Preservation and Development of Agricultural Bill: deliberations
Meeting Summary
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (the Committee) met virtually to continue the clause-by-clause deliberations on the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill [B8 – 2021].
The Bill aims to provide the regulatory framework for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and to increase employment, reduce poverty levels, and improve the quality of life of rural and urban communities. The Bill further provides that the Act applies to all agricultural land within the republic, and for the amendment of the subdivision of the Agricultural Land Repeal Act, No.64 of 1998, and all matters connected therewith.
The Legal Team and officials of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) were asked to effect the necessary amendments as captured through the clause-by-clause reading of the Bill and to present the final Bill to the Committee on Tuesday, 7 November 2023.
Meeting report
Chairperson’s opening remarks
The Chairperson apologised for the delay in the start of the meeting. He was unsure why Members did not receive the communication about this meeting which was sent on 1 November 2023. The session was a continuation of the previous meeting because the Committee was unable to read through all the clauses of the Bill on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. He proceeded with the reading of Chapter 7 of the Bill, starting with clause 34 and ending with clause 39, i.e. the short title and commencement.
The Members present agreed with the clauses as read.
The Chairperson requested the legal advisor to comment on how the final clauses would read after taking the amendments into account.
Ms Zingisa Zenani, Parliamentary Legal Advisor, requested more time to consult with the Department and the State Law Advisor to discuss whether the changes to the clauses would be accepted or rejected.
Ms Tshepo Mahlaela, Legislation Specialist: DALRRD, supported Ms Zenani’s request for more time to craft new clauses for presentation to the Committee.
The Chairperson granted the request for further engagements between the Department and Legal Services.
Ms N Mahlo (ANC) agreed to allow more time for engagements but asked for a timeframe.
The Chairperson requested the Legal Team and officials of the Department to effect the necessary amendments as captured through the clause-by-clause reading and to present the final Bill to the Committee on Tuesday, 7 November 2023. The Bill needed to be finalised to allow for other items on the programme to be attended to.
Closing remarks
The Chairperson encouraged Members to join their colleagues in the NCOP in welcoming captain Siya Kolisi and the Springbok heroes as champions of the 2023 World Cup rugby tournament. The Committee was fortunate and proud to be part of history by celebrating two world cups during the sixth Parliament, i.e. in 2019 and in 2023. He wished for future generations of South African rugby players to be inspired as the Springboks tour throughout the landscape of the country.
The meeting was adjourned.
Documents
No related documents
Present
-
Mandela, Nkosi ZM
Chairperson
ANC -
Capa, Mr N
ANC -
Mahlo, Ms NP
ANC -
Matiase, Mr NS
EFF -
Montwedi, Mr Mk
EFF -
Tlhape, Dr ME
ANC
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