Following a briefing by National Treasury, the Committee received submissions from the Financial and Fiscal Commission and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). The Committee further held public hearings on 17 April 2012 in line with section 9(5)(b) of the Money Bills Act. The Committee received written and/or oral submissions from the following bodies and persons: National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa, People's Budget Coalition, Department of Water Affairs and Mr D van den Heever.