Parliament, Friday, 18 August 2017 – Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry today met to deliberate on submissions from stakeholders on the Copyright Amendment Bill and resolved to prepare a B Bill to address initial drafting concerns.
Committee Chairperson Ms Joanmariae Fubbs said this will develop a more user-friendly Bill for ordinary South Africans, by using plain language and cutting out ambiguous terms. This decision follows a presentation earlier today from the Parliamentary Legal Advisor and the Department of Trade and Industry on submissions made by stakeholders during public hearings on the Bill.
The Committee reassured the public that it is within its powers to do what is best for all South Africans, even if this includes rewriting many clauses in the Bill crafted by the Department of Trade and Industry. Ms Fubbs said the Committee “would ensure the development of robust legislation that protects and benefits all South Africans while encouraging creativity and innovation”.
Given the technical nature of the Bill, she proposed the establishment of a multiparty sub-Committee, and the establishment of a panel of technical experts to assist with complex issues in the Bill. The Committee will resume discussions on the Bill on Tuesday, 22 August 2017.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS JOANMARIAE FUBBS
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour