Issued by: Constitutional Assembly
CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY MEDIA STATEMENT
Cape Town, 8 February 1996
Progress on a number of outstanding issues marked yesterday's discussions on the Bill of Rights in the Constitutional Committee Subcommittee.
Political parties were able to reach agreement in principle on clauses dealing with privacy, freedom of religion belief and opinion and political rights - subject to the reformulation of clauses.
Progress was also registered on freedom and security of the person, the property clause, clauses dealing with socio-economic rights and the clause dealing with economic activity, which parties agreed should be retitled "freedom of occupation".
Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, Cyril Ramaphosa, said that he was pleased with the progress made so far: "Parties have indicated their willingness to explore various options in order to reach consensus. Differences between parties on many of the clauses are of a technical nature, they are not in principle disagreements and I am sure we can dispose of them soon."
As the process continues parties are drawing on the submissions received from the public in their deliberations. Submissions are tabled on a daily basis for the consideration of the political parties and each submission received is tabled in the Constitutional Assembly.
The next meeting of the Subcommittee takes place at 10:00 on Monday 12 February and will look at the chapters dealing with finance, the judiciary, the national assembly and national executive.
Released by: Katharine McKenzie Tel: (021) 403 2174 or (021) 24 5031 email: kmckenzi@conassem.Inca.za