“It should not turn into a battle of ideas between public representatives, because the draft bill that ensues from the public hearings must be informed by what the people are saying.”
NORTHERN Cape residents will have a chance to have their voices heard when the first round of public hearings on Section 25 of the Constitution take place from February 20 to 24 in the Province and Limpopo.
The bill surrounding Section 25 is to provide that where land and any improvements thereon are expropriated for the purposes of land reform, nil compensation may be payable.
The ad hoc committee to initiate and introduce legislation amending Section 25 of the Constitution met yesterday to adopt the programme with amendments for provincial public hearings.
The chairperson of the committee, Dr Mathole Motshekga, appealed to committee members, saying that when the public participation process commences they should listen to all the people of South Africa, both black and white.
“It should not turn into a battle of ideas between public representatives, because the draft bill that ensues from the public hearings must be informed by what the people are saying.”
The committee agreed to divide into two groups for the public hearings, so that hearings can run concurrently.
According to a parliamentary statement, the meeting agreed to engage with the Southern African Interfaith Council (SAIC), which is an umbrella body of all major faith-based organisations, to empower them to prepare their member organisations to participate in the process. This engagement will take place on February 17, 2020.
Written submissions must be received by no later than February 29, 2020.
Submissions and enquiries must be directed to Mr V Ramaano, 3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8000 or e-mailed to [email protected]
Copies of the Bill may be obtained from Mr V Ramaano, tel: 021 403-3820 or 083 709 8427 or www.parliament.gov.za
A copy of the draft bill can be found on: https://tinyurl.com/yxydm746
