The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has invited the public to submit written comments on the Legal Aid Bill.
The Bill seeks to repeal the Legal Aid Act of 1969 as it is not aligned to the Constitution of South Africa and its founding principles.
The new legislation is intended to, amongst others, ensure access to justice and the realisation of the right of a person to have legal representation as envisaged in the Constitution, to establish an entity called Legal Aid South Africa with a Board of Directors and to define its objects, powers, functions, duties and composition. It further seeks to provide for its independence and impartiality, to provide for its finances and to provide for the provision of legal aid by direction of courts in criminal matters.
Written submissions addressed to the Committee, should be directed to the Committee Secretary, Cindy Balie, and may be posted to P O Box 15, Cape Town, 8000, e-mailed to cbalie@parliament.gov.za or faxed to 086 665 5444. Kindly indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.
The closing date for submissions is at 12h00 on Wednesday, 20 August 2014. The Committee will also hold public hearings on the Bill on 26 August 2014 at Parliament. Additional information and copies of the Bill may be obtained from the Committee Secretary who may be reached via email or on 021 403 3667/083 547 4115
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact:
Ms Rajaa Azzakani
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 082 560 9610
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
