Although it is not news that is talked about in the media, TLU SA learns with great concern that the Government Gazette channels are currently not working properly.
“This is an issue that has been going unnoticed for some time, but it affects every resident in the country,” said Mrs. Erika Helm, TLU SA Chairperson: Local Government Committee.
“Many matters that have an impact on our daily operations, especially in terms of regulations and legislation, are published and promulgated in the Government Gazette, which then makes it a legal action. The Government Gazettes are available through the Government Printing Works and there are two websites that have made the information available free of charge. One website hasn’t published any Government Gazettes for the public last year, and the other printing press has not granted access since 28 January 2022.”
It is very important for TLU SA to be informed of matters that will have an impact on farmer so that the information is passed on to members as soon possible with all necessary details. Priority matters include the publication of land claims. Promulgation of local governments’ legal actions also forms a large part of this information.
“I tried to call the state printing house and there was no answer. One of my colleagues also tried, but there is just no answer at the offices. In terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000, the legislation is aimed at establishing a fair and equitable administrative action that may infringe on any person’s rights. An administrative action that may affect any person must be given an opportunity to respond. If the state printing house does not make the Government Gazettes available, this opportunity is taken away from the resident of the country. The legislation also stipulates that specific steps must be taken to make the information available.”
Mrs. Helm adds: “I consider this a very important matter as the government can use this opportunity to implement legislative amendments without giving us the opportunity to take note of it or to react to it. The people do not realise how important this information is. It must be addressed that the government is not fulfilling its duty towards the inhabitants of the country. The Constitution clearly stipulates in paragraph 32 of the Bill of Rights that every person has the right to information held by the state and any information required in the exercise or protection of any rights.”
According to Mrs. Helm the government must explain to the public what are the affirmative actions that will be taken and the time it will take. “The state must also be informed that the information that was not available to the public will not form part of any period or opportunity that must be granted in which any person can exercise his rights.”
