Sizani's hat-trick: National Assembly unable to pass problematic Lotteries Amendment Bill 

The National Assembly was unable to pass the National Lotteries Amendment Bill this afternoon due to the poor attendance by the ANC MPs rendering the house inquorate.

The DA had argued earlier during the debate that this bill was problematic and that we would oppose it. Indeed, the last minute insertion of clause 13 A which provides that the state run the lotto for an effective period for 10 years is not only a fundamental policy shift, but also a bad idea.

We trust that this postponement will provide the portfolio committee of trade and industry with the opportunity to reconsider their position on this clause and help ensure that a quality piece of draft legislation is presented to the House at the next opportunity.

This is the third such time that under the tenure of ANC Chief Whip, Stone Sizani, Parliament has been unable to pass bills due to poor attendance by ANC MPs. And like we did with the job-killing Labour Relations Amendment Bill, the DA will use our strength to stop bills which are bad for South Africa in the future.

If the ANC Chief Whip wants to pass such legislation, then he would do well to get his own members to attend the sitting. 

Statement issued by Watty Watson MP, Democratic Alliance Chief Whip, October 22 2013

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