The Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries calls on all affected communities to participate in the public hearings to be held in the Northern Cape on the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill [B24-2021].
 
The National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill [B24-2021] was referred to the committee on 20 December 2021 (ATC 173) for consideration and reporting. On 11 February 2022, the committee received a briefing from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. Section 59 (1) (a) of the Constitution requires the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the Assembly’s and its committees’ legislative and other processes.
 
The Bill seeks to amend the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998, so as to amend and insert certain definitions; to provide for the facilitation of the formation of fire protection associations by a municipality or a traditional council; to compel a municipality, state-owned enterprise, public entity or other organ of state land owner to join fire protection associations; to extend the powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest to peace officers and traditional leaders; to amend the title of the Act to the National Veld Fire Act.
 
Details of the hearings (Day 1) 
Date: Friday, 8 July 2022
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Venue: The Council Chambers, Msukaligwa Local Municipality

Details of the hearings (Day 2)
Date: Saturday, 9 July 2022
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Venue: Kwaggafontein Community Hall, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality

Details of the hearings (Day 3)
Date: Sunday, 10 July 2022
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Venue: Mavijani Community Hall, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES, MR PHILLIP MODISE.
 
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 2239
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: sugovender@parliament.gov.za