Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill: Negotiating Mandate

Meeting report

The Chairperson asked Members and staff to introduce themselves. He outlined the House rules for the meeting. He said the Committee was present to adopt the negotiating mandate on the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill. It was noted that Members received the negotiating mandate in advance and responses to their questions from the Department.

Negotiation Mandate on Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill [B14-2022]

The Chairperson said the Committee was displeased with how they had been treated by the NCOP and the Chairperson would write to the NCOP for an extension for further inputs by other areas as he believed the Bill would have an impact on municipalities. Only five of 30 municipalities in the Western Cape commented on the Bill with most of them saying they did not have enough time to consider the Bill – this is telling and worrisome. He did not appreciate rushing through such important legislation especially given the problems facing municipalities.

Ms C Murray (DA) agreed and noted it was the same with many other Bills. She did not think the Western Cape should give the NCOP a mandate to support the Bill.

Ms M Maseko (DA) seconded Ms Murray. She was also concerned about the “short changed” public participation because of the allocated timeframes. This must be highlighted in the mandate. She requested the Western Cape write to the NCOP on this Bill as the province was forced to work outside of the legislative timeframe cycle. The NCOP should be more mindful of this time when Bills are referred to the provinces.

Mr T Klaas (EFF) agreed. The Western Cape should write to the NCOP to say they did not follow procedure. Next time, bills should be referred earlier.

The Committee Procedural Officer said communication had already been sent to the Chairperson of the NCOP, expressing dissatisfaction with the timeframes. This sentiment is also expressed in the mandate.

The Western Cape conferred on its delegate to the NCOP not to support the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill [B14B-2022]. This mandate, proposed amendments and comments from the stakeholders would be referred to the NCOP. See attached

Ms Murray proposed adopting the negotiating mandate.

This was seconded by Ms Maseko.

The Committee would meet next week for the Local Government Budget Vote.

The meeting was adjourned.