Wednesday, October 16, 2013

DA calls for a vote on the Traditional Courts Bill

Luyolo Kala
15 October 2013

The Democratic Alliance has called for a vote on the Traditional Courts Bill.

DA Leader in the National Council of Provinces Elza van Lingen said they recognise the important role traditional courts play in rural communities however we must make sure that the Bill protects all our rights even in rural communities.

The DA said the Traditional Courts Bill does not promote the development of customary law and instead perpetuates its unconstitutional elements.

Lingen said that the fact that five provinces are opposed to the bill as it stands, shows that there is agreement that the bill as it stands now, will not pass the constitutional master.

She added that the main issues are that parties will be denied legal representation before a traditional court, there’s no opt out clause and the courts will hold jurisdiction over certain criminal proceedings, which shouldn’t be their function.

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