Calls for Submissions
UPCOMING HEARINGS & REQUESTS FOR SUBMISSIONS
To confirm hearings details please contact the relevant: committee clerk
Comment: Floor - crossing abolition Legislation
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development invites stakeholders and interested persons to submit written submissions on the following Bills:
Constitution Fourteenth Amendment Bill (B62 – 2008)
Constitution Fifteenth Amendment Bill (B63 – 2008) and the
General Laws (Loss of Membership of National Assembly, Provincial Legislature or Municipal Council) Amendment Bill (B64 – 2008)
The main purpose of the Constitution Fourteenth Amendment Bill (B62 – 2008) is to abolish floor-crossing in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures
The main purpose of the Constitution Fifteenth Amendment Bill (B63 – 2008) is to abolish floor-crossing in Municipal Councils.
The main purpose of the General Laws (Loss of Membership of National Assembly, Provincial Legislature or Municipal Council) Amendment Bill (B64 – 2008) is to effect consequential amendments emanating from Constitution Fourteenth Amendment Bill of 2008 and the Constitution Fifteenth Amendment Bill of 2008 to several relevant Acts; address matters raised by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development in its report on the Constitutional Matters Amendment Bill, 2005, relating to, for example, the repayment of unspent balances of all monies allocated to political parties participating in Parliament and Provincial Legislatures from the Represented Political Parties’ Fund when such political parties cease to qualify for such monies.
Public hearings will be held on 28 July 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Committee Secretaries: Mr V Ramaano at vramaano@parliament.gov.za or Ms P Sibisi at psibisi@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 Thursday, 24 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Tel: V Ramaano (021) 403-3820/ 073 433 5822 ; L Sibisi 403 3660 / 083 709 8449
Issued by Hon. Y Carrim, MP, Chairperson: PC on Justice and Constitutional Development
Comment: Scorpions legislation
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development and the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security invite stakeholders and interested persons to make written submissions on the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill [B23 – 2008] and the South African Police Services Amendment Bill [B30 – 2008].
The purpose of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill is to:
Relocate the investigative capacity of the DSO (Scorpions) to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The principal aim of the Bill is to repeal the provisions of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No.32 of 1998) that deals with the establishment and functioning of the DSO (Scorpions).
The purpose of the South African Police Service Amendment Bill is to:
Address organised crime in a more comprehensive manner by amalgamating the special investigators of the DSO (Scorpions) with selected members of the Commercial Crime Component of the South African Police Service and selected members of the Organised Crime Component into a new crime combating Unit to be established within the South African Police Service as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Public Hearings will be held at Parliament on the 5, 6, & 7 August 2008
There will also be public hearings in the provinces from Monday 11 August to Friday, 15 August 2008
Submissions can be emailed to Committee Secretaries: Mr V Ramaano at vramaano@parliament.gov.za or Ms P Sibisi at psibisi@parliament.gov.za or Mr J Michaels at jmichaels@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 Monday, 28 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Tel: V Ramaano (021) 403-3820 / 073 433 5822 L Sibisi 403 3660 / 083 709 8449 J Michaels 403 3806 / 083 7098445
Issued by Hon. M Sotyu, MP, Chairperson: PC on Safety and Security and Hon. Y Carrim, MP, Chairperson: PC on Justice and Constitutional Development
Comment: Intelligence Services Amendment Bill (B37- 2008)
The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations to submit -written submissions on the Intelligence Services Amendment Bill (B37-2008).
This Bill seeks to: Amend the Intelligence Services Act, 2002 so as to insert certain definitions; provide for the establishment of the National Communications Centre;
remove the requirements of a training fund for the Academy; grant members the right to retire from the Intelligence Services or the Academy on or after the date on which they reach the age of 55 years; and provide for matters connected therewith.
The public, hearings will take place in Parliament on Wednesday, 30 July 2008.
Written submissions can be emailed to the Committee Secretary: Ms N Mbuqe at nmbuqe@parliament.gov.za by no later than Friday, 11 July 2008 at 12:00.
Enquiries: tel, (021) 403-2319
Issued by: Mr CV Burgess, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Legislation.
Comment: National Strategic Intelligence Amendment Bill(B38 -2008)
The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations for oral and written submissions on. the National Strategic Intelligence Amendment Bill (B38-2008).
This Bill seeks to: Amend the. National Strategic Intelligence Services Act, 1994, so as to insert new definitions; and to provide for the functions of the National Communications Centre.
The public hearings will take place in Parliament on Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Written submissions can be emailed to Ms N Mbuqe at nmbuqe@parliament.gov.za by 11 July 2008 at 12:00.
