SA: Draft bills approved for public comment

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has approved the publication of various draft bills for public comment.

She addressed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting .The draft bills include the Draft Aquaculture Development Bill and the Draft National State Enterprises Bill.

“The purpose of the Draft Aquaculture Development Bill is to promote the development of a responsible Aquaculture sector for meaningful contribution to food security and economic development for the country; support greater participation of small businesses, especially those owned by women and youth; and promote the transformation of the aquaculture sector.

“The Draft National State Enterprises Bill proposes the consolidation of State’s shareholdings in strategic state-owned enterprises [and the] establishment of the State’s Asset Management SOC Ltd as a holding company for state shareholding of strategic SOEs, with the State as a sole shareholder,” she said.

The Repeal of the South African Airways Bill has also been approved for publication for public comment.

“The Repeal of the SAA Act is aimed at giving effect to the changes of government no longer being a majority stakeholder of SAA. The repeal of the SAA Act does not change the continued corporate existence of the company under Companies Act; and [the] rights attached to government shares in SAA will be exercised by the designated shareholder representative on behalf of the State,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Draft Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill has been approved by Cabinet for submission to Parliament.

“Cabinet approved the submission of the Public Service Commission Bill to Parliament, which amends the PSC Act, no. 46 of 1997. The amendments will enable the PSC to operate as an independent and impartial constitutional body with the view to improve its effectiveness and efficiency within the public service.

“The Bill also extends the mandate of the PSC to municipalities and public entities and provides a legislative framework for the PSC’s oversight role in the implementation of the National Framework on the Professionalisation of the Public Sector,” Ntshavheni said.