IOS2601 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026 – Due 7 September 2026

Description

IOS2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2026

QUESTION 1
(a) Difference between the dates of assent and commencement section 13 of the
Interpretation Act

The date of assent and the date of commencement are distinct legal moments.
Assent is the formal approval and signing of a Bill by the President or a provincial
Premier after Parliament has passed it. Once signed, the Bill becomes an Act enacted
law, but it is not yet in operation. (Botha 2012: 45; Constitution ss 81 & 123).
Commencement is the date on which the Act comes into force and can be applied.
Section 13(1) of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 provides that unless another day is
fixed, the Act commences on the day it is first published in the Gazette. (Botha 2012:
49).
 In the case of the National Youth Commission Act:
 Assented to on 10 April 1996, it became law in form.
 Commenced on 19 June 1996, the date of publication in the Gazette.

The delay between assent and commencement allows for administrative preparation,
publication, and the making of subordinate legislation under s 14 of the Interpretation
Act. Section 13(2) provides that a “day” begins immediately at the end of the previous
day (i.e. at 00:01), so the Act is deemed to have commenced at the start of 19 June