Statutory law revision: legislation administered by the Department of Social Development

"The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has published a discussion paper on the revision of legislation administered by the Department of Social Development (DSD) for public comments. The aim of this review is to ensure that all pieces of legislation that are administered by the DSD are compliant with section 9 (Equality) of the Constitution and to identify redundant and obsolete provisions." Source: Media statement.

"After having reviewed the statutes administered by the Department of Social Development, the SALRC is of the opinion that a few substantive amendments may be needed to comply with section 9 of the Constitution, for example the need for equal treatment of permanent residents in terms of the Social Service professions Act, 1978 and the equalisation of age with regard to men and women in the Older Persons Act, 2006. Following discussion with DSD officials the SALRC has also highlighted the implementation challenges experienced with regard to section 151 and 152 of the Children's Act, 2008." Source: Letter 7/2/1/25(DSD) accompanying print copy of the Discussion paper.