Enquiries: (021) 403-2319)
Issued by: Mr CV Burgess, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee On Intelligence Legislation
Comment: National Qualifications Framework Bill (B33 - 2008)
The Portfolio Committee on Education invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the National Qualifications Framework Bill (B33-1008).
The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the National Qualifications Framework; to provide for the responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour; to provide for the South African Qualifications Authority; to provide for Quality Councils; to provide for transitional arrangements; to repeal the South African Qualifications Act, 1995; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Wednesday, 30 July and Thursday, 31 July 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Anele Kabingesi, Committee Secretary at akabingesi@parliament.gov.za , by no later than 12:00 Thursday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: Anele Kabingesi, tel. (021) 403-3760; cell: 083 412 1585
Comment: Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill [B44 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Health invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill [B44-2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Amend the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965; provide for the establishment of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority; provide for the certification and registration of products, which include medicines, medical devices, certain foodstuffs and cosmetics; and provide for the control of scheduled substances.
Submissions can be emailed to vmajalamba@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Public hearings will be conducted on Tuesday, 5 August and Wednesday, 6 August 2008, in Parliament.
Enquiries: Tel (021) 403-3642 / 083 709 8522
Issued by: Hon L Ngculu, MP, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health.
Comment: National Radioactive Waste Management Agency Bill [B41-2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written comments on the National Radioactive Waste Management Agency Bill (B41 - 2008)
The purpose of the Bill is to: Establish a National Radioactive Waste Management Agency in order to manage radioactive waste disposal on a national basis.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 9 and Wednesday, 10 September 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mr Peter-Paul Mbele, Committee Secretary at pmbele@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday 22, August 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-8072 / 083 412 1577
Issued by: Hon E Ngcobo, MP, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy.
Comment: National Energy Bill [B52 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written comments on the National Energy Bill [B52 - 2008].
The purpose of the Bill is to: Ensure that diverse energy resources are available, sustainable and at affordable prices, to the South African Economy in support of economic growth and poverty alleviation; and address energy security in South Africa.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Wednesday, 30 July and Tuesday, 5 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mr Peter-Paul Mbele, Committee Secretary at pmbele@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel (021) 403-8072 / 083 412 1577
Issued by: Hon E Ngcobo, MP, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy.
Comment: Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill [B54 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written comments on the Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill [B54 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Amend the Mine Health Safety Act, 1996, so as to review the safety provisions, simplify the system, tighten offences and strengthen penalties; and substitute and remove ambiguities in certain definitions and expressions and effect certain amendments necessary to ensure consistency with other laws, particularly the Mineral and Petroleum Resource Development Act, 2002.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on 19 and 20 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mr Peter-Paul Mbele, Committee Secretary at pmbele@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 1 August 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-8072 / 083 412 1577
Issued by: Hon E Ngcobo, MP, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy.
Comment: Skills Development Amendment Bill [B49 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Labour invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the Skills Development Amendment Bill [B49 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Provide for the functions of the National Skills Authority; provide for the functions of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs); provide for the implementation of employment services; increase the quality and quantity of artisans; and repeal the remaining sections of the current Manpower Training Act, 1981.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 29 July and Wednesday, 30 July, as well as Thursday, 31 July 2008.
Comments cant be emailed to Committee Secretary: Pat Jayiya at pjayiya@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-3661
Issued by: Hon O Kasienyane, MP, Chairperson: PC on Labour.
Comment: National House of Traditional Leaders Bill (B56 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the National House of Traditional Leaders Bill [B56 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Provide for the establishment of the National House of Traditional Leaders; determine powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the House; provide for support to the House by Government; provide for the relationship between the House and the Provincial Houses; and provide for the accountability of the House.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 29 July and Wednesday, 30 July 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mr Luvo Nxelewa, Committee Secretary, at Inxelewa@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-8076 / cell: 074 674 1065
Issued by: Hon S Tsenoli, MP, Chairperson: PC on Provincial and Local Government.
Comment: Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill [B57 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Provincial and local Government invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill [B57 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Provide for recognition of kingships and the withdrawal of such recognition; provide for the establishment and recognition of kingship councils; regulate .the election of members of local councils of traditional leaders; provide for regulatory matters; amend transitional provisions relating to tribal authorities, community authorities and paramounties; and make provision for remuneration of non-traditional leader members of traditional councils and kingship councils.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Thursday, 31 July and Friday, 1 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mr Luvo Nxelewa, Committee Secretary at lnxelewa@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-80.76, cell: 074 674 1065
Issued by: Hon SL Tsenoli, MP, and Chairperson: PC on Provincial and Local Government.
