By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
New laws refining the edges of the South African lifestyle, business and economy are anticipated this year.
Non-profit organisation, the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG), reports that there are 64 bills currently undergoing the legislative process. Many of these bills are awaiting the presidential signature.
Some pivotal bills include taking on topics such as domestic workers, sectional titles, employment, land and the national medical aid scheme.
According to the group, 20 bills were passed, two less than the year before. “Out of these bills, nine were money bills linked to the main and supplementary budgets,” said the PMG.
In South Africa, a bill must go through several steps before it becomes law. Firstly, it is introduced in Parliament and referred to a committee for review. The committee then holds public hearings and may make changes to the bill.
Subsequently, the bill is debated and amended by Parliament (comprised of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). If most members vote in favour, it moves on to the President for signature.
Cyril Ramaphosa may choose to sign the bill into law or send it back to Parliament with recommendations for changes.
The following bills are expected to continue along the legislative process:
National Health Insurance Bill
Expropriation Bill
Sectional Titles Amendment Bill
Employment Equity Amendment Bill
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Bill