Order! Just before Mr van der Merwe speaks, I want to say that he will be speaking on the Second and the Third Orders.
Chairperson, hon colleagues, we look upon the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs as one of the most important committees and we, as the DA, will support all efforts to improve our justice system.
This Bill contains 40 clauses and it seeks to amend 14 unrelated different Acts. The purpose of the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill is to amend numerous provisions in various Acts by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development which do not require individual amendment Acts. [Interjections.]
Chairperson, on a point of order. I think we need to raise a point of order, because this is a committee report that does not necessarily have to reflect a party-political position.
Correct. Continue, hon member.
Chairperson, section 113 of the General Laws Amendment Act of 1935 criminalises the act where a newly born child is disposed of with the intention of concealing the birth of the child. Amendments in clause 1 address the evidentiary burden of proof that is placed on the accused person. Clause 59(A) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 is aimed at amending section 60 of the Criminal Procedural Act of 1977, which deals with bail application of an accused person in court. This amendment intends to address the problem of overcrowded prisons. This clause allows bail money to be paid at any magistrate's or High Court in the country and not only in the court where the accused person is appearing.
Clause 34 section 7 of the Judges' Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act. A judge who is discharged from active service and is under the age of 75 years must, when required to do so, perform service for three months in a year. Judges may voluntarily perform service for more than three months yearly.
However, acceptance does not necessarily mean approval. The DA supports this Bill. I thank you.
Debate concluded.
Judicial Matters Amendment Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape. Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.