Professional Update
A
monthly newsletter for KZN Attorneys from the Kwazulu-Natal Law Society

31 July 2009

This professional service draws attention to current and important items of news
 and members are directed to the hosts' websites

InfoUpdate 17 of 2009
Government and Legislation

Legislation

Companies Act

A costly companies law? - 28 July
Assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services firm Ernst & Young on Tuesday cautioned about the future cost effects the Companies Act would have on local auditing processes.
The Companies Act 2008 was signed into law in early April, however the effective date still needs to be gazetted with commentators believing it is likely to be effective on July 1, 2010. - Business Report website

Electronic Communications Act

ICASA calls for ECA overhaul - 28 July
The Electronic Communications Act (ECA) needs a serious overhaul, says Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) chairman Paris Mashile. Speaking at a panel discussion at the Internetix 09 conference this morning, Mashile explained the current iteration of the ECA is difficult for the regulator to implement. "Take for example chapter 10, which deals with competition – it's a labyrinth". He added there could either be a review of the Act or a complete rewrite, depending on which would provide the best outcome. - ITWeb website

Draft Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill

Intellectual Bill 'an abomination' - 28 July
The Draft Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill, scheduled to come before parliament later this year, has been described as an "abomination" that deserves to be thrown on the legal scrap heap. That's according to Dr Owen Dean, partner at intellectual property law specialist Spoor & Fisher. - Cape Business News website

New on Polity website

Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005
Notice inviting comments on Public Service Broadcasting Discussion Paper to amend the Broadcasting Act, 1999
GN 755/GG 32420

Films and Publications Act 65 of1996
Film and Publication Board : Guidelines to be used in the classification of films, interactive computer games and certain publications
GN 754/GG 32412

Learner Attendance Policy and Procedures, 2009
For public comment. Deadline : 7 August 2009
GN 982/GG 32414

National Environmental Management : Biodiversity Act 10 of2004
Marking of rhinoceros horn and hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes
GN 756/GG 32426

Notice for the publication of Draft Set-Top-Box Manufacturing Sector Development Strategy for South Africa
For public comments. Deadline : 7 August 2009
GN 983/GG 32421

InfoUpdate : an Information Service supplied by the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society