(6)
The Council may invite written comment from knowledgeable persons on any aspect of genetic
modification which lies within the Council's brief.
Appointment of registrar
Section 8
(1)(a) As soon as possible after the composition of the Council and whenever necessary thereafter the
Minister shall, after consultation with the Council, appoint a suitably qualified and experienced person as
registrar.
(b)
An appointment under paragraph (a)
(i) shall terminate if the person resigns as registrar;
(ii) may be terminated by the Minister if the registrar does not perform his or her duties
satisfactorily.
(2)
The registrar(a) is charged with the administration of this Act;
(b) may exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be conferred upon or delegated or
assigned to him or her by or under this Act or by the Council.
(3)
Whenever the registrar is for any reason absent or unable to perform his or her functions, or
whenever a vacancy in the office of the registrar occurs, the Council may desi2nate a member of its staff act
in that capacity until the registrar resumes his or her functions, or a registrar is appointed in terms of
subsection (1), and that member has, while so acting, such powers and shall pet-form such duties of the
registrar as may be delayed or assigned to him or her by the Council.
(4)
Any action of the registrar may at any time be withdrawn or amended by the 45 Minister.
(5)
The Director-General shall designate, subject to the provisions of the Public Service Act. 1994
Proclamation No. 103 of 1994), as many officers of the department as may be necessary to assist the registrar
in the exercise of his or her powers and the performance of his or her duties.
Functions of Registrar
Section 9
The registrar shall, subject to the instructions of and the conditions laid by the Council(a)
issue a permit as required or prescribed under this Act:
(b)
where he or she has ascertained or suspects on reasonable grounds that genetically modified
organisms are being imported or locally produced or used contrary to the provisions of this Act or the
conditions of a permit issued thereunder-