Controversial bill moves closer to becoming law

Despite deliberations between rail, port and pipeline utility Transnet and the transport ministry, the Merchant Shipping Bill has sailed closer to becoming law. The proposed legislation seeks to maintain high safety levels for human life involved in transport and handling of containers – a principle that Transnet strongly supports. But it believes that the lawmakers have not taken into consideration the financial impact of the proposed legislation. Parliament’s portfolio committee met with a delegation from the department as well as representatives from the South African Maritime Safety Association to discuss the Merchant Shipping Bill a week ago. But on Tuesday, the Bill moved to closer to becoming an Act. The major issue this time revolved around whether or not to include a clause in the proposed law extending the Act to cover transport between South Africa and the Prince Edward Islands. Ruth Bhengu, the committee’s chairperson, said she did not agree with the suggestions of having the Clause removed because the Prince Edward Islands were part of South Africa.