Chairperson, hon Ministers and hon members, the Bill before us seeks to address certain shortcomings in the Rental Housing Act of 1999, such as widening the definition of an unfair practice.
The Bill seeks to clarify and extend the powers and functions of the tribunals with regard to eviction orders, rulings that a person must comply with the Act, the power of the tribunals to issue spoliation and attachment orders and interdicts, and that rulings by tribunals must be enforced in terms of the Magistrates' Courts Act. These important amendments will hopefully improve the functioning of the tribunals and the level of redress they can offer.
Another important matter addressed in the Bill is to shift the power of making regulations from the provincial level to the national level. The intention is to ensure uniformity in procedures and the rulings made by various tribunals. The UDM supports this Bill. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]