the Assembly who are to serve on an ad hoc joint committee.

(2) The Speaker must cause the names of the members so appointed to be published in the Minutes of Proceedings.

(3) The Speaker must so appoint members whose names have been submitted by the chief or other whip of a party in the Assembly, not exceeding the number of members which such party is entitled to have on the committee.

(4) If the names of members of a party have not been so submitted within two working days after the Speaker has called upon the chief or other whip of a party to submit the names of members to be appointed to the joint committee, such party must be regarded as not willing to participate in the committee.

CHAPTER 13

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Part 1: Introduction

Legislative powers of Assembly

229. (1) The national legislative authority as vested by the Constitution in Parliament confers on the Assembly, in terms of section 44 (1) of the Constitution, the power —

(a) to amend the Constitution;

(b) to pass legislation with regard to any matter, including a matter within a functional area listed in Schedule 4 of the Constitution, but excluding, subject to Subrule (2), a matter within a functional area listed in Schedule 5; and

(c) to assign any of its legislative powers, except the power to amend the Constitution, to any legislative body in another sphere of government.

(2) The Assembly may in terms of section 44 (2) of the Constitution pass legislation falling within a functional area listed in Schedule 5 of the Constitution, when it is necessary —

(a) to maintain national security;

(b) to maintain economic unity;

(d) to establish minimum standards required for the rendering of services; or

(e) to prevent unreasonable action taken by a province which is prejudicial to the interests of another province or to the country as a whole.

(3) Any bill falling within the Assembly's legislative powers may in terms of section 73 (1) of the Constitution be introduced in the Assembly.

(4) In exercising its legislative powers, the Assembly in terms of section 55 of the Constitution may —

(a) consider, pass, amend or reject any legislation before the Assembly; and

(b) initiate or prepare legislation, except money bills.

Initiation of legislation by Assembly

230. (1) The Assembly initiates legislation through its committees and members acting with the permission of the Assembly in terms of these Rules.

(2) Any committee or member of the Assembly may in terms of section 73 (2) of the Constitution introduce a bill in the Assembly that has been initiated in terms of Subrule (1).

Initiation of legislation by national executive

231. (1) The national executive may prepare and initiate legislation in terms of section 85 (2)(d) of the Constitution for introduction in the Assembly.

(2) Such legislation may be introduced in the Assembly by a Cabinet member or a Deputy Minister in terms of section 73 (2) of the Constitution, but only the Minister of Finance may introduce a money bill.

Application of this Chapter

232. (1) The Rules set out in Parts 2, 3 and 12 of this Chapter apply to bills of all types to the extent that those Rules are not inconsistent with the Rules for specific types set out in Parts 4 to 11 of this Chapter.

(2) This Chapter must be read with Chapter 4 of the Joint Rules.

Part 2: Steps prior to introduction

Bills initiated by Cabinet members and Deputy Ministers

Submission of legislative proposals to Speaker

233. (1) A Cabinet member or Deputy Minister intending to introduce a bill in the Assembly must comply with Joint Rule 159 before the bill is introduced.

(2) The Speaker, at the request of a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister, may dispense with this Rule with regard to any particular bill.

Bills initiated by Assembly members in individual capacity

Submission of legislative proposals to Speaker

234. (1) An Assembly member intending to introduce a bill in the Assembly in an individual capacity (other than as a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister) must, for the purpose of obtaining the Assembly's permission in terms of Rule 230 (1), submit to the Speaker a memorandum which —

(a) sets out particulars of the proposed legislation;

(b) explains the objects of the proposed legislation; and

(c) states whether the proposed legislation will have financial implications for the State and, if so, whether those implications may be a determining factor when the proposed legislation is considered.

(2) The Speaker must table the member's memorandum in the Assembly.

Referral of proposals to committee

235. (1) The Speaker must refer the member's memorandum to the Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions.

(2) The Committee must consult the portfolio committee within whose portfolio the proposal falls.

(3) If the Committee after such consultation is of the view that the member's proposal warrants further investigation, but that it may have financial implications for the State request the Speaker to refer the member's memorandum that may be significant enough to affect its desirability, the Committee must request the appropriate portfolio committee to report on the financial implications of the proposal.

(4) After considering the member's memorandum and the portfolio committee's report, if there is such a report, the Committee must recommend that permission either be —

(a) given to the member to proceed with the proposed legislation; or

(b) refused.

(5) If the Committee recommends that the proposed legislation be proceeded with, it may —

(a) express itself on the desirability of the principle of the proposal;

(b) recommend that the Assembly approve the member's proposal in principle; or

Consideration of legislative proposal by Assembly

236. (1) The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions must table in the Assembly the member's memorandum and the Committee's recommendation, including any views of a portfolio committee on the financial or other implications of the proposal.

(2) The Speaker must place the Committee's report together with the member's proposal on the Order Paper for a decision.

(3) The Assembly may —

(a) give permission that the proposal be proceeded with;

(b) refer the proposal back to the Committee or the portfolio committee concerned for a further report; or

(4) If the Assembly gives permission that the proposal be proceeded with, it may,

if it so chooses —

(a) express itself on the desirability of the proposal; or

(b) subject its permission to conditions.

Preparation of draft bill

237. (1) If the Assembly gives permission that the proposal be proceeded with, the member concerned must —

(a) prepare a draft bill, and a memorandum setting out the objects of the bill, in a form and style that complies with any prescribed requirements;

(b) consult the JTM for advice on the classification of the bill; and

(2) The Secretary must reimburse a member for any reasonable expenses incurred by the member in giving effect to Subrule (1), provided that those expenses were approved by the Speaker before they were incurred.

Bills initiated by Assembly Committees

Submission of legislative proposals to Speaker

238. (1) An Assembly committee intending to introduce a bill in the Assembly must, for the purpose of obtaining the Assembly's permission in terms of Rule 230(1), table in the Assembly a memorandum which —

(a) sets out particulars of the proposed legislation;

(b) explains the objects of the proposed legislation; and

(c) states whether the proposed legislation will have financial implications for the State and, if so, gives an account of those implications.

(2) The Speaker must place the proposal on the Order Paper for decision.

(3) The Assembly may —

(a) give permission that the proposal be proceeded with;

(b) refer the proposal back to the committee for reconsideration; or

(4) If the Assembly gives permission that the proposal be

proceeded with, it may, if it so chooses —

(a) express itself on the desirability of the proposal; or

(b) subject its permission to conditions.

Preparation of draft bill

239. (1) If the Assembly gives permission that the proposal be proceeded with, the committee must —

(a) prepare a draft bill, and a memorandum setting out the objects of the bill in a form and style that complies with any prescribed requirements;

(2) If the committee chooses in terms of Rule 241 or 258 to publish the draft bill, it is not bound to publish the bill as it is to be introduced. Instead, the committee may publish any version of the draft bill prepared by it in terms of Subrule (1)(a).

(3) The Committee must report to the Assembly when it publishes the draft bill.

Note: From here the procedures in the next Part apply. See Rule 243, etc.

