A corruption-free South Africa just might be realised in the near future. The Municipal Systems Amendment Bill is soon to be discussed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to see whether this will become a permanent feature in thecountry’s legislation.
A corruption-free South Africa just might be realised in the near future. The Municipal Systems Amendment Bill is soon to be discussed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to see whether this will become a permanent feature in thecountry’s legislation.
What the Bill essentially entails is that there will be a safeguard against political party office bearers occupying senior positions in local government. This is pursuingthe directive of President Jacob Zuma to stamp out corruption within government.
Before a Bill is passed and becomes an Act, it is open to a certain amount of public debate.However because this Bill falls under section 75 of the Constitution, debate is not conducted at a provincial level, but at national level, according to the Eastern Cape Government’s legal advisor Innocent Netshitumbu. The NCOP which is made up of delegates from all nine provinces will discuss the Bill.
However, there is opportunity for the general public to praise or oppose the Bill, said Netshitumbu. There will be a single provincial meeting for public participation, but it is uncertain as to where that will be.
It is unlikely that it will be Grahamstown said Netshitumbu, but this will only be confirmed when the National Parliament drafts its programme in about four weeks.
However, Netshitumbu said that local governments will likely hold meetings to discuss public opinion on the Bill and forward the relevant feedback to the provincial government.
The Bill is considered “urgent” said Netshitumbu, so it is likely that it will be decided upon by the year’s end. If any members of the public have any comments regarding the Bill, Netshitumbu said that you may forward these to:stwalo@ecleg.gov.za
