Included in the decision on classification by the JTM was the view that the Bill did not have to be referred to the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL). The Committee agreed with this view. The DA, IFP and FF Plus disagreed, and were of the view that the Bill should have been referred to the NHTL in terms of section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003).