Consideration of draft bill before introduction

240. Before introducing its bill, the committee —

(a) must arrange its business in such a manner that interested persons and institutions have a period of at least three weeks after the draft bill or particulars of the draft bill have been published in terms of Rule 241 or 258, to comment on the proposed legislation;

(b) must give officials of any relevant State department or other executive organ of State a sufficient opportunity to State their case before the committee;

(d) may in view of any comments received in terms of paragraph (a) or (b) or advice given in terms of paragraph (c), adjust the draft bill before its introduction.

All bills generally

Prior notice and publication of draft legislation

241. (1) A bill may be introduced in the Assembly only if —

(a) a copy of the draft legislation has been submitted to the Speaker in terms of Rule 233, if it is a bill initiated by the national executive and that Rule is applicable;

(b) prior notice of its introduction has been given in the Gazette; and

(2) If the bill as it is to be introduced is published, the notice referred to in Subrule (1)(b) must contain an invitation to interested persons and institutions to submit written representations on the draft legislation to the Secretary within a specified period.

(3) If the draft bill itself is published, a memorandum setting out the objects of the bill must also be published.

(4) This Rule does not apply to —

(a) constitution amendment bills, which must be dealt with in terms of Rule 258; and

(b) money bills when the special procedure set out in Rule 287(2) is followed.

(5) Subrule (1) (b) and (c) does not apply to a bill that has been certified by

the member in charge of the bill, in consultation with the Speaker, as an urgent matter.

Notice withdrawing proposed legislation

242. (1) If a Cabinet member, Deputy Minister, committee or member decides not to proceed with the introduction of a bill after Rule 241 has been complied with, the Cabinet member, Deputy Minister, committee or member must without delay inform the Secretary in writing of the decision.

(2) The Secretary must publish a notice in the Gazette stating that the proposed legislation has been withdrawn.

Part 3: Introduction of bills and first and second readings

Introduction and related matters

Introduction of bills in Assembly

243. (1) A Cabinet member or Deputy Minister or an Assembly member or committee introduces a bill (other than a bill mentioned in Subrule (4)) by submitting to the Speaker —

(a) a copy of the bill or, if the bill as it is introduced was published in terms of Rule 241(1)(c), a copy of the Gazette concerned;

(b) the explanatory summary referred to in Rule 241(1)(c), if the bill itself was not published; and

(i) state whether the bill is introduced as a section 75 bill, a section 76(1) bill, a money bill or a mixed section 75/76 bill;

(ii) explain the objects of the bill;

(iii) give an account of the financial implications of the bill for the state;

(iv) contain a list of all persons and institutions that have been consulted in preparing the bill; and

(iv) if the bill is introduced by a Cabinet member or a Deputy Minister, include a legal opinion by a State law adviser, or a law adviser of the State department concerned, on the classification of the bill and any other question in respect of which the JTM is required to make a finding in terms of Joint Rule 160.

(2) A bill introduced by a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister must contain on its cover page a reference to that Cabinet member or Deputy Minister as the person introducing the bill.

(3) A bill introduced by an Assembly member or committee with the Assembly's permission in terms of Rule 236(3) or 238(3) must —

(a) be accompanied by a statement to that effect; and

(b) contain on its cover page a reference to the name of the member or the committee as the member or committee introducing the bill.

(4) This Rule does not apply to —

(a) constitution amendment bills, which must be introduced in accordance with Rule 258; and

(b) money bills when the special procedure set out in Rule 287(2) is followed.

(5) Bills initiated by Assembly members or committees may be introduced only when the Assembly is in session.

Classification of bills

244. (1) When a bill is introduced in the Assembly in terms of Rule 243 or 260, the Secretary must refer the bill to the JTM for classification of the bill in terms of Joint Rule 160.

(2) The classification of the bill and all findings of the JTM must be —

(a) conveyed to the portfolio or other committee considering the bill; and

(b) tabled in the Assembly.

Reintroduction of bills Ruled out of order by JTM

245. A bill reintroduced in the Assembly in terms of Joint Rule 162 must follow the same procedure as if it were introduced for the first time, except that the steps prior to introduction as prescribed by the Assembly Rules do not apply if no substantive new provisions were added to the bill.

First and Second Reading procedures

When First and Second Reading procedures are applicable

246. (1) All bills introduced in the Assembly have a First Reading and a Second Reading in the Assembly after their introduction, and all bills introduced in and as passed by the Council have a First Reading and a Second Reading in the Assembly after their referral to the Assembly.

(2) The First and Second Reading procedures do not apply if a bill or a version

of the bill is referred back to the Assembly from either the Council or the Mediation Committee in terms of section 75 or 76 of the Constitution or a provision of the Joint Rules.

Procedure when Assembly in session

247. (1) If the Assembly is in session when a bill is introduced in the Assembly or when a bill introduced in and as passed by the Council is referred for the first time to the Assembly —

(a) the person in charge of the bill must —

(i) submit to the Secretary a notice of First Reading of the bill; and

(ii) if that person wishes to give an introductory speech, request in the notice an opportunity for such a speech; and

(b) the Speaker must table in the Assembly the bill and the supporting memorandum and, if there is one, also the explanatory summary.

(2) (a) Once notice has been given in terms of Subrule (1)(a)(i), the bill must be placed on the Order Paper for First Reading.

(b) No amendment to a bill is allowed on the First Reading of the bill.

(3) (a) If the person in charge of a bill has requested an opportunity for an

introductory speech; in terms of Subrule (1)(a)(ii) and the request has been granted —

(i) that person may, at the First Reading, in a speech not exceeding 15 minutes, explain the background to the bill and the reasons for and the objects of the provisions of the bill; and

(ii) one member of each party in the Assembly may make a statement on the bill on behalf of the party in a speech not exceeding three minutes.

(b) Once the speeches have been made the bill is regarded as having been read a first time.

(4) If the person in charge of a bill has not requested an opportunity for an introductory speech in terms of Subrule (1)(a)(ii) or has made a request but the request has not been granted, the bill as tabled is regarded as having been read a first time.

(5) When a bill has been read a first time the Speaker must refer the bill and its

annexures —

(a) to the portfolio committee under which the subject of the bill falls;

(b) by resolution of the Assembly to any other Assembly committee; or

(6) If the bill is referred to an Assembly committee, the committee must deal with the bill in accordance with Rule 249. If the bill is referred to a joint committee, the Joint Rules apply.

(7) Subrule (5)(a) and (b) does not apply to a bill initiated and introduced by an Assembly committee. Instead, the bill must directly be placed on the Order Paper for Second

Reading unless the bill is referred to a joint committee.

Procedure during recess

248. (1) If the Assembly is in recess when a bill is introduced in the Assembly or when a bill introduced in and as passed by the Council is referred for the first time to the Assembly, the Speaker must refer the bill and its annexures —

(a) to the portfolio committee within whose portfolio the subject of the bill falls;

(b) with the concurrence of the person in charge of the bill, to any other Assembly committee; or

(2) A bill referred to a committee in terms of Subrule (1) is regarded as having been read a first time.

(3) The bill, together with its annexures, must be submitted to the members of the committee at least 14 days before the date appointed for a meeting of the committee, unless the Assembly or, if the bill is referred to a joint committee, both Houses, are due to meet during that period.

(4) If the bill is referred to an Assembly committee, the committee must deal with the bill in accordance with Rule 249. If the bill is referred to a joint committee, the Joint Rules apply.

Process in committee

249. (1) If a bill has been published for public comment in terms of Rule 241 or 258, the Assembly committee to which the bill is referred must arrange its business in such a manner that interested persons and institutions have an opportunity to comment on the bill.

(2) If a bill has not been published for public comment, and the committee to which the bill is referred 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 inquire into the subject of the bill and report on it to the Assembly;

(b) if it is a bill amending provisions of legislation, may seek the permission of the Assembly to inquire into amending other provisions of that legislation;

(c) may, or if ordered by the Speaker must, consult any other committee that has a direct interest in the substance of the bill;

(d) may consult the member in charge 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;

(f) may not propose an amendment that —

(i) affects the classification of the bill, except as provided 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 the Assembly in accordance with Rule 251.

(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.

Referral to Assembly committee if joint committee fails to report

250. (1) If a bill has been referred to a joint committee in terms of Rule 247(5)(c) or 248(1)(c) and that joint committee fails to present a report or fails to reach consensus on the bill, the Speaker must refer the bill and its annexures —

(a) to the portfolio committee within whose portfolio the subject of the bill falls; or

(b) by resolution of the Assembly, to any other Assembly committee.

(2) The committee to which the bill is referred must deal with the bill in accordance with Rule 249.

Committee's report

251. (1) The Assembly committee to which a bill is referred must table in the

Assembly —

(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 committee may report to the Assembly 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 that 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;

(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 that any matter contained in the report be placed on the Order Paper for separate consideration either before or after the Assembly considers the bill.

Explanation of report

252. The chairperson or other member of the committee who tables the report in the Assembly on behalf of the committee, may, if the committee has so recommended in its report, address the Assembly in order to explain the report.

Second Reading

253. (1) (a) If a bill has been referred to an Assembly or joint committee, the debate on the Second Reading of the bill may not commence before at least three working days have elapsed —

(i) since the committee's report was tabled; or

(ii) if a committee member has addressed the Assembly in terms of Rule 252, since the address was delivered.

(b) If a bill has not been referred to a committee, the debate on the Second Reading of the bill may not commence before at least three Assembly working days have elapsed since the bill was introduced.

(2) (a) The debate on the Second Reading of a bill must be conducted on the subject of the bill.

(b) The debate on the Second Reading of a bill that amends legislation must be conducted on the subject of the proposed amendments.

(3) No motion may be moved during the debate.

(4) The Assembly passes a bill if it approves the Second Reading of the bill in accordance with section 53(1)(a) and (c) of the Constitution, except that the Second Reading of —

(a) a constitution amendment bill must be approved in accordance with Rule

262 (2) or (3); and

(b) a bill determining the seat of Parliament must be approved in accordance with section 76(5) of the Constitution.

(5) The Assembly rejects a bill if it rejects the Second Reading of the bill or, subject to Rule 296, fails to approve the Second Reading with the appropriate majority.

Note: See Rule 296 if bill fails to obtain special majority due to the absence of members.

Amendments proposed by members before decision of Second Reading

254. (1) (a) After a bill has been placed on the Order Paper for Second Reading but

before the Assembly decides on the Second Reading, a member may place amendments to clauses of the bill on the Order Paper.

(b) A bill that has been rejected by the committee which considered it

may not be amended under this Rule.

(2) Amendments delivered to the Secretary after 12:00 on any working day may be placed on the Order Paper for the second sitting day thereafter and not earlier, unless the Speaker determines otherwise in a particular case.

(3) (a) The following amendments are out of order and may not be proposed under this Rule:

(i) Amendments that affect the principle of the bill and in respect of which the Assembly has not given any instruction.

(ii) Amendments that change the classification of the bill, except as provided for in Joint Rule 163.

(iii) Amendments that would render the bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the meaning of Joint Rule 161.

(iv) Amendments that are out of order for any other reason.

(b) The Speaker's ruling on whether an amendment is out of order or in order, is final. If the JTM has made a finding on the substance of the amendment the Speaker is bound by the finding.

(4) No amendment which has the same effect as an amendment previously rejected in the committee may be placed on the Order Paper, except when it is a bill of which a Cabinet member or Deputy Minister is in charge and that Cabinet member or Deputy Minister places such an amendment on the Order Paper.

(5) If an amendment has been placed on the Order Paper and the debate on the Second Reading has been concluded, the Speaker may either —

(a) recommit the bill for reconsideration to the committee which considered the bill or, if it is a bill introduced by an Assembly committee, to that committee, together with the amendment; or

(b) put the amendment for decision by the Assembly and then the Second Reading of the bill as a whole, including any approved amendment.

(6) An Assembly committee to which a bill is recommitted must deal with the

bill in terms of Rule 255.

(7) A bill may not be recommitted to a committee more than once in terms of this Rule.

Referral of amendments proposed in Assembly to Assembly committee

255. (1) If a bill is recommitted in terms of Rule 254 (5) to an Assembly committee, 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;

(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) or 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 the Assembly.

(2) Subrule (1) (d) applies only if the person in charge of the bill is a Cabinet member or a 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 section 75/76 bill, but only if the JTM is of the view that the bill as amended is unlikely to lead to unmanageable procedural complications.

Note: Subrule (3) should be suspended until the procedure for mixed bills is implemented.

Referral to Assembly committee if joint committee fails to report

256. (1) If a bill is recommitted to a joint committee in terms of Rule 254 (5), and that joint committee fails to present a report or fails to reach consensus on any amendments, the Speaker must refer the bill and its annexures —

(a) to the portfolio committee within whose portfolio the subject of the bill falls; or

(b) by resolution of the Assembly, to any other Assembly committee.

(2) The committee to which the bill is referred must deal with the bill in terms of Rule 249.

Consideration of Assembly or joint committee's report

257. (1) The report of the Assembly or joint committee to which a bill has been recommitted or referred must be placed on the Order Paper for consideration of —

(a) the amendments agreed on by the committee; and

(b) any amendment specified in the report in terms of Rule 255 (1)(d) or Joint Rule 170 (1)(d) and which is moved in the Assembly, which motion may be moved without notice.

(2) Before the Assembly decides on the Second Reading of the bill, the Speaker must put the amendment or amendments to the vote.

Part 4: Specific Rules applicable to Constitution Amendment bills

Specific Rules relating to Parts 1 and 2 matters

Requirements prior to introduction of constitution amendment bills

258. (1) A Cabinet member or a Deputy Minister, or a member or committee of the Assembly, intending to introduce a bill amending the Constitution must, before introducing the bill, comply with section 74 (5) of the Constitution.

