Parliament, Wednesday, 18 March 2020 – The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has received the withdrawal of the Military Discipline Bill [B21-2019], as referred to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Bill, which seeks among other things, to provide for the effective administration of the military justice system and the maintenance of discipline in the defence force, was retracted by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula, in accordance with rule 334 of the rules of the National Assembly, in order to allow for further consultation on the contents of the Bill.
The committee called for public input on the Bill in January 2020 and has since received 13 inputs. These inputs will be forwarded to the department and will have to be considered in the department’s review of the Bill, before resubmission to Parliament.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Cyril Xaba, said that the committee welcomes this step taken by the minister and the department, as this allows all stakeholders the opportunity to make their contributions before the Bill is referred to Parliament for processing. He further highlighted the importance of the consultation and public participation processes in amending legislation. He also noted the committee’s appreciation for those who have made submissions so far.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, MR CYRIL XABA.
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