Extension granted to Ad Hoc Committee on General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

5 March 2024

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee working on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (“the GILAB”) has been granted an extension, for reporting back to the National Assembly, until 22 March 2024. The Committee will use this period to consider the public’s input and deliberate on the GILAB. 

This decision follows shortly after the Committee concluded national public hearings on the GILAB held around the country. Various stakeholders who had made substantive written submissions to the Committee, including the FW de Klerk Foundation, also participated in oral submissions. Throughout its participation, in the public hearings and in its oral submission, the Foundation has expressed concerns about the GILAB’s constitutionality and emphasised the need for clearer definitions and robust oversight mechanisms to safeguard constitutional rights. 

“The extension granted to the Committee underscores the importance of not simply rushing legislation through Parliament due to time constraints, but of Parliament thoroughly considering all stakeholders’ inputs. The Foundation urges Parliament to address substantive concerns raised by the public and to ensure meaningful public participation”, says Daniela Ellerbeck, the Foundation’s Constitutional Programmes Manager. 

As the Committee proceeds with its deliberations, the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that any amendments to intelligence laws uphold constitutional principles and rights.

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 5 March 2024