Human Trafficking, Superior Courts Bills get NCOP approval

Almost two months after its adoption by the National Council of Provinces Committee on Security and Constitutional Development, 11 months since its endorsement by the National Assembly and more than three years since being introduced in Parliament, the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill (B7B-2010) has finally been referred to the President for assent.

This is according to a record of announcements, tablings and committee reports circulated yesterday. Once promulgated, it will align South African law with international standards, giving effect the country's obligations in respect of various agreements including the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.

Also adopted by the (NCOP) Committee in March, the Superior Courts Bill was described by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe as 'a blueprint for the Superior Courts', setting out a framework for the transformation of the magistrates' and other specialised courts. He was delivering an address to members of the National Assembly on the occasion of a second reading debate on the Bill last November. According to the Minister, once in force the Bill will lay the foundations for what he termed 'a new Lower Courts Act that will replace the Magistrates Courts Act ... bringing the specialised courts in conformity with the single judiciary principle'. The Bill was tabled in the National Assembly during June 2011.