How to Make a Parliamentary Submission in South Africa

Parliament invites the public to comment on new laws and policy changes before they are passed. This is called the public participation process. This guide explains how ordinary South Africans can make a written or oral submission.

Why make a submission?

A submission lets you:

  • Support or oppose a proposed law
  • Suggest changes to a bill
  • Share how the law will affect you, your community, or your business
  • Hold Parliament accountable for laws it passes

Submissions are part of South Africa's constitutional right to public participation.

Who can make a submission?

Anyone can make a submission, including:

  • Individual citizens and residents
  • Community organisations and NGOs
  • Businesses and trade unions
  • Experts and academics

You do not need a lawyer or a political party to comment.

Where to find bills open for comment

Open bills are listed on the Parliament of South Africa website:

  • Visit parliament.gov.za
  • Look for the "Parliamentary Committees" or "Public Participation" section
  • Find the bill you want to comment on and read the call for comments
  • Note the closing date for submissions

Some provincial legislatures also invite comment on provincial bills. Check your provincial legislature's website.

What to include in your submission

A good submission should include:

  • Your full name and contact details
  • The name of the bill you are commenting on
  • Whether you support or oppose the bill, or specific clauses
  • Clear reasons for your views
  • Practical examples of how the bill would affect you
  • Proposed changes, if you have any

Keep your language respectful and factual. Long submissions are fine if they stay on topic.

How to submit step by step

  1. Read the bill and the call for comments Parliament usually publishes an explanatory summary. Focus on the parts that affect you most.

  2. Write your submission Use plain language. Explain who you are, why the bill matters to you, and what changes you want.

  3. Format your submission Most committees accept submissions by email, post, or through an online form. Check the instructions in the call for comments.

  4. Submit before the deadline Late submissions are usually not accepted. Send your submission to the committee secretary listed in the call for comments.

  5. Request to present orally (optional) If you want to speak to the committee in person or online, say so in your submission. Committees invite some submitters to make a short oral presentation.

  6. Follow the committee's progress Committee meeting reports are published on the Parliament website. You can see whether your input influenced the final law.

Tips for an effective submission

  • Be specific about which clauses you support or oppose
  • Use real-life examples
  • Suggest practical alternatives
  • Keep it polite and constructive
  • Attach research or reports if they support your argument

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use legal language? No. Plain English is best. Committees want to understand how ordinary people will be affected.

Can I remain anonymous? Usually no. Most committees publish submissions with the submitter's name. If you have a safety concern, contact the committee secretary before submitting.

Does Parliament have to accept my suggestion? No, but Parliament must consider public comments. Your submission becomes part of the public record and can be used in later debates or court cases.

Can I comment after the bill is passed? You cannot change a bill once it has been signed into law, but you can still contact your MP or join advocacy campaigns for future amendments.