However, I am also fully aware of concerns that have been expressed about vulnerable groups, particularly women and the need to protect such groups. These concerns resulted in an earlier draft of the Traditional Courts Bill being withdrawn and even lapsing over the years 2008 to 2012. This version was tabled and referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and public hearings were held last year this time. Of course, the most important issue was again the need to protect vulnerable groups and protect equality within the traditional courts. There were very strong legal arguments for the requirement that parties against whom proceedings are instituted in a traditional court must consent to the matter being heard by that court.