South Africans are being urged to take part in shaping four pieces of legislation that could have significant implications for how the country deals with illegal mining, the legal profession, trusts and incitement to commit serious crimes. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the proposed laws are aimed at closing loopholes, strengthening accountability and bringing some legislation in line with the realities facing the country today. Among the most significant proposals are dramatically tougher penalties for certain illegal mining offences, including fines of up to R100 million and prison sentences of up to 30 years. There are also proposals to strengthen oversight of trusts and repeal the apartheid-era Riotous Assemblies Act. Three of the Bills are now open for public comment — so what exactly is being proposed, and how can South Africans have their say?

<p>South Africans are being urged to take part in shaping four&nbsp;pieces of legislation that could have significant implications for&nbsp;how the country deals with illegal mining, the legal profession,&nbsp;trusts and incitement to commit serious crimes. Justice&nbsp;Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the proposed laws are aimed&nbsp;at closing loopholes, strengthening accountability and bringing&nbsp;some legislation in line with the realities facing the country&nbsp;today. Among the most significant proposals are dramatically&nbsp;tougher penalties for certain illegal mining offences, including&nbsp;fines of up to R100 million and prison sentences of up to 30&nbsp;years. There are also proposals to strengthen oversight of&nbsp;trusts and repeal the apartheid-era Riotous Assemblies Act.&nbsp;Three of the Bills are now open for public comment &mdash; so what&nbsp;exactly is being proposed, and how can South Africans have&nbsp;their say?</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>