Comment: Insurance Laws Amendment Bill [B26B -2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Amend the Long-term Insurance Act of 1998 and the Short-term Insurance Act of 1998.
The primary objective of the Bill is to strengthen the legislative framework for a sound and well regulated insurance services industry and to provide financial market stability to industry players as well as consumers.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 5 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Committee Secretaries, Ms Thokozile Xaso at txaso@parliament.gov.za or Mr Zolani Rento, at zrento@parliament.gov.za, by no later than Friday,18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: Thokozile Xaso, tel (021) 403-3716 e-mail: or Zolani Rento, tel (021) 403 8071
Issued by: TS Ralane, MP, Chairperson: Select Committee on Finance.
Comment: Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Bill [B46 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Provide for more effective utilisation of intellectual property derived from research and development financed from public funds; establish the National Intellectual Property Management Office and Intellectual Property Fund; and provide for the establishment of offices of technology transfer at institutions.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 29 July and Wednesday, 30 July 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Zelna Jansen, Committee Secretary at zjansen@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Thursday, 24 July 2008.
Enquiries: Zelna Jansen, tel (021) 403-3669
Issued by: Hon G Oliphant, MP, Chairperson: PC on Science and Technology and Hon BJ Tolo, MP, Chairperson: SC on Education and Recreation.
Comment: Built Environment Professions Bill [B53 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the Built Environment Professions Bill [B53 - 2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to: Establish the South African Council for the Built Environment (“the Council") and professional boards; regulate the Built Environment professions in order to promote growth and transformation; provide for the protection of the public against unprofessional conduct by registered persons; provide for registration of persons within the Built Environment professions; provide for the repeal of the laws establishing the current seven councils; and promote and maintain the standards of education and training in the Built Environment professions.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Tuesday, 12 August and Wednesday, 13 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Ms Akhona Busakwe, Committee Secretary at abusakwe@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: Ms Akhona Busakwe, tel. (021) 403-3859
Issued by: Hon TV Tobias-Pokolo, MP and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works
Comment: Land Use Management Bill (B27 - 2008)
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and land Affairs (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written" comments on the Land Use Management Bill (B27 - 2008)
The 'purpose of the Bill is to establish an integrated regulatory framework in the Republic for land use and land use management, which promotes the public interest and equity.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Wednesday, 30 and Thursday, 31 July 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mahdiyah Koff, Committee Secretary, at mkoff@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel (021) 403-3844 / cell 083 709 8527
Issued by: Hon R Mohlaloga, Mp, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs
Comment: Provision of Land and Assistance Amendment Bill [B40 - 2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs (National Assembly) invites, interested individuals and organisations to submit written comments on the Provision of Land And Assistance Amendment Bill [B40 -2008]
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Provision of Land and Assistance Act, 1993, by clarifying and extending the application of the provisions on the acquisition, planning, development, improvement and disposal of property and, the provision of financial assistance for land reform purposes.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Wednesday, 13 August 2008.
Submissions can be emailed to Mahdiyah Koff: Committee Secretary at mkoff@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 1 August 2008. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-3844 / 083 709 8527
Issued by: Hon R Mohlaloga, MP, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs.
Comment: National Road Traffic Amendment Bill (B39-2008) and National Land Transport Bill (B51-2008)
The Portfolio Committee on Transport invites stakeholders and interested persons to make written submissions on National Road Traffic Amendment Bill [B39-2008] and National Land Transport Bill [B51-2008]
The purpose of the National Land Transport Bill is to: Provide for the final transformation and restructuring of the national land transport system of the Republic.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament as follows:
National Land Traffic Bill (B51-2008) on Tuesday, 29 July and Wednesday, 30 July 2008
National Road Transport Amendment Bill (B39-2008) on Tuesday, 5 August and Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Submissions for both bills must be received by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2008
Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation. Submissions for both bills must be emailed to Ms Vuyokazi Mafilika (021) 403-3727: vmafilika@parliament.gov.za Issued by: Hon JP Cronin, Chairperson: PC on Transport.
