To download an audio clip of the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, Mr Jerome Maake click https://www.iono.fm/e/1398920
Parliament, Tuesday, 23 January 2024 – The Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill today held its second public hearings in Nkowankowa Community Hall in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality within the Mopani District Municipality. The committee welcomed approximately 300 members of the public.
The committee received a number of oral submissions regarding the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, largely related to the powers of the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI). Members of the public expressed the need for the role of the IGI to be strengthened and its independence reinforced.
Many community members focused on security concerns affecting surrounding communities. They questioned whether intelligence gathering was taking place in the area. Some community members also highlighted the need for intelligence efforts to address human trafficking especially that of children. This sentiment was linked to the community’s request for improved border safeguarding and the need to address cross-border crime. Cross-border drug smuggling was especially affecting local communities.
Another input from the public noted the rise in online scams affecting the community, which shows the importance of addressing matters of cybersecurity. These are important submissions and will be taken further by the committee during upcoming deliberations at Parliament.
The committee is grateful to the community of Tzaneen and its surroundings for its input into the Bill and forming part of this important democratic process. The committee will tomorrow hold hearings in the Ga-Seleka Community Hall in the Lephalale Local Municipality within the Waterberg District for its final round of public engagements in the Limpopo province.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE GENERAL INTELLIGENCE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL, MR JEROME MAAKE.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 377 0686
Email: fndenze@parliament.gov.za
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