In response to the recently published Road Accident Amendment Draft Bill 2023, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has raised concerns over the limited time provided for public comment and the potential far-reaching implications of the proposed legislation. In an official press release, the UDM is calling for an extension of the comment period and seeking clarity on several critical issues.
The draft Bill, unveiled on September 8, 2023, has sparked apprehension within the UDM regarding its potential impact on the lives and livelihoods of South Africans, particularly victims of motor vehicle accidents. The UDM asserts that the thirty-day window allocated for public comment is grossly insufficient for thorough and meaningful engagement, a sentiment reportedly echoed by other concerned bodies and institutions.
The UDM states that despite requests for an extension of the comment period before the initial deadline, there has been no response from the relevant authorities. This lack of engagement raises concerns about the transparency and inclusivity of the legislative process.
Furthermore, the UDM alleges that the draft Bill was published without prior public participation or publicity, raising questions about its adherence to constitutional principles. The organization urgently seeks clarification on whether these allegations are accurate. Additionally, the UDM highlights the lack of clarity on how the proposed legislation would interface with other state institutions, including national, provincial, and local governments.
Language representation is also a point of contention for the UDM, as it questions whether the draft Bill was published in languages other than English. The UDM emphasizes that a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, may not have English as their first language and could be unaware of the potential impact on their lives.
In light of these concerns, the UDM formally requests the Department of Transport to extend the comment period for the draft Bill to 120 days, starting from December 1, 2023. The organization has given the department seven days to confirm this extension; otherwise, the UDM suggests that legal options may be considered.
As this call for extension and clarity unfolds, it brings to the forefront the need for transparency, inclusivity, and thorough public participation in the formulation of legislation that could significantly affect the lives of South Africans.
