Intelligence Legislation: Election of Chairperson & Programme

Meeting report

Election of Chairperson
Ms Ntombi Khaya (Committee Secretary) stated that in accordance with the Parliamentary rules the Committee had to elect a Chairperson. She asked for any nominations.

Mr D Bloem (ANC) nominated Mr C Burgess (ANC).

Mr I Vadi (ANC) seconded the nomination.

Mr C Burgess was nominated Chairperson.

The Chairperson thanked the Committee and announced that he was shocked and humbled by the nomination.

He proceeded to take the Committee through its Draft Programme.

Draft Committee Programme
Dr S Cwele (ANC) mentioned he was asked by the House Chairperson to draw up a tentative programme. The Protection of Information Bill (the Bill) was supposed to be tabled/debated in the House on 20 June but that date was impossible. This was because the complexity of the Bill and the period allowed for public hearings was far too short. The Committee should also consider the international visits to countries such as Germany and African countries such as Nigeria to note how they dealt with declassification. The Committee also had to consider whether it had sufficient resources, as he was aware that that many Committee would not be using they complete budget.

Mr L Landers (ANC) noted that more time might be needed for consideration of that Bill. He added that serious consideration should be given to the suggestion that drafters from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development be used to draft the Bill.

Dr Cwele was of the view that the Committee could not rely on departmental lawyers.

Mr Landers suggested that the drafters from the Department of Justice were the best and they worked fast.

Mr S Abram (ANC) thought that the Committee should first ensure that the drafters had the necessary capacity to complete the task.

The Chairperson realised that capacity was an issue. The Committee would explore the suggestion further.
 
The Chairperson raised the issue of communication with the public on the Bill.

Mr Bloem suggested that a press conference be used to ensure that the public was made aware of the Bill.

Mr Landers mentioned that he had not noticed any advertisements in the newspapers for public submissions on the Bill.

The Chairperson noted the Committee’s suggestions and would take it into consideration.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.