(2) When the person or committee intending to introduce the bill publishes particulars of the bill in the Gazette in accordance with section 74 (5), the publication must contain —

(a) a notice stating the intention to introduce the bill; and

(b) an invitation to interested persons and institutions to submit written representations on the draft constitutional amendment to the person or committee intending to introduce the bill.

(3) If the draft bill itself, as it is to be introduced, is published a memorandum setting out the objects of the bill must also be published.

Notice withdrawing proposed constitutional amendment

259. (1) If a Cabinet member, Deputy Minister, committee or member decides not to proceed with the introduction of a bill after Rule 233 has been complied with, the Cabinet member, Deputy Minister, committee or member must without delay inform the Secretary in writing of the decision.

(2) The Secretary must publish a notice in the Gazette stating that the proposed legislation has been withdrawn.

Introduction of constitution amendment bills

260. (1) A Cabinet member or Deputy Minister or an Assembly member or committee introduces a constitution amendment bill by submitting to the Speaker —

(a) a copy of the bill, or if the bill itself, as it is introduced, has been published in the Gazette to give effect to section 74 (5) of the Constitution, a copy of the Gazette;

(b) a supporting memorandum which must —

(i) state that the bill is introduced as a constitution amendment bill;

(ii) explain the objects of the proposed constitutional amendment;

(iii) give an account of the financial implications of the proposed constitutional amendment for the state;

(iv) contain a list of all persons and institutions that have been consulted in preparing the bill; and

(v) if the bill is introduced by a Cabinet member or a Deputy Minister, include a legal opinion by a State law adviser, or a law adviser of the State department concerned, on the classification of the bill and any other question in respect of which the JTM is required to make a finding in terms of Joint Rule 160; and

(2) A constitution amendment bill introduced by a Cabinet member or a Deputy Minister must contain on its cover page a reference to that Cabinet member or Deputy Minister as the person introducing the bill.

(3) A constitution amendment bill introduced by an Assembly member in an individual capacity or by an Assembly committee with the Assembly's permission in terms of

Rule 236 (3) or 238 (3) must —

(a) be accompanied by a statement to that effect; and

(b) contain a reference on its cover page to the name of the member or committee as the member or committee introducing the bill.

(4) Constitutional amendment bills initiated by Assembly members or committees may be introduced only when the Assembly is in session.

Referral of constitution amendment bills to committees

261. (1) If a constitution amendment bill is in terms of section 74 of the Constitution required to be passed by the Assembly alone, the bill may in terms of Rule 247 (5) or 248 (1) only be referred to an Assembly committee.

(2) If a constitution amendment bill is in terms of section 74 required to be passed by both Houses, the bill must in terms of Rule 247 (5) or 248 (1) be referred either —

(a) to an Assembly committee; or

(b) if this is required by a decision in terms of Joint Rule 166 to a joint committee on constitutional matters.

Consideration of committee's report and bill

262. (1) The Speaker must place the committee's report and the bill presented to the Assembly in terms of Rule 251 or Joint Rule 168 on the Order Paper irrespective of whether the time period mentioned in section 74(7) of the Constitution has expired, but the Assembly may not vote on the Second Reading of the bill unless this time period has expired.

(2) A constitution amendment bill is passed by the Assembly if its Second

Reading —

(a) is put to the vote after the expiry of the time period mentioned in section 74 (7) of the Constitution; and

(b) receives a supporting vote of at least two thirds of the members of the Assembly or, if it is a bill referred to in section 74 (1), a supporting vote of at least 75 per cent of the members.

(3) If the bill, in addition to other constitutional amendments, contains amendments referred to in section 74(1), the Second Reading of the bill is approved if —

(a) the bill as a whole is passed with a supporting vote of at least 75 per cent of the members; or

(b) the bill, excluding the section 74(1) amendments, is passed with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of the members and the section 74(1) amendments are passed separately with a supporting vote of at least 75 per cent of the members.

(4) If a bill mentioned in Subrule (3) is passed with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of the members, but the section 74 (1) amendments fail to achieve 75 per cent support and Rule 296 is not applicable —

(a) the Speaker, after consulting the member in charge of the bill, may refer the bill to an Assembly committee to delete the section 74(1) amendments and to table an amended bill; or

(b) the person in charge of the bill may withdraw the bill if the section 74 provisions are not severable.

Note: Rule 296 provides for a second vote on a bill which was not passed because of the absence of members.

(5) When the committee resubmits the bill as amended the Assembly votes on the amended bill without debate.

Consequences of approval or rejection of Second Reading

263. (1) Joint Rule 173 applies if the Assembly approves the Second Reading of a constitution amendment bill.

(2) A constitution amendment bill lapses if the Assembly rejects the Second Reading of the bill.

Reconsideration of constitution amendment bills if amended by Council

Procedure if Council amends bill

264. (1) If the Council has amended a constitution amendment bill passed by the Assembly, the Speaker must —

(a) place the amended bill on the Order Paper for debate and decision if the chairperson of the portfolio committee concerned or other relevant Assembly committee so requests; or

(b) refer the amended bill to the portfolio committee concerned, or to any other appropriate Assembly committee, for a report and recommendations on the Council's amendments.

(2) If the amended bill is referred to a committee, the committee —

(a) may consult with the appropriate Council committee or chairperson of that committee;

(b) must confine itself to the amendments effected by the Council;

(i) changes 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;

(d) may not propose any amendments; and

(e) may state reasons if it does not support any of the Council's amendments.

(3) The committee must table its report and recommendations.

(4) When the report is tabled the Speaker must place the bill as amended by the Council on the Order Paper for debate and decision.

Debate and decision

265. (1) The debate in the Assembly on the amended bill must be confined to —

(a) the matters dealt with in the committee's report (if there is a report); and

(b) the question whether the amended bill should be passed or not.

(2) No member may place any amendments to the bill on the Order Paper.

(3) If the Assembly passes the amended bill in accordance with the procedure set out in Rule 262 (2)(b), and (3) or (4), the bill must be submitted to the President for assent.

(4) If the Assembly rejects the bill or fails to pass it in accordance with the said

procedure, read with Rule 296, the bill must be referred to the Mediation Committee in terms of Joint Rule 177.

Process if mediation successful

266. (1) The Speaker must table a notice in the Assembly stating that the Assembly's version of the bill has been agreed on by the Mediation Committee, if the Mediation Committee has agreed on the version of the bill as originally passed by the Assembly before its rejection or amendment by the Council.

(2) The Speaker must place a bill agreed on by the Mediation Committee on the Order Paper for debate and decisions if that bill is —

(a) the Council's amended bill which the Assembly has rejected or has failed to pass as stated in Rule 265 (4); or

(b) a version that differs from any version of the bill as passed by either the Assembly or the Council.

(3) If, after consultation with the chief whips of the parties and the chairperson

of the portfolio committee or other Assembly committee concerned, the Speaker is of the view that the Assembly debate on the bill in terms of Subrule (2) may be facilitated by a report of the portfolio committee concerned or any other appropriate Assembly committee, the Speaker must first refer the bill to the committee for a report before placing the bill on the Order Paper.

