Pretoria – Cabinet has approved four amended bills including the introduction of the Criminal Matters Amendment Bill, 2015 into Parliament.
Briefing reporters at a post Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, said the amendments provide for changes to the laws pertaining to infrastructure-related offences such cable theft, telephone lines.
“Stricter provisions are provided for the granting of bail, sentencing of offenders and creating a new offence to criminalise damage to essential infrastructure caused by tampering or interfering with the functioning of basic services through criminal activity,” the Minister said.
He said the Bill, once passed, will ensure that mechanisms are put in place to safeguard infrastructure, in which much needed public investment is placed, to ensure that the country meets its economic growth targets and increases employment.
Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill
Cabinet also approved the introduction of the revised Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill, 2015 into Parliament.
“The Bill reaffirms that South Africa remains open to foreign investment, provides adequate security and protection to all investors, and preserves the sovereign right of the South African government to pursue developmental and transformational public policy objectives.
“This is in support of the National Development Plan’s (NDP) objective of promoting investment and export growth to stimulate sustainable growth and development in South Africa,” Minister Radebe said.
Copyright Amendment Bill
The Minister further said Cabinet approved publication of the Copyright Amendment Bill, 2015 in the Government Gazette for wider consultation.
The Bill amends the Copyright Act, No 98 of 1978 and the Performers Protection Act, No 11 of 1967, which are outdated as they do not consider developments at multi-lateral level nor do they have provisions that deal with digital issues.
“The Bill addresses the licensing of copyright work/ material in relation to commissioned work to prevent commercial exploitation.
“This will help government to address the plight of musicians and performers by ensuring that royalties are paid on time by recording companies and broadcasters as most of them are dying as paupers,” Minister Radebe said.
Public Service Commission Amendment Bill
Cabinet also approved the introduction of the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill, 2015 to Parliament. This amends the Public Service Commission Act 46 of 1997.
“The Bill deals with the instance of a renewal of a Commissioner’s term and also provides for the chairperson to designate one of the commissioners to act as the chairperson during the absence of both the chairperson and the deputy,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
