A number of bills have reached the end of the legislative process and are awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature. These bills relate to various significant factors, such as Eskom’s debt relief, the expansion of official languages, and the establishment of a state-owned bank.
According to Business Tech, the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG), an information service that tracks parliamentary activities, reports that there are 59 separate bills at different stages of the legislative process.
Also read: Language proficiency is now a requirement for SA citizenship applications
Eskom Debt Relief Bill and Appropriation Bill
One notable bill expected to be signed into law soon is the Eskom Debt Relief Bill, which aims to write off Eskom’s outstanding debts.
Additionally, the Appropriation Bill will allocate funds from the National Revenue Fund to support the debt relief plan. The budget for the debt relief strategy includes a full debt settlement requirement of R184 billion over the medium term and a direct takeover of Eskom’s loan portfolio in 2025/26 amounting to R70 billion.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Escape the loadshedding blues with a pizza or pasta and a glass of wine at Obz Cafe for R159 (Valued at R330). Get it here.
Financial Matters Amendment Bill
Another bill, the Financial Matters Amendment Bill, intends to make several changes to pension-related, monetary, and auditing provisions. This bill targets eight existing laws, including the Associated Institutions Pension Fund Act, Temporary Employees Pension Fund Act, Military Pensions Act, and others.
The amendments primarily aim to rectify past discrimination against life partners of military pensioners by enabling them to retroactively claim benefits from the date the amendment takes effect. The bill also streamlines processes and ensures fair treatment for pensioners and their life partners under the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill
The National Assembly passed the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, which is awaiting the President’s approval, and it seeks to designate South African Sign Language as an official language in the nation. This amendment aims to uphold the rights of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring equal protection, the benefit of the law, and human dignity.
Currently, the South African Constitution recognises 11 official languages, and this amendment will add South African Sign Language to the list.
South African Postbank Limited Amendment Bill
Furthermore, the South African Postbank Limited Amendment Bill is under consideration. This bill proposes transferring the shareholding of Postbank from the South African Post Office (SAPO) to the government and establishing a Bank Controlling Company (BCC) as a holding company for the bank.
The amendments in this bill aim to facilitate Postbank’s registration as a Bank Controlling Company, enabling it to operate as a full-fledged bank.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Also read:
SU receives R4 million to establish the Centre for African Entrepreneurship
Picture: Henry Nicholls / Gallo Images