(4) If the bill is referred to a committee, the committee may —

(a) consult with the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee; and

(b) not propose any amendments to the bill;

(5) The committee must table in the Assembly —

(a) the committee's report; and

(b) the version of the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee.

(6) The debate in the Assembly on the bill as agreed on by the Mediation

Committee must be confined —

(a) to the matters dealt with in the committee's report, if the bill was referred to a committee, or to the clauses of the bill which differ from the clauses of the bill as originally passed by the Assembly, if the bill was not referred to a committee; and

(b) to the question whether the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee should be passed.

(7) No amendments may be proposed to the bill as agreed on by the Mediation

Committee.

Consequences of unsuccessful mediation

267. A constitution amendment bill lapses in terms of Joint Rule 180 if mediation is unsuccessful.

Part 5: Specific Rules applicable to section 75 bills

Application of this Part to money bills

268. The Rules set out in this Part apply to all section 75 bills, including money bills other than those dealt with in terms of the special procedure set out in Rule 287 (2).

Consequences of approval or rejection of Second Reading

269. A section 75 bill —

(a) must be referred to the Council in terms of Joint Rule 181 if the Assembly approves the Second Reading of the bill; or

(b) lapses if the Assembly rejects the Second Reading of the bill.

Reconsideration of section 75 bills if Council rejects or passes subject to amendments

Referral of bill to Assembly committee

270. (1) If the Council rejects a section 75 bill referred to it in terms of Joint Rule 181 or passes the bill subject to amendments, the Speaker must refer the bill and any amendments proposed by the Council to the portfolio committee concerned or to any other appropriate Assembly committee for —

(a) a report on the Council's rejection of the bill or on the amendments proposed by the Council; and

(b) recommendations on whether the bill should be passed again with or without any amendments, or whether it should not be proceeded with.

(2) The committee to which the bill is referred —

(a) may consult with the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee;

(b) may not propose any amendment which is not strictly relevant either to the Council's rejection of the bill or to the amendments proposed by it;

(c) may consult the JTM on whether any of the Council's amendment proposals or any amendments proposed in the committee —

(i) will change the JTM's classification of the bill; or

(ii) will render the bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the

meaning of Joint Rule 161; and

(d) may not propose any amendment that would —

(i) change the classification of the bill; or

(ii) render the bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the meaning

of Joint Rule 161.

Committee's report

271. (1) The committee to which the bill is referred must table in the Assembly —

(a) the committee's report and recommendations;

(b) the Council's proposed amendments, if the Council has passed the bill subject to amendments; and

(c) an amended bill, if the committee, in view of the Council's rejection of the bill or its amendment proposals, has agreed to amend the bill previously passed by the Assembly.

(2) When the report is tabled the Speaker must place the bill on the Order Paper for debate and decision.

Debate and decision

272. (1) The debate in the Assembly on the committee's report and the bill must be confined to —

(a) the matters dealt with in the report;

(b) the question whether the bill should be proceeded with; and

(2) No member may place any amendments to the bill on the Order Paper.

(3) The Assembly may recommit the bill or any amendment proposal to the committee for reconsideration and a further report and recommendation before it decides on the bill.

(4) The Assembly may either —

(a) pass the original bill again;

(b) pass any amended bill proposed by the committee;

(c) pass the original bill incorporating any amendments proposed by the committee or any amendments proposed by the Council which were rejected by the committee; or

(d) decide not to proceed with the bill.

(5) If Subrule (4)(c) applies, the Assembly must first decide on each amendment proposal of the Council, then on each amendment proposal of the committee and then on the bill as a whole, incorporating any amendment proposals agreed to by the Assembly.

(6) A bill passed by the Assembly in accordance with this Rule and section 53 (1)(a) and (c) of the Constitution, must be submitted to the President for assent.

(7) If the Assembly decides not to proceed with the bill, the bill lapses.

Part 6: Specific Rules applicable to section 76(1) bills introduced

in the Assembly

Consequences of approval or rejection of Second Reading

273. A section 76(1) bill —

(a) must be referred to the Council in terms of Joint Rule 184 (1) if the Assembly approves the Second Reading of the bill; or

(b) lapses if the Assembly rejects the Second Reading of the bill.

Reconsideration of section 76(1) bills if amended by Council

Bill to be placed on Order Paper or referred to portfolio committee

274. (1) If the Council amends a bill referred to it in terms of Joint Rule 184 (1), the Speaker must —

(a) place the bill on the Order Paper for debate and decision if the chairperson of the portfolio committee concerned or other relevant Assembly committee so requests; or

(b) submit the amended bill to the portfolio committee concerned or any other appropriate Assembly committee for a report and recommendations on the Council's amendments.

(2) The committee to which the Council's amended bill is referred —

(a) may consult the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee;

(b) may not propose any amendments to the bill; and

(i) changes the J T M's classification of the bill; or

(ii) renders the bill constitutionally or procedurally out of order within the meaning of Joint Rule 161.

Committee's report

275. (1) The committee to which the Council's amended bill is referred must table in the Assembly —

(a) its report and recommendations; and

(b) the Council's amended bill.

(2) When the report is tabled the Speaker must place the report and the Council's amended bill on the Order Paper for debate and decision.

Debate and decision

276. (1) The debate on the report and the Council's amended bill must be confined to—

(a) the matters dealt with in the report; and

(b) the question whether the amended bill should be passed or not.

(2) No amendments may be proposed to the Council's amended bill.

(3) If the Assembly passes the Council's amended bill in accordance with section 53(1)(a) and (c) of the Constitution, the Secretary must without delay submit the bill to the President for assent.

(4) If the Assembly refuses to pass the Council's amended bill, the bill must be referred to the Mediation Committee in terms of Joint Rule 186.

Process if mediation successful

277. (1) The Speaker must table a notice in the Assembly stating that the Assembly's version of the bill has been agreed on by the Mediation Committee, if the Mediation Committee has agreed on the version of the bill as originally passed by the Assembly before its rejection or amendment by the Council.

(2) The Speaker must place a bill agreed on by the Mediation Committee on the Order Paper for debate and decision if that bill is —

(a) the Council's amended bill which the Assembly has refused to pass as stated in Rule 276 (3); or

(b) a version that differs from any version of the bill as passed by either the Assembly or the Council.

(3) If, after consultation with the chief whips of the parties and the chairperson of the portfolio committee or other Assembly committee concerned, the Speaker is of the view that the Assembly debate on the bill in terms of Subrule (2) may be facilitated by a report of the portfolio committee concerned or any other appropriate Assembly committee, the Speaker must first refer the bill to the committee for a report before placing the bill on the Order Paper.

(4) If the bill is referred to a committee, the committee may —

(a) consult with the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee; and

(b) may not propose any amendments to the bill.

(5) The committee must table in the Assembly —

(a) the committee's report; and

(b) the version of the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee.

(6) The debate in the Assembly on the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee must be confined —

(b) to the question whether the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee should be passed.

(7) No amendments may be proposed to the bill as agreed on by the Mediation

Committee.

