What is a submission to Parliament?

A submission is an individual's or an organisation's comments on a piece of draft legislation (or Bill) that is being discussed by a Portfolio Committee in Parliament. A submission expresses support or opposition to the Bill. It may also propose changes. A submission is usually a written document. However, a person or organisation may also ask to make an oral presentation to the Portfolio Committee. A submission can be a very simple document, like a letter or a short statement. It can also be much longer. It depends on the writer and what she or he wants to say.

Why make a submission?

Submissions are one of the ways citizens can make their voices heard in the law-making process. MPs need to know whether or not the public supports a Bill. They also need suggestions from the public about how to improve Bills.

You may have suggestions that would help make the law better. By making a submission, you can raise matters of concern or suggest solutions that MPs might not have thought of.

It is a practical way to make sure we get strong gun control legislation.

Let us raise our voices together

The Gun Control Alliance is encouraging organisations and individuals to act together to prepare submissions. We will stay in touch with you and let you know what we are doing. This is important because, if several groups make similar points and propose similar amendments, we are more likely to make an impact.

When should we make our submissions on the Firearms Bill?

After the Firearms Bill is introduced in Parliament, it will be sent to the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security. The Committee Secretary will call for submissions and possibly announce a public hearing. The name of the Committee Secretary is Lungisile Pakati. You can phone him on 021 403-3758 to find out when you should send in your submission or make your appointment to come and address the Committee.

You should prepare for this deadline and begin working on your submission as soon as you have a copy of the Bill.

How should we write our submissions?

There is no set format for a submission. It can be a simple letter of support or opposition, or it can be a longer document with suggestions for changes. The important thing is to say what you want to say clearly.

Usually, the shorter and simpler the better. MPs are busy people and will probably not have time to read very long complicated submissions.

Know what the Bill says

Read the Bill. Often Bills are written in complicated legalistic language and it may help to read the Memorandum at the back of the Bill. This explains the Bill.

The Gun Control Alliance will prepare a summary of the Bill. Contact us if you would like us to send you this summary and a copy of the Bill.

Otherwise, you can get the Bill from the Committee Secretary 021 403 3758 or from the Government Printer (Private Bag X85, Pretoria 0001) at R4 each. The Bill may also be available on the internet from the Parliament or government web sites.

Begin with a summary to make the main points

If your submission is long, write a summary. Your summary should briefly outline your main points and recommendations.

Say who you are

If you are making the submission as an individual, explain why you want to comment on the legislation. If you have training or experience that is relevant to the issue, say so.

If you are making the submission as an organisation, describe the organisation: Who are its members? Why are they concerned about this Bill? Does the organisation have special expertise or experience in this issue?

Explain your point of view

This is the main part of your document. Start by saying whether you support or oppose the Bill. If you want to suggest changes, do so here.

Use the language of your choice

Use the language you feel most comfortable with. The main language used in Parliament is English. However, the majority of MPs speak Xhosa, Zulu or Sotho. They will enjoy reading submissions in any of these languages. But remember, the media probably do not understand many South African languages. So attach a one-page summary of your main points in English.

What to do when you have finished your submission

If you are in Cape Town, you can deliver your submission by hand to Parliament.

Otherwise, you can post it to the Committee Secretary, Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, Parliament, PO Box 15, Cape Town 8000. Make sure you post it in time to arrive before the deadline.

Or, if your submission is short (five pages or less), you can fax it to the Committee Secretary, Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security at 021 461-7969.

If you want to make an oral submission, request this in a cover letter. Phone the Committee Secretary on 021 403 3758 to find out if and when this will happen. Even if you are not making an oral submission, you may wish to attend the hearings.

If possible, forward a copy of your submission to the Gun Control Alliance, PO Box 31532 Braamfontein 2017 or to the Gun Control Alliance, PO Box 12988, Mowbray 7700