ATC231122: Report of the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 22 November 2023

NCOP Security and Justice

Report of the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 22 November 2023.

 

The Select Committee on Security and Justice, having deliberated on and considered the subject of the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it on 19 September 2023, reports that it has agreed to the Bill without proposed amendments and reports as follows:

 

1. Background

The Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75) seeks to:

• amend the Correctional Services Act, 1998, so as to amend certain definitions;
• make further provision for the custody of all inmates under conditions of human dignity;
• insert, delete and amend certain provisions related to the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services;
• make further provision for compliance management; and
• provide for matters connected therewith.

 

The Bill is tagged as a Bill to be dealt with in terms of Section 75 of the Constitution (a Bill not affecting provinces).

 

1. Public participation process and summary of submissions on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75)

 

The Select Committee on Security and Justice invited stakeholders and interested persons to make written submissions and advertised on electronic platforms from 26 October 2023 and in newspapers from 27 October 2023 to 3 November 2023. The deadline for submissions was 10 November 2023.

 

• The Committee received 3 submissions from 2 individuals and one organisation; Just Detention International.

1. Committee consideration of the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75)

 

The Select Committee received a briefing on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75) on 18 October 2023 and thereafter advertised the Bill for written comment. On 15 November 2023, the Select Committee received a briefing from the Department on the written submissions received on the Bill.

 

On 22 November 2023 the Committee considered and adopted the Bill. The Committee also considered and adopted the Committee report on the Bill.

 

1. Consensus on the Bill

 

On 22 November 2023 the Committee considered the Bill.

1. Mrs. MB Bartlett moved and Mr TSC Dodovu seconded the adoption of the Bill without proposed amendments. There was no objection or abstentions.

 

1. Recommendation

 

The Select Committee on Security and Justice, having considered the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B14-2023] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it on 19 September 2023 and classified by the JTM as a section 75 Bill, recommends the Council pass the Bill without proposed amendments.  

 

Report to be considered.