Process after mediation

Process if mediation unsuccessful

278. (1) The Speaker, at the request of the person in charge of the bill, must place the version of the bill as originally passed by the Assembly before its rejection or amendment by the Council, on the Order Paper for debate and decision in terms of section 76(1)(e), (i) or (j) of the Constitution if —

(a) the Mediation Committee is unable to agree within 30 days of the bill's referral to it;

(b) the Assembly refuses to pass the version of the bill agreed on by the Mediation Committee and considered by the Assembly in terms of Rule 277; or

(c) the Mediation Committee has agreed on the version of the bill as originally passed by the Assembly, and the Council refuses to pass this version.

(2) If the Assembly passes a version of the bill as described in Rule 277 (2)(b) and the Council refuses to pass this version of the bill, the Speaker, at the request of the person in charge of the bill, must place this version on the Order Paper for debate and decision in terms of section 76(1)(i) of the Constitution.

(3) Unless the Assembly decides not to proceed with a bill placed on the Order Paper in terms of Subrule (1) or (2), the bill must be put to the vote and, if passed with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of the members, be submitted to the President for assent.

Part 7: Specific Rules applicable to section 76(2) bills

introduced in the Council

Powers of committee to which bill is referred

279. If a section 76(2) bill as passed by the Council is referred to an Assembly committee in terms of Rule 247 or 248, the committee may —

(a) consult with the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee on the contents of the bill and any amendments to the bill that are being considered by the Assembly committee; and

(b) recommend that any time limit for the Assembly's consideration of the bill be extended.

Consequences of approval or rejection of Second Reading

280. A section 76(2) bill must be referred to —

(a) the President in terms of Joint Rule l85 (2)(a) if the Assembly approves the Second Reading of the bill as passed by the Council;

(b) the Council in terms of Joint Rule 185 (2)(b) if the Assembly amends the bill as passed by the Council; or

(c) the Mediation Committee in terms of Joint Rule 186 (2)(a) if the Assembly rejects the Second Reading of the bill as passed by the Council.

Process after mediation

Process if mediation successful

281. (1) The Speaker must table a notice in the Assembly stating that the Assembly's version has been agreed on by the Mediation Committee if the Mediation Committee has agreed on the bill as amended by the Assembly and as referred to the Council in terms of Rule 280 (b).

(2) The Speaker must place a bill agreed on by the Mediation Committee on the Order Paper for debate and decision if that bill is —

(a) the version as passed by the Council and which the Assembly has either amended or rejected as stated in Rules 280 (b) or (c); or

(b) a version that differs from any version of the bill as passed by either the Assembly or the Council.

(4) If the bill is referred to a committee, the committee may —

(a) consult with the appropriate Council committee or the chairperson of that committee; and

(b) not propose any amendments to the bill.

(5) The committee must table in the Assembly —

(a) the committee's report; and

(b) the version of the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee.

(6) The debate in the Assembly on the bill agreed on by the Mediation Committee must be confined —

(a) to the matters dealt with in the committee's report, if the bill was referred to a committee; and

(b) to the question whether the bill as agreed on by the Mediation Committee should be passed.

Consequences of unsuccessful mediation

282. A section 76(2) bill lapses in terms of Joint Rule 190 if mediation is unsuccessful.

Note: If mediation between the Houses on a section 76(1) bill fails, the bill can still be passed if the Assembly can muster a two thirds majority. This deadlock-braking mechanism is not available when the bill is a section 76(2) bill, ie where the bill is introduced in the Council. In terms of the Constitution a section 76(2) bill lapses if mediation fails.

Part 8: Specific Rules applicable to mixed section 75/76 bills

Consequences of approval or rejection of Second Reading

283. A mixed section 75/76 bill —

(a) must be referred to the Council in terms of Joint Rule 195 if the Assembly approves the Second Reading of the bill; or

(b) lapses if the Assembly rejects the Second Reading of the bill.

Part 9: Specific Rules applicable to money bills

Contents of money bills

284. (1) In terms of section 77 (1) of the Constitution a money bill may not deal with any other matter except a subordinate matter incidental to the appropriation of money or the imposition of taxes, levies or duties.

(2) A money bill that is inconsistent with section 77 (1) may not be introduced in the Assembly.

Person in charge of money bills

285. For the purposes of these Rules the Minister of Finance is the person in charge of all money bills, except —

(a) Bills appropriating money for postal and telecommunication services, where the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications must be in charge; and

(b) any Bills in respect of which the Minister of Finance designates another Minister to be in charge.

Introduction of money bills

286. (1) Only the Minister of Finance may introduce a money bill.

(2) The Minister must introduce a money bill by following either the ordinary procedure set out in Rule 243 or the special procedure set out in Rule 287 (2), but if it is a bill appropriating money for the ordinary annual services of the government or imposing taxes, levies or duties for this purpose, the special procedure must be followed. The Minister must consult the Speaker when exercising a choice in terms of this Rule.

Note:(1) The constitutional definition of "money bill" covers financial measures beyond the budget. A law imposing a levy for some odd reason, say to finance the activities of an agricultural control body, would fall within the definition of "money bill". It would seem that Rule 287(2) should be applied to budgetary measures as is customarily the case, but that the Minister should have a discretion to apply either Rule 287(2) or the ordinary procedure prescribed in Rule 243 for other "money bills".

(2) It must also be noted that only the Minister of Finance may introduce a money bill. (See sec. 73(2) of the Constitution.) The odd levy in say an agricultural bill introduced by the Minister of Agriculture may for this reason jeopardise the constitutionality of such a bill and also the levy. In such instances the provisions dealing with the levy should be included in a separate bill which would require introduction by the Minister of Finance.

Procedure applicable to money bills

287. (1) If the ordinary procedure is followed, the bill in all respects must be dealt with in the Assembly as if it were an ordinary section 75 bill, subject to any legislation envisaged in section 77 (2) of the Constitution.

Note: A money bill can be amended but the Constitution requires that a procedure be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. Proposed legislation in this regard is presently being attended to by the NA Portfolio Committee on Public Finance.

(2) If the special procedure is followed, Parts 2, 3 and 4 of this Chapter do not apply and the bill must be dealt with in the Assembly in accordance with the following specific Rules.

Note: The special introductory procedure comes from the existing Rules. These Rules may need to be replaced in view of procedures presently being attended to by the Portfolio Committee on Public Finance.

Special introductory procedure

288. (1) The Minister in charge of the bill must deliver an introductory speech in the Assembly on the appointed day.

(2) After having delivered the introductory speech, the Minister must introduce the bill by tabling it and any accompanying schedule and papers in the Assembly: Provided that if the introductory speech was delivered by a Minister other than the Minister of Finance, that other Minister must introduce and table the bill on behalf of the Minister of Finance.

Notes: This is necessary in view of the constitutional provision that only the Minister of Finance may introduce money bills.

bill placed on Order Paper for First Reading

289. (1) After introduction of the bill in terms of Rule 288 the Speaker must place the bill on the Order Paper for First Reading.

