Parliament begins the year with new energy and a matching variety of critical items on its programme including over 20 Bills for consideration in 2012.
In addition to the legislative programme, highlights include the keenly awaited State of the Nation Address (SoNA), the multi-party debate and the President’s reply, the budget speech and the subsequent debate.
Members returned from the holiday season into a busy work schedule. First up is constituency and oversight work followed immediately by strategic planning, committee and plenary sessions.
The Protection of State Information Bill, is before the Ad Hoc Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for thorough processing before being finally recommended or not, for enactment into law. Mr Raseriti Tau, the Chairperson of the ad-hoc committee, has urged committee members to prioritise work on the Bill to meet the April deadline for the NCOP process.
The Committee will meet shortly to develop a clear and practical programme of action. The programme would include public hearings and other platforms to enable as many voices as possible to be heard as part of the NCOP process.
The South African Languages Bill which addresses concerns about the marginalisation of indigenous African languages for government purposes is also a priority for Parliament during the first quarter. The Committee is scheduled to hold public hearings on the Bill from January 2012 until mid-March 2012.
The other bills for consideration are available on the Parliamentary website: www.parliament.gov.za. The list can also be obtained from the Media Management Unit of Parliament at: nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za.
