Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Announces Provincial Consultation Dates for SAGNC Draft Amendment Bill 2023
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture is proud to announce the official gazetting of provincial consultation dates for the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) Draft Amendment Bill 2023. This significant milestone underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive public participation and refining legislative frameworks that govern the geographical naming process in South Africa. By engaging stakeholders at every level, the Department seeks to ensure that the legislation reflects the diverse heritage and cultural identity of the nation.
The SAGNC Draft Amendment Bill 2023 has been meticulously crafted to address identified gaps within the current SAGNC Act. This legislation is pivotal in establishing a robust framework for the governance of geographical names across South Africa. The draft has undergone extensive review and refinement through collaborative efforts between the Department and the SAGNC, culminating in the sixth and final draft. This comprehensive review process has ensured that the amendments are both thorough and reflective of the evolving needs of South African society.
In a significant move towards inclusivity and transparency, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture has approved the publication of consultation dates. This approval sets the stage for an extensive consultation process, inviting input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including national and provincial departments, as well as other relevant entities. The consultations will provide a platform for stakeholders to offer valuable insights and feedback, ensuring that the final legislation is well-rounded and comprehensive.
These consultation sessions will be conducted across all nine provinces, with the dates being officially published in the Government Gazette and prominently featured in two national newspapers. This approach ensures widespread awareness and participation, encouraging a diverse range of perspectives to be considered in the legislative process.
Provincial Consultation Schedule
The Department has outlined the following schedule for the provincial consultations:
|
NO |
PROVINCE |
DATE |
|
1. |
Limpopo |
February 4 |
|
2. |
Mpumalanga |
February 10 |
|
3. |
Northern Cape |
February 17 |
|
4. |
KwaZulu-Natal |
February 28 |
|
5. |
Western Cape |
March 4 |
|
6. |
Eastern Cape |
March 7 |
|
7. |
North-West |
March 11 |
|
8. |
Free State |
March 18 |
|
9. |
Gauteng |
March 25 |
This gazetting marks a crucial phase in the legislative process, demonstrating the Department’s dedication to democratic engagement and the enhancement of South Africa’s legislative landscape. By facilitating these consultations, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture aims to ensure that the SAGNC Draft Amendment Bill 2023 is not only legally sound but also resonates with the values and expectations of the South African populace.
For further details and updates, stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to contact the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
The draft amendment bill can be accessed on the link provided and inputs can be sent on email by every South African citizen between the month of February and March 2025.
Link: SAGNC Draft Amendment Bill SAGNC Email: Sagnc@dsac.gov.za
Members of the media are invited to the first consultation that will take place in Limpopo as follows
Event: Provincial Consultation for SAGNC
Venue: Fusion Boutique Hotel, Polokwane, Limpopo
Date: 04 February 2025
Time: 08h30
For media enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 72 172 8925
Issued by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
