Interpretation of statutes (IOS2601) assignment 1
Student Name: ******* *******
Student Number: 35958893
Module code: IOS2601
Assignment: 01
Due Date: 04 April 2025
Extended due date : 17 April 2025
1
, Question 1
(A)
The National Youth Commission Act 19 of and the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 are two
significant pieces of legislation in South Africa. Section 13 of the Interpretation Act 33 of
1957 provides insight into the commencement of Acts.
The difference between the date of assent and the date of commencement is significant
in understanding the lifecycle of a law. The date of assent, in this case, April 10, 1996,
marks the point when the President signs the bill into law, indicating their approval.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the law is immediately enforceable or in
effect.
According to Section 13 of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957, the commencement date,
June 19, 1996, is the date when the law actually comes into operation. This allows for a
transition period, enabling relevant authorities to make necessary preparations, such as
drafting regulations, allocating resources, or establishing institutional frameworks, to
ensure the law’s effective implementation.
In essence, the date of assent signifies the law’s approval, while the date of
commencement marks the law’s actual enforcement. This distinction is crucial in
understanding the timeline of a law’s lifecycle, from its approval to its implementation, and
ensures a smooth transition into effect.
(B)
To determine the purpose of the National Youth Commission Act 19 of 1996, one should
consider internal aids within the Act itself. Here are three internal aids that can be
consulted:
Internal Aids
1. Long Title: The long title provides an overview of the Act's purpose and scope.
- Example: The long title might outline the establishment of the National Youth
Commission, its objectives, and its role in promoting youth development.
2. Preamble: The preamble sets out the context, objectives, and underlying principles of
the Act.
- Example: The preamble might highlight the need for a national youth policy, the
importance of youth development, and the role of the National Youth Commission in
addressing these issues.
2
Student Name: ******* *******
Student Number: 35958893
Module code: IOS2601
Assignment: 01
Due Date: 04 April 2025
Extended due date : 17 April 2025
1
, Question 1
(A)
The National Youth Commission Act 19 of and the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 are two
significant pieces of legislation in South Africa. Section 13 of the Interpretation Act 33 of
1957 provides insight into the commencement of Acts.
The difference between the date of assent and the date of commencement is significant
in understanding the lifecycle of a law. The date of assent, in this case, April 10, 1996,
marks the point when the President signs the bill into law, indicating their approval.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the law is immediately enforceable or in
effect.
According to Section 13 of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957, the commencement date,
June 19, 1996, is the date when the law actually comes into operation. This allows for a
transition period, enabling relevant authorities to make necessary preparations, such as
drafting regulations, allocating resources, or establishing institutional frameworks, to
ensure the law’s effective implementation.
In essence, the date of assent signifies the law’s approval, while the date of
commencement marks the law’s actual enforcement. This distinction is crucial in
understanding the timeline of a law’s lifecycle, from its approval to its implementation, and
ensures a smooth transition into effect.
(B)
To determine the purpose of the National Youth Commission Act 19 of 1996, one should
consider internal aids within the Act itself. Here are three internal aids that can be
consulted:
Internal Aids
1. Long Title: The long title provides an overview of the Act's purpose and scope.
- Example: The long title might outline the establishment of the National Youth
Commission, its objectives, and its role in promoting youth development.
2. Preamble: The preamble sets out the context, objectives, and underlying principles of
the Act.
- Example: The preamble might highlight the need for a national youth policy, the
importance of youth development, and the role of the National Youth Commission in
addressing these issues.
2
