Dear Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs,

I would like to get clarity regarding the National Identification and Registration Bill 2022 which is falsely claimed in Media is out for public comment. It is not out for Public Comment as it is not available on Government Gazette or on Department Home Affairs Website. Also the Media says Members of Public must write to their Address which is Illegal as all other Bills placed on Government Gazette allows for Email Comments to be submitted. Everything surrounding this is very suspicious and it will have serious Legal Consequences for Department Home Affairs if they are attempting to circumvent Public Comment Process by not placing on Government Gazette or allowing Email Comments to be submitted as is case with all other Bills on Government Gazette. We as the Public would suggest that Department Home Affairs quickly corrects this and follow the proper processes as listed above. We are not going to be fooled afterwards that this was ever out for public comment we know its not out. South African Citizens has a Right to give input to this as it affects all Citizens. I would like an official answer from Department Home Affairs when this National Identification and Registration Bill 2022 will actually be placed on Government Gazette and assurance this Bill would allow Comments via Email as its unrealistic for anyone to expect Postal Mail Comments arriving there in 3 months if ever opened by anyone.....

Kind Regards
John Brice Belgrove