Comment: Competition Amendment Bill [B31- 2008]
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry (National Assembly) encourages interested individuals and organizations to submit written comments on the Competition Amendment Bill [B31 -2008]
The Bill amongst others seeks to:
- amend the Competition Act, 1998, so as to provide certainty with regard to the concurrent jurisdiction between the Competition Commission and other regulatory authorities;
- to introduce provisions to address other practices that tend to prevent or distort competition in the market for any particular goods or services;
- to provide more guidance in relation to conducting market enquiries as a tool to identify, and make recommendations with respect to, conditions that tend to prevent, distort or restrict competition in the market for any particular goods or services;
- to introduce provisions to hold personally accountable those individuals who cause firms to engage in cartel conduct, and to authorise the Competition Commission to excuse a respondent to a complaint if the respondent has assisted the competition authorities in the detection and investigation of cartel conduct; and
- to provide for matters connected therewith.
The Public Hearings will take place on 29 and 30 July 2008. However, should the hearings be scheduled earlier, we will inform the participants well in advance.
Written submissions can be emailed to the Committee Secretary Ms M A Williams at mawilliams@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12 pm on Friday, 27 June 2008.
Enquiries: Ms. M A Williams, tel (021) 403 3799
Issued by Mr BD Martins, MP, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry.
Comment: National Qualifications Framework Bill (B33-2008)
The Portfolio Committee on Education invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the National Qualifications Framework Bill (B33-2008).
The purpose of the Bill is
- to provide for the National Qualifications Framework;
- to provide for the responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour;
- to provide for the South African Qualifications Authority; to provide for Quality Councils;
- to provide for transitional arrangements;
- to repeal the South African Qualifications Act, 1995; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Public hearings will be conducted at Parliament on Wednesday, 30 July and Thursday, 31 July 2008.
Submissions must be emailed to Anele Kabingesi, Committee Secretary, Portfolio Committee at akabingesi@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Thursday, 24 July 2008.
Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
Enquiries: Anele Kabingesi, tel. (021) 403-3760; cell: 083 412 1585,
Comment: National Railway Safety Regulator Amendment Bill [B32-2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Transport will consider the National Railway Safety Regulator Amendment Bill (B32-2008).
The Bill, amongst others, seeks to:
- Extend the ambit of a threat to safety to include behaviour;
- empower the minister to include monorail systems, trams and systems running on narrow gauges within the ambit of the Act;
- empower the regulator to exempt railways; clarify the role of operator associations;
- clarify the role of the regulator in relation to the transportation of dangerous goods by rail;
- provide that the Board approves the conditions of service of staff members;
- extend the regulator’s funds to include penalties and fees for providing services and other prescribed sources;
- empower the Minister to make regulations for the payment of penalties by operators who default; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
All interested individuals and organisations are invited to submit written presentations, which must reach the Committee Secretary Ms Vuyokazi Mafilika at vmafilika@parliament.gov.za on or before 12pm on Friday, 27 June 2008.
Enquiries: tel. (021) 403-3727, cell. 083 709 8391,
Issued by: Mr JP Cronin, MP and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport
Comment: Regulation of Tax Practitioners Draft Bill
The South African Revenue Service has published the Regulation of Tax Practitioners Draft Bill (2nd draft) for public comment.
Submissions can be emailed to Ms Adele Collins at acollins@sars.gov.za by 15 July 2008
Briefing Note: Revised Draft Regulation of Tax Practitioners Bill
SARS is engaged in a number of initiatives aimed at improving the compliance culture and reducing the tax gap in South Africa.
As far as tax practitioners are concerned a significant problem for both SARS and taxpayers is that no minimum standard in respect of qualifications or experience is required for tax practitioners and that not all tax practitioners are subject to a code of professional conduct.” The SARS discussion document set out a possible model for the regulation of tax practitioners.
Following the consideration of the comments on the discussion document, a number of refinements to the proposal were made, including its introduction in two phases.
The first phase involved the registration of tax practitioners with SARS. This phase provides information on existing tax practitioners with regard to their qualifications, experience and membership of existing professional bodies. Nearly 23 000 tax practitioners are registered with SARS.
The second phase envisages the establishment of an independent regulatory board for tax practitioners in terms of a separate Bill. The draft Regulation of Tax Practitioners Bill was released for public comment in 2007.
These comments have been considered and a revised draft Regulation of Tax Practitioners Bill is now released for public comment.
The public comment process will be accompanied by a consultation process between SARS and the professional associations that commented on the initial draft Bill. The most significant changes include the following:
· Tax practitioners who are under statutory regulation by another relevant statutory body (e.g. the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors) or who are regulated by the High Court of South Africa (i.e. the legal profession) will only be required to register in terms of the revised draft Bill but will be subject to the disciplinary and other procedures of the other body;
· The concept of a reportable irregularity will not be pursued;
· The board size will be reduced and at least three of the seven board members will be appointed by the Minister from nominations by the tax practitioner community; and
· The decriminalization of the code of conduct.
Comment: Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B22-2008]
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land invites interested individuals and organization to submit comments on the Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B22–2008]
The Bill seeks to: Amend the Liquor Products Act, 1989; so as to insert definitions and to amend and delete others; to provide for the composition of the Wine and Spirit Board; to amend the' requirements regarding Wine; to extend the particulars required in connection with the sale of liquor products in containers; to empower the Minister to prohibit the use of geographical names under certain circumstances; to make other provisions for the establishment .of schemes; to curtail the Board's power regarding the import and export of liquor products; to provide for compliance with international obligations;-to extend -the' Minister's powers, to make regulations; and to provide for matters connected herewith.
Interested individuals and interest groups can email the Committee Secretary Ms Mahdiyah Koff at mkoff@parliament.gov.za by no later than Friday, 13 June 2008.
Enquiries: Tel: (021) 403-3844
Issued by: Mr R Mohlaloga, Chairperson of the Portfolio Commitee on Agriculture and Land Affairs
Comment: Protection of Information Bill
The Parliamentary Ad Hhoc Committee on Intelligence (National Assembly) invites interested individuals and organisations for verbal and written submissions on the Protection of Information Bill [B28-2008]
This Bill provides for, amongst other things, the protection of classified information that is in the hands of the State, the prevention of information peddling and filling the existing gap in relation to espionage threats. The Bill also provides for the process of declassification of classified or designation information in line with the principles of transparency and openness as prescribed by the Constitution.
The hearings will take place at Parliament on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 23-25 June 2008.
Written submissions can be emailed to the Committee Secretary: Ms Ntombekhaya Mbuqe at nmbuqe@parliament.gov.za by no later than 12:00 on Friday, 13 June 2008. Enquiries: Tel: (021) 403-2319
Comment: Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Bills - 4th & final version
The National Treasury today releases the fourth and final Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Bills (Money Bill and Administration Bill) for comment. The Bills give effect to the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA). Public comments should be restricted to technical comments only as the policy framework has been finalised after extensive public consultation and deliberations by Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Finance and Minerals and Energy.
The National Treasury provided a written response to the Portfolio Committee on Finance on 13 May 2008 to the comments on the third draft of the Bill released for public comment on 6 December 2007. This written response may be accessed here: http://www.treasury.gov.za/legislation/draft_bills/royalty/
Comments (on the technical aspects of the Bills only) can be emailed to:
sharon.payne@treasury.gov.za or mmule.majola@treausury.gov.za by Wednesday 11 June 2008.
No late comments will be considered. The Bills will be formally tabled in Parliament on 24 June 2008.
For more information please contact: Thoraya Pandy at: 012 315 5944 or 082 416 8416
Comment: National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill, 2008
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has published for public comment the Draft National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill, 2008 which provides for the amendment of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 and the Specific Environmental Management Acts.
Comments can be submitted to: Adv V Beukes at VBeukes@deat.gov.za by 20 June 2008.
The Bill is available here: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/bills/080520nemabill.pdf
Comment: Indegenous Knowledge Protection Policy framework/Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill
The Department of Trade and Industry, has published the following draft Policy and Bill for public comment.
(a) Policy framework for the protection of indigenous knowledge through the intellectual property system; and
(b) Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill, 2008
The Bill provides amongst others:
- that the law of trade marks/geographical indications may be able to provide protection of certain names/features associated with traditional knowledge e.g. Rooibos and Honey bush tea;
- that a National Council consisting of experts on traditional knowledge must advise the Minister and the Registrar of intellectual property on traditional intellectual property (TIP) rights
- that communities may form business enterprises such as collecting societies in order to administer their traditional intellectual property, as well as commercializing such TIP;
- that such business enterprises may enter into licensing agreements (commercialization of TIP) with third parties;
- that other rights in the copyright regime should preferably also be subjected to “collective management of copyright regime”.
The Policy uses the words “traditional knowledge” and “indigenous knowledge” interchangeably, but the two expressions have different meanings nationally and internationally.
Comments on the policy and the bill can be emailed to: MacDonald Netshitenzhe at publiccomments@thedti.gov.za by 15 June 2008.
Comment: Future of Micro-insurance Regulation in South Africa
National Treasury has released for public comment a discussion paper that proposes a new regulatory environment for entities offering insurance products to low-income earners, entitled: “The Future of Micro-insurance Regulation in South Africa”.
Comments can be emailed to Ms Katherine Gibson Katherine.gibson@treasury.gov.za by 31 July 2008.
The discussion paper is here:
www.pmg.org.za/files/gazettes/080407treasury-microinsurance.pdf