Justice department clarifies the status on Traditional Courts Bill
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development would like to clarify the misconceptions and misleading statement by certain media implying that the Traditional Courts Bill has been withdrawn by parliament or has reached a dead-end.
Traditional Courts Bill is still on the list of Bill that is still before Parliament. In terms of the Rules of the National Council of Province any Bill which has not been finalised, by the Council when Parliament adjourns, at the end of the year lapses. The Council may, by resolution, revive any such Bill which has lapsed. It occurs often that Bills would lapse and be revived any time after Council has commenced with its legislative programme in any succeeding year.
In view of the extensive commentary and contributions that emerged during the recent public hearings it is unlikely that the Parliament will be able to finalise this important Bill before the general elections. As government, we are hopeful that the Bill will be revived by the fifth democratic Parliament that will be elected during the forth-coming elections
Government wishes to thank the National Council of Provinces for embarking on an extensive consultation in its endeavour to shape the Bill which impacts on the lives of the multitudes of our people who live in traditional areas or live according to customs and traditional values. The wealth of contributions and inputs made by civil society in particular those who represent the voices of traditional communities, the institution of traditional leadership through the various Houses of Traditional Leaders, individuals and the media in respect of the Bill reflects the vibrant nature of our participative democracy.
For media enquiry contact:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
DOJ Spokesperson
Cell: 083 641 8141
