ARTICLE · 06 FEBRUARY 2025

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State Owned Enterprises Bill: Elevating The Public Voice Through Open Consultation

ENS

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In December 2024, the Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation issued a call for the public to submit written comments on the National State Enterprises Bill (the "SOE Bill"), [B1-2024].

South AfricaGovernment, Public Sector

Lwandile Msimanga

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In December 2024, the Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation issued a call for the public to submit written comments on the National State Enterprises Bill (the "SOE Bill"), [B1-2024]. The closing date for submission is Friday, 14 February 2025.

Public participation in the legislative drafting process forms part of the fibre of our constitutional democracy. This highlights the dual nature of our democracy, encompassing both participatory and representative elements. Thus, whenever new legislation is drafted, the public has the opportunity to contribute to and shape its content.

The significance of public participation in legislative processes was highlighted in Doctors for Life v International v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC) ("Doctors for Life"). The Constitutional Court held that:

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