Parliament, Thursday, 5 October 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held a public hearing on the National Forestry Amendment Bill in Parliament in August last year where organisations made representations to the Committee. It was found that there was insufficient consultation on the side of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with communities living near or in the forests. Therefore, the Committee decided to hold extended public hearings in provinces where there are communities who dwell or who work in forests to consult with them on the impact of the amendment to the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998) – the principal Act.
“We are pleased to have received inputs on economic transformation, ownership of land and development of the areas around the forests amongst others, we have also noted the pleas from women who are small growers for assistance to be included in the Bill” said the Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Rosina Semenya. “We will however when we get back to Parliament continue to engage with all stakeholders thoroughly to ensure that we receive inputs which will further strengthen the Bill” added Ms Semenya. The Committee will continue with public hearings in the Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
For those who have not had an opportunity to submit their presentations orally, can forward all written submissions to the Committee Secretary, Ms Albertina Kakaza, email akakaza@parliament.gov.za or 021 4033765.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES, MS ROSINA MACHWENE SEMENYA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Sureshinee Govender
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 2289
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: sugovender@parliament.gov.za
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