Rushing the MPRDA Bill shows disregard for constitutional role of NCOP
President Zuma's ANC plan to process the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) Amendment Bill through the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in a mere 12 days is not only irregular, it shows total disregard for the constitutional role of the NCOP.
I have written to the Honourable Freddie Adams, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development, Energy & Mineral Resources, and to the Honourable MJ Mahlangu, Chairperson of the NCOP, to demand that the NCOP follow the correct processes as set out in the Constitution and in the Rules of the NCOP.
According to section 72 of the Constitution of the Republic:
(1) The National Council of Provinces must -
(a) facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the Council and its committees;