Question NW2586 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Reply:

In respect to the entities reporting to me, I have been informed as follows:

1. Legal Aid South Africa:

There are no application dates for members. The members of the Board are appointed by the Minister in terms of the Legal Aid South Africa Act, 2014 (Act No. 39 of 2014). The Board of Legal Aid South Africa is fully constituted. As a result, there are no Board vacancies currently.

2. Council for Debt Collectors:

There are no applications dates set for positions on the Council for Debt Collectors. In terms of the Debt Collectors Act, 1998 (Act No. 114 of 1998), 10 Council members are appointed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, of which 7 members are appointed based on nominations received from the debt collection industry, law society of South Africa, Magistrates commission and an institution representing consumer interests. The Chairperson and 2 remaining members are appointed in the Ministers discretion.

In terms of section 3(4) of Act No. 114 of 1998, a member of the Council holds office for a term, not exceeding three years, determined by the Minister at the time of the member's appointment. The section also provides that a member may be reappointed at the expiration of his or her term of office.

3. South African Law Reform Commission:

Section 3 of the South African Law Reform Act, 1973 (Act No. 19 of 1973) provides for the appointment of the Commissioners by the President and does not require the prospective Commissioners to apply for these positions.

4. Special Investigating Unit

The Special Investigating Unit does not have a Board as it is a Schedule III Public entity, with the Accounting Authority fulfilling the role of the Board.

5. Rules Board for Courts of Law

There are no applications dates set for positions of the Rules Board as the Board is accountable to the Minister in terms of the Act. The Minister appoints when there is a vacancy and/or prior to the expiry of the terms of the Board.