(2) The First Reading of the bill may be considered only after the report of the committee to which it was referred in terms of Rule 290 has been presented to the Assembly.

(3) If the Assembly rejects the First Reading of the bill, it rejects the bill.

Referral of bill to Assembly committee

290. (1) On the day on which the bill is introduced, the Speaker must refer the bill, and any accompanying schedule and papers and the Minister's introductory speech to the portfolio committee on public finance for consideration and report.

(2) The committee may confer with the corresponding committee of the National Council of Provinces.

(3) The period for the consideration of a bill and any schedule and papers so

referred is limited, in the case of a main appropriation bill, to a maximum of *seven consecutive Assembly working days and, in the case of any other bill, to a period determined in each case by the Speaker after consultation with the Leader of Government Business in the Assembly.

* Note: Political decision required whether seven days is enough.

(4) No amendment to a bill or any accompanying schedule or papers may be moved while the committee is considering the bill, schedule and papers.

(5) The report of the committee must be presented to the Assembly on or before the first sitting day following the expiration of the period allowed for the consideration of the bill, schedule and papers.

Consideration of schedule to appropriation bill

291. When the First Reading of an appropriation bill which has a schedule has been approved, the votes in the schedule must be discussed.

Supplementary estimates in main appropriation bill

292. When the debate on the schedule to a main appropriation bill has been concluded, those votes in respect of which supplementary amounts are to be requested, must be placed on the Order Paper for discussion.

Approval of votes and schedule

293. The Assembly must first decide on the separate votes in the schedule to an appropriation bill (in the case of a main appropriation bill, when the debate on supplementary amounts has been concluded) and thereafter on the schedule.

Second Reading of money bill

294. (1) When the schedule to an appropriation bill has been approved, the bill must be placed on the Order Paper for Second Reading.

(2) When the First Reading of a money bill which has no schedule has been approved, the bill must be placed on the Order Paper for Second Reading.

Money bills rejected or passed subject to amendments by Council

295. (1) If a money bill that has been rejected, or passed subject to amendments, by the Council, is referred back to the Assembly for reconsideration in terms of section 75(1)(c) of the Constitution, the bill may be given precedence over other orders of the day on the day on which it is received from the Council, and a motion to that effect may be moved without prior notice by the Minister in charge of the bill.

(2) The Assembly must consider any amendments proposed by the Council. No further amendments may be considered unless moved by the Minister in charge of the bill, who may do so without prior notice.

Note: Sec. 77(2) of the Constitution requires an Act of Parliament to prescribe amendment procedures.

(3) The debate on the reconsideration of the bill, including the consideration of any amendment, may not continue for more than one hour, excluding the reply of the Minister in charge of the bill, during which time a member may be restricted to one speech not exceeding five minutes in duration, except the Minister, who may be allowed more than one such speech.

Part 10: General

Second vote on bills rejected through absence of members

296. (1) Should a bill that requires a special majority in the Assembly fail to obtain the required majority when the bill is put to the vote, the Speaker may, within seven working days after the vote was taken, put the bill to the vote again, but only if the Chief Whip and the most senior whip of one or more parties which together with the majority party command at least the required majority in the Assembly —

(a) request such a second vote; and

(b) persuade the Speaker that the bill failed to obtain the required majority because of the absence of party members.

(2) The bill is considered as having been rejected if it again fails to obtain the required majority.

Same bill may not be introduced more than once

297. When a bill has been passed or has been rejected during a session in any year, no bill of the same substance may be introduced in the Assembly in that year except by leave of the Assembly or where otherwise provided in these Rules.

Lapsing of bills on last sitting day of annual session or term of Assembly or when Assembly is dissolved

298. (1) All bills introduced in the Assembly and which on the last sitting day of an annual session of the Assembly, appear on the Order Paper for First or Second Reading, lapse at the end of that day unless the Assembly decides otherwise.

(2) All bills before the Assembly or any Assembly committee on the last sitting day of a term of the Assembly or when the Assembly is dissolved, lapse at the end of that day.

Withdrawal of bill

299. The person in charge of a bill introduced in the Assembly may withdraw the bill at any time before the Second Reading of the bill is decided.

Discrepancies in versions of bill

300. (1) If any discrepancy in meaning is found between the versions of any bill in the different official languages after such bill has been passed by the Assembly, but before it is presented to the President for assent, the Speaker must report such discrepancy to the Assembly.

(2) If the Assembly agrees to an amendment referred to in Subrule (1), the Assembly must be regarded as having agreed to the Second Reading of the bill as amended.

Note: 1. This Rule will be deleted if the proposal in the Joint Rules is accepted that all bills should have an official text in one of the official languages and one or more official translations in one or more of the other official languages.

2. Is it necessary to provide for discrepancies in the official text of a bill should the draft Joint Rule on official texts and official translations be accepted?

CHAPTER 14

PROCESS FOR WRITTEN INSTRUMENTS OTHER THAN LEGISLATION

Part 1: General

Application

301. This Chapter applies to all written instruments received by the Assembly, other than draft legislation, that have to be formally dealt with in the parliamentary process.

Tabling of written instruments in the Assembly

302. The Speaker must table the following instruments without delay, or if the Assembly is in recess, on its first sitting day when the Assembly resumes its sittings:

(a) all reports and other written instruments submitted by a member of the national executive or in terms of legislation for tabling in the Assembly;

(b) all requests, applications and other written submissions made to the Assembly in terms of legislation to activate a parliamentary process prescribed by such legislation;

(d) all special petitions and other petitions of a general nature; and

(e) any other written instrument required to be tabled in terms of these Rules.

Referral of written instruments to committees

303. (1) Except where these Rules or the Joint Rules provide otherwise in a specific case, the Speaker must without delay refer to an appropriate committee —

(a) all written instruments tabled or that must be tabled in the Assembly in terms of Rule 302;

(b) all reports and other written instruments tabled in the Assembly by a member of the national executive; and

(2) If there is doubt as to which committee is the appropriate committee, the Speaker, in consultation with the Chief Whip, must decide the issue subject to these Rules and any directions of the Rules Committee or a resolution of the Assembly.

(3) If a matter is referred to two or more committees the referral may be accompanied by an instruction —

(a) whether the committees must confer; and

(b) which of them must report, if a report is required.

Consideration of matter by committees

304. A committee must deal with an instrument referred to it in terms of Rule 303 in accordance with any applicable procedures prescribed by these Rules or the Joint Rules.

Reporting by committees

305. (1) A committee must report on a matter referred to it if —

(a) required by a provision of these Rules or the Joint Rules; or

(b) the Speaker so instructs.

(2) If a committee is not required in terms of Subrule (1) to report on a matter referred to it, it may nevertheless submit such a report if it so desires.

(3) If a committee —

(a) reports, the report must be placed on the Order Paper;

(b) when it reports on a matter, makes a request that a specific matter mentioned in the report should be considered by the Assembly, that matter, including any recommendations of the committee, must also be placed on the Order Paper.

