Cape Town, South Africa – Mr. Qubudile Dyantyi, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, is extending an invitation to the public for submissions on the proposed Statistics Amendment Bill [B31-2023]. This call is open to interested individuals, organizations, academics, and relevant stakeholders who wish to provide written comments or express interest in making oral submissions.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the Bill aims to update the Statistics Act, 1999. It proposes changes including the deletion, substitution, and insertion of new definitions, and revising the roles and responsibilities of the Statistician-General. The amendment is designed to facilitate the development and implementation of the National Statistics System and the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics by the Statistician-General.

The Bill also focuses on enhancing coordination and collaboration among data producers and users, thereby creating a favorable environment for the production and use of quality statistics within the Republic of South Africa. It includes provisions for the establishment of statistics units by state organs, the submission of annual statistics plans and reports by these organs, and the creation of the Statistical Clearing House. This is intended to support the functions and objectives of the National Statistics System.

Furthermore, the Bill seeks to empower the Minister to make regulations and address related matters.

Interested parties are requested to direct their written submissions and enquiries to Ms. Nomaxhosa Mooi, the Committee Secretary. Submissions can be sent to the Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, located on the 3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8000, or emailed to sab@parliament.gov.za by no later than 24 November 2023.

Copies of the Bill are available from Ms. Mooi, with contact details provided as telephone number (021) 403 8278 or cell phone number 060 551 0377. The Bill can also be accessed on the Parliamentary website at www.parliament.gov.za.