Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996)Chapter 4 : ParliamentNational Legislative Process79. Assent to Bills |
| (1) | The President must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this Chapter or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration. |
| (2) | The joint rules and orders must provide for the procedure for the reconsideration of a Bill by the National Assembly and the participation of the National Council of Provinces in the process. |
| (3) | The National Council of Provinces must participate in the reconsideration of a Bill that the President has referred back to the National Assembly if— |
| (a) | the President's reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill relate to a procedural matter that involves the Council; or |
| (b) | section 74(1), (2) or (3)(b) or 76 was applicable in the passing of the Bill. |
| (4) | If, after reconsideration, a Bill fully accommodates the President's reservations, the President must assent to and sign the Bill; if not, the President must either— |
| (a) | assent to and sign the Bill; or |
| (b) | refer it to the Constitutional Court for a decision on its constitutionality. |
| (5) | If the Constitutional Court decides that the Bill is constitutional, the President must assent to and sign it. |