Health committee forges ahead with tobacco bill despite concerns over NEDLAC consultation

By Thapelo Molefe

Parliament’s health portfolio committee has resolved to proceed with the processing of the controversial Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill despite objections to wait for the input from the National Economic Development and Labour Council.

The decision was made after the committee received a legal opinion from Parliament’s Legal Services division.

The legal opinion said that while NEDLAC has an internal protocol for considering matters, the NEDLAC Act does not prescribe a specific process that must be followed.

The committee’s chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said: “The legal opinion has provided clarity on the consultation process and we are satisfied that the Department of Health has met the necessary requirements. As a committee, we are now ready to proceed with the remaining public hearings and continue our consideration of the bill.”

However, committee member and President of the African Transformation Movement, Vuyo Zungula, raised concerns