Part 2: International agreements

Submission to Parliament for approval

306. (1) When the Assembly's approval is to be sought for an international agreement in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, a copy of the agreement must be submitted to the Speaker together with an explanatory memorandum.

(2) The explanatory memorandum must —

(a) briefly set out the history, objectives and implications of the agreement;

(b) include a legal opinion by a State law adviser as to whether the agreement is consistent with the domestic law of the Republic, including the Constitution, with the international obligations of the Republic and with international law in general;

(c) state whether the agreement contains any self-executing provision that will become law in the Republic in terms of section 231(4) of the Constitution upon the approval of the agreement by Parliament;

(d) give an account of the projected financial and other costs of the agreement for the state; and

(e) contain all other information needed by the Assembly in order to take an informed decision.

Tabling and referral to committee

307. (1) The Speaker must —

(a) table the agreement and explanatory memorandum in the Assembly; and

Note: Should provision be made in Joint Rules for referral of an international agreement to a joint committee? The Subcommittee is of the view that this is necessary. Alternatively, House committees should confer and report to both Houses.

(b) refer the matter for consideration and report —

(i) to the portfolio committee under which the subject of the agreement falls; or

(ii) by resolution of the Assembly to any other Assembly committee.

(2) The committee —

(a) must enquire into the subject of the agreement with a view of recommending approval or rejection of the agreement;

(b) may, or if ordered by the Speaker must, consult the portfolio committee responsible for foreign affairs and any other Assembly Committee that has a direct interest in the substance of the agreement; and

(3) In its report the committee must state whether it recommends approval or rejection of the agreement.

(4) The committee's report must be placed on the Order Paper for decision.

Submission to Parliament for information

308. An international agreement of a technical, administrative or executive nature, or an agreement which does not require either ratification or accession, and which must be tabled in the Assembly in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, must be referred by the Speaker for information to —

(a) the portfolio committee under which the subject of the agreement falls; or

(b) by resolution of the Assembly to any other Assembly committee.

Part 3 : Petitions

Form of petitions

309. Petitions must be in the form prescribed by the Speaker in accordance with guidelines determined by the Rules Committee .

Language of petitions

310. A petition must be in one of the official languages.

Signing of petitions

311. (1) Unless the Speaker decides otherwise, every petition must be signed by the petitioners themselves.

(2) Persons unable to write must make their marks on the petition in the presence of two witnesses, who must sign the petition in that capacity.

Lodging

312. (1) A petition must be lodged by a member with the Secretary for approval and tabling by the Speaker, and must be signed at the beginning thereof by the member.

(2) A member may not lodge a petition on his or her own behalf, but such a petition may be lodged by another member.

Approval by Speaker

313. Each petition must be deposited for at least one day with the Secretary, who must submit it to the Speaker for approval before it is tabled in the Assembly.

Tabling

314. If approved the Speaker must table the petition in the Assembly.

Referral of petitions to committees

315. After tabling a petition in the Assembly, the Speaker must —

(a) if it is a special petition, refer the petition to the Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions; or

(b) if it is a petition of a general nature, refer the petition to the relevant portfolio committee or other appropriate committee.

CHAPTER 15

MISCELLANEOUS

Part 1: Lapsing of business before Assembly

Lapsing of business on last sitting day of annual session or term of Assembly or when Assembly is dissolved

316. (1) All motions and all other business, other than bills, on the Order Paper on the last sitting day of an annual session of the Assembly, lapse at the end of that day.

(2) All business referred to in Subrule (1) before the Assembly or any Assembly committee on the last sitting day of a term of the Assembly or when the Assembly is dissolved, lapse at the end of that day.

Part 2: Executive Government

Resolutions affecting Executive Government

317. Resolutions of this House affecting the Executive Government shall be communicated to the President of the Republic by the Secretary.

Consent in respect of State-owned land or property

318. This House shall not proceed upon any bill, motion or proposal affecting State-owned land or property and of which a member other than a Minister is in charge, unless the President of the Republic has given his or her consent that, as far as the State's interests are concerned, the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

Liaison with Executive Government

319. The Speaker may, in consultation with the chief whips of the parties of the President of the Republic and of the Deputy President, respectively, designate two members of this House as Parliamentary Counsellors, each of whom shall be charged with facilitating communication between this House and the offices of the President of the Republic and of the Deputy President, respectively: Provided that not more than one such member shall so be charged in relation to a particular office.

Part 3: Contempt

Member adjudged guilty of contempt

320. Any member of this House adjudged guilty of contempt shall be committed to the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms by order of the Speaker and dealt with as this House may direct.

Fines

321. The amount of a fine leviable under the Powers and Privileges of Parliament Act, 1963, for each of the offences mentioned therein, as also for each offence referred to in the Rules or any resolution of this House, shall in every case be determined by an order or a resolution of this House, but such fine shall in no case exceed the sum of R200, except where otherwise provided in that Act.

Recovery of fines

322. All fines shall be recovered by the Secretary and paid into revenue.

Fines remitted and persons discharged

323. A fine or a portion thereof may be remitted or the commitment of any person may be discharged by order of this House.

[NOTE ON CHAPTER ON CONTEMPT: These Rules to be reviewed after Powers and Privileges of Parliament Act, 1963, has been revised.]

Part 4: Witnesses

Attendance of witnesses detained in prison

324. If a witness whose attendance before this House or a committee thereof is required, is being detained in any prison, the person in charge of such prison may be ordered to bring the witness in safe custody for examination as often as his or her attendance is deemed necessary, and the Speaker may issue his or her warrant accordingly.

Summonsing of witnesses

325. (1) No committee shall summons a witness without first having satisfied the Speaker that the evidence of such witness will be material to the enquiry.

(2) For the examination of every such witness the committee shall sit de die in diem.

Witness expenses

326. Subject to the Speaker's approval, the Secretary may pay to witnesses a reasonable sum for travelling and attendance time and for transport expenses actually incurred.

Part 5: Office of Secretary and Records of the Assembly

Minutes of Proceedings

327. The Minutes of Proceedings shall be noted by the Secretary, and shall, after having been perused by the Speaker, be printed and supplied to members.

Journals of National Assembly

328. The Minutes of Proceedings, signed by the Secretary, shall constitute the Journals of the National Assembly.

Custody of papers

329. The Secretary shall have custody of all records and other papers of the National Assembly, and he or she shall neither remove nor permit to be removed any such records or other papers or copies thereof beyond the precincts of this House without the leave of the Speaker.

Access to tabled papers

330. Subject to Rule 329, no person other than a member of this House shall have access to or be entitled to take extracts from or make copies of papers laid upon the Table, but if the House has ordered that the contents of any such paper shall not be made public, or if such paper is marked as being confidential, no member shall divulge such contents, under pain of breach of privilege.

[NOTE: This Rule must be reconsidered in the light of Constitutional provisions. For documents before committees, see Rule 157(1) [C1].]

General duties of Secretary

331. The Secretary shall be responsible for the regulation of all matters connected with the business of the National Assembly, subject to such directions as he or she may receive from the Speaker or the House.