METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (PRIVATE) ACT REPEAL BILL [B68- 2008]

To provide for the repeal of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Private) Act, 1978 and to provide for matters connected therewith.

BE IT ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:- 

Repeal of laws

1. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (Private) Act, 1978 (Act No. 111 of 1978) is hereby repealed.

Short title

2. This Act is called the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (Private) Act Repeal Act, 2008.

MEMORANDUM ON THE OBJECTS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (PRIVATE) ACT REPEAL BILL, 2008

1. OBJECTS OF BILL

The objects of the Bill are to-

(a) give effect to the constitutional principles of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms, non-racialism and non-sexism;

(b) remove legislation that promotes blatantly unfair discrimination from the Statutes; and (c) repeal the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (Private) Act, 1978 (Act No. 111 of 1978).

2. IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE

None.

3. BODIES CONSULTED

The following bodies were consulted:

•	The Bible Society of South Africa

•	The Methodist Church of Southern Africa 

•	The Council of African Instituted Churches

•	The Muslim Judicial Council

•	South African Council of Churches

•	The Dutch Reformed Church

•	The Apostolic Faith Mission

4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE

None.

5. CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATIONS

None.

6. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

6.1 The Parliamentary Legal Advisers are of the opinion that this Bill must be dealt with in accordance with the procedure established by section 75 of the Constitution, since it contains no provision to which the procedure set out in section 74 or 76 of the Constitution applies.

6.2 The Parliamentary Legal Advisers are of the opinion that it is not necessary to refer this Bill to the National House of Traditional Leaders in terms of section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework. Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), since it does not contain provisions pertaining to customary law or customs of traditional communities.