North West Legislature to Conduct Public Hearings on National Veld and Forest Amendment Bill 2021

On Tuesday, 22 August 2023, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development conducted public hearings on National Veld and Forest Amendment Bill 2021 at Motswedi Tribal Hall near Zeerust; Potchefstroom Banquet Hall; Phaphosane Community Hall near Ganyesa and Kgetleng Local Municipal Hall in Koster. All public hearings commenced at 10h00.

The National Veld and Forest Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to amend the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998, so as to amend and insert certain definitions; to provide for the facilitation of the formation of fire protection associations by a municipality and a traditional council; to compel a municipality, state-owned enterprise, public entity or other organs of state which owns land to join the fire protection associations; to extend the powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest to peace officers and traditional leaders; to amend the title of the Act to the National Veldfire Act; and to provide for matter connected therewith.

Relevant stakeholders, that included Municipal Fire Fighters , North West Parks & Tourism Board, Traditional Leaders, National Department of Forestry, Fishery and Environment attended the public hearing.