“The commencement of the public hearings is the realisation of a commitment the committee made after the Constitutional Court judgement to undertake an extensive and meaningful public participation process to give the people of South Africa the opportunity to decide on the electoral reform they think will best respond to the unique conditions in South Africa,” said committee chairperson Mosa Chabane.
The constitution in sections 59(1)(a), 72(1)(a) and 118(1)(a) further compels parliament, in the execution of its mandate, to include the broader public in decision-making processes. The committee’s comprehensive public participation plan seeks to adhere to that obligation.
As a result of the need to cover a wider geographical area and increase reach, as well as the time pressure induced by the constitutionally set deadline, the committee has divided itself into two groups, with one holding hearings in the inland provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West) and the other focusing on the coastal provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, the Free State and the Eastern Cape).
The two groups will then jointly hold hearings in the Western Cape.
The committee is inviting all individuals and interested organisations to come and make inputs on the bill, to ensure that the final product is reflective of their will and aspirations. Cognisant that these hearings happen while the country continues to face the risks posed by Covid-19, the committee has put in place mitigating plans to ensure participants’ safety.
TimesLIVE
RECORDED | Electoral Amendment Bill public hearings in KZN & Limpopo
Electoral Amendment Bill public hearings at AFM church in Tafelkop, Limpopo, on March 9 2022.
The portfolio committee on home affairs has started nationwide public hearings on the Electoral Amendment Bill, with initial hearings in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
The committee has resolved that due to the magnitude of the matter being covered and the implications for the democratic dispensation, it will hold public hearings in all the provinces.
Following the June 2020 Constitutional Court judgement on the New Nation Movement NPC and Others v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others case, which found the Electoral Act unconstitutional to the extent that it requires that adult citizens be elected to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures only through their membership of political parties.
Parliament was given 24 months to remedy the defect, which lapses in June 2022. This is a bill that seeks to remedy this defect.
Electoral Amendment Bill public hearings at Acasia Civic Hall in Ladysmith, KZN, on March 9 2022.
“The commencement of the public hearings is the realisation of a commitment the committee made after the Constitutional Court judgement to undertake an extensive and meaningful public participation process to give the people of South Africa the opportunity to decide on the electoral reform they think will best respond to the unique conditions in South Africa,” said committee chairperson Mosa Chabane.
The constitution in sections 59(1)(a), 72(1)(a) and 118(1)(a) further compels parliament, in the execution of its mandate, to include the broader public in decision-making processes. The committee’s comprehensive public participation plan seeks to adhere to that obligation.
As a result of the need to cover a wider geographical area and increase reach, as well as the time pressure induced by the constitutionally set deadline, the committee has divided itself into two groups, with one holding hearings in the inland provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West) and the other focusing on the coastal provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, the Free State and the Eastern Cape).
The two groups will then jointly hold hearings in the Western Cape.
The committee is inviting all individuals and interested organisations to come and make inputs on the bill, to ensure that the final product is reflective of their will and aspirations. Cognisant that these hearings happen while the country continues to face the risks posed by Covid-19, the committee has put in place mitigating plans to ensure participants’ safety.
TimesLIVE
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