In a Government Gazette of 03 March 2014 notice was given of the publication of the Protection of Crucial Infrastructure Bill for public comment, and a Memorandum on the Objectives of the Bill. The Bill follows a notice given by Lindiwe Desire Mazibuko MP on 25 February 2014 of her intention to introduce a private member’s bill in order to make provision for the establishment, composition, function and duties, meetings, financing and reporting of the Crucial Infrastructure Board; the suspension and removal of members of the board; the determination and declaration of crucial infrastructure and to ensure that security measures are implemented at crucial infrastructure; the creation of a register containing the areas declared as crucial infrastructure; setting out the rights and duties of owners of crucial infrastructure; the limitation of the liability of the state; parliamentary oversight of the board; the creation of offences and penalties; transitional provision; and, the repeal of the National Key Points Act, No 102 of 1980 and related legislation.
The object of the Bill is to ensure (i) the adequate protection of Crucial Infrastructure within South Africa; (ii) the creation of procedures for the determination and protection of Crucial Infrastructure that are open and transparent; and (iii) accountable administration of Crucial Infrastructure while ensuring that the security of South Africa is maintained.
Comments are due by 01 April 2014.