Constitution Review

The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) is a Joint Committee established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, by both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), to review the Constitution at least annually.

The Constitutional Review Committee is now inviting the public to make written submissions on any changes to the Constitution which they feel need to be made. The public is being granted 30 days, until 31 May 2015, to prepare and submit written representations on any revision that need to be made to the Constitution.

An opportunity to Make Your Voice Heard

A written submission is a written presentation of views or opinions on a matter or piece of legislation being considered by a Committee of Parliament. In this particular case, the CRC is granting citizens the opportunity to propose any changes to be made to any section of the Constitution. This is an opportunity for the public to participate in the process of reviewing the Constitution. It means that your opinions and proposals can be considered by the CRC when reviewing the Constitution.

Submission guidelines
The public needs to ensure their written submissions reach the Committee by the 31st May 2015.
For submissions from the public to be effective, content and format need to be considered carefully. The following suggestions may help to achieve this:

Heading – Head your submission with the name of the Committee to which it is addressed and the full title of the Bill or topic. For example:

“SUBMISSION TO THE JOINT CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE IN TERMS OF SECTION 45(1)(C) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (ACT 108 OF 1996) – RECOMMENDED REVIEW OF SECTION **(*)(*)”.

Body of the submission – You need to make out a clear and persuasive case with which you intend to persuade or guide the Committee in its deliberations. Who is it from – Clearly state whom the submission is from. State your name and/or give the name of the organisation you represent.

Contact details – Include a contact address, daytime telephone number, email address, etc.
Who else supports you – You may note how widely you have consulted during the writing of the submission.

What happens after submission?
The Constitutional Review Committee will thereafter identify those constitutional matters that it intends to review, taking into account any representations received in response to the invitation and any submissions made.

Where can I get a copy of the Constitution?
Copies of the Constitution can be obtained from your nearest Department of Justice and Constitutional Development office, the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) or from the Multipurpose Community Centre in your area.

Where to submit a written submission?
Enquiries, as well as written submissions, can be addressed to: Ms Pat Jayiya, Committee Section, PO Box 15, Cape Town 8000, W/S 3/091, 90 Plein Street Tel: (021) 403-3661 • Fax: (021) 403-2808 Cell: 083 709 8453 • email [email protected]