The beginning of the end of freedom?
South Africa rejoiced at the end of Apartheid when government censorship of the media was scrapped and the press was able to have the freedom which is necessary for a democracy. Now it seems as though this freedom is about to be taken away again – this time by the ‘freedom fighters’.
There are two prongs in the attack against the freedom of the press and our right to information.
The first attack comes in the form of ‘The Protection of Information Bill’ which is going before parliament soon. This bill would give the power to heads of government agencies to classify whole swathes of information on the grounds that it was in the “national interest”. This would then make disclosure of this related information a criminal offence punishable with up to 25 years in prison.
The second attack comes in the form of the proposed ‘Media Tribunal’ which would make South Africa’s press answerable to parliament. They would also have the power to censor anything they deem inappropriate.
The most worrying aspect of these attacks are their vague language which could incriminate anyone who challenges what the ANC deems to be bad. This is almost exactly what happened in the old Apartheid government with all its control and powers of censorship.
If this Bill passes and is enacted, we WILL see a time where any criticisms of the President or ANC leaders will be illegal, much like in other third world dictatorships around the world.
One has to wonder how this attack on the South African Constitution and Bill or Rights can be allowed. The Bill of Rights is clear on this:
16. Freedom of expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes
freedom of the press and other media;
freedom to receive or impart information or ideas;
freedom of artistic creativity; and
academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
The right in subsection (1) does not extend to
propaganda for war;
incitement of imminent violence; or
advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.
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