Page 512 - Provincial Treasury Estimates.pdf

Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
The department foresees an increased demand on skills development programmes and applications for
financial and non-financial support from SMME’s and cooperatives. The department still aims to support
about 120 cooperatives, which will be manageable through greater interactions with prospective
communities. Although the skills development programmes at ECDC and Coega Development
Corporation (CDC) should be able to meet the demand for skills, the department may not have sufficient
financial resources to meet the needs for support to the SMME and cooperative sectors. The fourth
industrial revolution requires new types of skills, which cannot be implemented by the department alone.
Support and collaboration with the private sector will be sought.

1.6 The Acts, rules and regulations

The department operates in a highly regulated environment, with more than 100 Acts and Regulations that
serve as operational boundaries of the DEDEAT Group (department and its six public entities). The key
acts, rules and regulations are applicable to the core functions of the department, which are: Consumer
Protection Act, 2008; Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Amended Act, 2013; Co-operatives
Bank Act, 2005; Amended Co-operatives Act, 2013; National Gambling and Betting Act, 2008; National
Small Business Act, 1996; National Liquor Act, 2003; Eastern Cape Liquor Act, 2003; Unfair Business Act,
1998; National Credit Act, 2006; Eastern Cape Eastern Cape Gambling Amendment Act, 1 of 2015;
Eastern Cape Development Corporation Act, 1997; Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Act, 2010;
Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974; Environmental Management Act, 1998; Environmental
Conservation Act, 1998; National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004; National
Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004; National Environmental Management Integrated
Coastal Management Act, 2008; National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008; National
Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2009, and Special Economic Zones Act, 2014.
The Eastern Cape Gambling Amendment Act, 2015 (Act No. 1 of 2015) amended the Eastern Cape
Gambling Act, 1997 (Act No. 5 of 1997) and came into operation on 1 August 2016. On the 19 February
2018, the Honourable Premier published a Proclamation bringing into operation section 4 and section 5 of
the Eastern Cape Gambling Amendment Act, 2015 (Act No. 1 of 2015). These sections provide that the
juristic person will be known as the Eastern Cape Gambling Board. The impact of the Legislation provides
for the following: reinforced monitoring to enforce compliance by the industry; an expanded revenue-base
and increased economic contribution; a revised regulatory system that caters for new forms of gambling;
a quicker decision making process and responsiveness to demands; and enhanced suitability of
mechanisms to promote entry into the industry.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Authority Act, 2018 (Act No, 4 of 2018) was assented to and published in the
Provincial Gazette during March 2019. Regulations in terms of the Act will be drafted and will be published
for comment once the Honourable Premier promulgates the Act.

The White Paper on Consumer Protection in the Eastern Cape has been endorsed by the Executive
Council. The Eastern Cape Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (Act No. 3 of 2018) has been assented to by
the Honourable Premier and published in the Provincial Gazette during March 2019. The Act when
proclaimed and in operation will provide the Office of the Consumer Protector with the necessary legislative
mandate to ensure a more effective and efficient service to consumers within the Eastern Cape and will
be aligned to the Consumer Protection Act and provides for procedures and mechanisms to provide
redress to consumers. Provision is made for the establishment of the Eastern Cape Consumer Tribunal
for referral of complaints that are not resolved in terms of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Act (No 2 of 2010) was reviewed. The Eastern Cape Parks
and Tourism Bill, 2018 was published for public comment on 12 February 2018. The Bill will promote
alignment with the National tourism legislation whilst it will seek to address gaps that have been identified,
which have a direct impact on implementation.

495