The South African Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health has decided to proceed with its legislative process, including public hearings on tobacco products and electronic delivery systems (e-cigarettes), following legal advice from the Parliamentary Legal Services, according to a Zawya report on 26 October.
The legal advice clarified that while the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) has an agreed process for considering matters, the NEDLAC Act does not mandate a specific process. She also noted that NEDLAC retains the right to discuss the Bill even after it has been tabled in Parliament.
Committee Chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said: "The legal opinion provides clarity on the consultation process and we are pleased that the Department of Health has complied with the necessary requirements. As a committee, we are now ready to proceed with the remaining public hearings and continue our scrutiny of the Bill".
During the Sixth Parliament, the Committee has held public hearings in seven of the country's nine provinces. The next hearings will take place in the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Dhlomo added that he had communicated with NEDLAC, writing to the council and discussing the matter with its director to ensure transparency and resolve any outstanding issues.
"We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process and welcome further engagement with NEDLAC as we finalise this important legislation," he said.
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