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Alan Storey stands in front of parliament protesting against the Information Bill. Photo: Neil Baynes.
The Protection of State Information Bill (POIB) has huge constitutional implications and should not be passed in its current form, the Right2Know Campaign said on Tuesday.
Speaking amongst a group of protesters gathered outside Luthuli House, a member of the campaign, Glenda Daniels, said the media have already had a taste of what's to come should the Bill be passed.
She was referring to the recent charges brought against the Mail & Guardian and two journalists by presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj over a story.
“We will not stop fighting and no, we haven't lost hope.”
She added that the next option would be to bring the matter to the Constitutional Court.
The Bill will come before the National Assembly for a vote later on Tuesday.
There were protests against the Bill taking place in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
Some of the protesters outside Luthuli House stood on opposite sides of the road carrying placards which read “Sine lungelo lokwazi” which translates “we have the right to know”.
Other placards read “We won't be silent”, “Let the truth be told” and “Don't think you are going to conceal fault by concealing evidence.”
The National Press Club asked people opposed to the Bill to wear black clothes, a black ribbon or a black armband.
It named the campaign “Black Tuesday”, based on what became known as “Black Wednesday” - October 19 1977, when the apartheid government banned The World, the Sunday World and a Christian publication Pro Veritas, as well as almost 20 people and organisations associated with the black consciousness movement. - Sapa
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JR, wrote
The implementation of this bill will be the first step in the destruction of democracy when it allows a politcal party, government and business associates to be unaccountable for their actions and criminal behaviour. Next will be a change in the constitution to allow them to do as they please. Dictatorship, here we come.
MelBel, wrote
Why would the government want to bring in a secrecy bill??? if they had nothing to hide why shouldnt it be disclosed? Clearly they want to hide the reasons for their millions and how they came about it. This is one protest i do agree with. NO TO CENSORSHIP!!!!!!
MK, wrote
Freedom of speech will not be stolen by a government who is hard at work to build a reputation far worse than the old regime.
Jabu, wrote
It amazes me so much when profit-driven interest groups use public interest as their main objective in opposing this information bill. How many events and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty do they print in their publications? The answer whenever they are invited to these events has always been "this event does not fall within our focus area" People need jobs, houses, water, sanitation, roads, good education & health, safety and competent civil servants. People want a private sector that is part of the social contract and not greedy and insensitive. These issues have nothing to do with secrecy of information. It is information peddlers who do not want this bill becoming law because they are afraid that they will have to account for their illegal activities. Come on South Africans. Do not be hood-winked by these profit-driven entities hell-bent on sucking our hard-earned cash through sensational reporting. Or the opposition who are hell-bent on bringing down our government not through the ballot bax byut by other means. Even in apartheid days, the system used our own people to oppress us. So having people who are sell outs today should not surprise us. The enemy has mastered the art of deceit and manipulation. Our own people are being given high positions in media houses so they can be tools to be used to spread lies about our own government. The bill has enough checks and balances and people were given ample time to make their submissions. The media is in bed with the opposition. They should stop spreading lies by saying this bill is anti-democracy or promotes corruption cover up by government. This is a lie
mike, wrote
the biggest con in 21st century is that the ANC are a democratic government they might preach it but one can see by the way they act they are true communists to their roots, take control of a country, corruption sets in, all their friendsfamily including themselves become millionaires without so much as lifting a finger, when the country begins to show signs of falling they will blame a scapegoat (whites in this casesoon indianscoloureds) the very same people who allowed them to make these billions, then they begin rallying the poor on the sides, and of course they begin censoring the media which is happening. The danger is not malema the danger is the power who gave malema the power in the first place, the same party which told him and taught him - The ANC has its roots in communism they like to re-invent the wheel each time, like trying to discover why lighting strikes! They forget communism never worksnever has nor will which is why so many african migrants try make it to the 1st world, unfortunately in this situation it is (just like in every communist country) the minority who are educated about the constitution this time the ANC will use this to their advantage and tell the masses the minority again refuse to share their wealth - ITs coming the clouds are rolling in now fast it always takes 20 years for the cracks to be show, the cracks are so deep in sa that the dam is about to flood, SA collapsed 10 years ago the signs are showing now - the lag affect!
Jeannie, wrote
The people who fought so bravely to end the fascist apartheid era (namely the ANC) are now party to reinstating its evils - what sickening irony
Anonymous, wrote
If The Government has nothig to hide, why would the need such a bill. This bill proves exactly how underhanded this government really is. If we are a democratic country as this government wants the world to believe, then WHY DO WE NEED A SECRECY BILL, of any kind. In communism you have secrecy, but NOT IN A DEMOCRACY.
Anonymous, wrote
then it will go underground and that is worse because there will be no checks and balances. This Bill is only major objective is to silence people on the graft, mismanagement etc you cannot put a cork on an open Champagne bottle. the ANC must be aware of the dangers of doing what they are going to do watch Egypt etc polular movements cannot be stopped once they have started. They dont even know which way the Police and the Army will react. Will we see an internal guerilla warfare?? and for what??? to defend the indefensible this is not Zim where the majority has been silenced. Does the ANC really wants the likes of Malema to be in charge??? I dont think so it has too much to loose.
David Lewis, wrote
This has terrible implications for business, freedom, and human rights in this country. My Grandmother, a founding member of the black sash movement, must be turning in her grave. I was ashamed to be a South African in the apartheid era: I don't want to have to be ashamed of my Country again.
Steve, wrote
hard-core communism is coming to South Africa polokwane 2007 was a inside-coup; and like the rest of Africa (drcnigeriasudansomaliaivory coast), which are destroyed, SA is going down the same road.. a very sad day.. thank you to all the people who fight ALL FORMS of oppression, slavery, and socialism
Mifozi, wrote
I am looking forward to this bill passing. The day after it passes we will read in the papers that crime has dropped. We'll read about all the great things our leaders are doing to improve the quality of life for all. We do not need to know about the wealth of these captains of industry as it can only lead to jealousy. We are the working class and we are there to work. Our leaders are there to lead. This is the way it must be.
gam, wrote
I think now is a good time to look for a real job. Story telling at a creche should suite you'll fine. I don't feel you'll pain, this was long over due, try to report of real issues and then I'll maybe buy a news paper.
IOLTRUTH, wrote
Thanx IOL for the Black Tuesday Banner and No to censorship! That Rocks, keep the truth free!
Angry Dumi, wrote
It's high time for this white owned media to back off. All the ANC is saying is that “come with facts”, I personally think the current media that’s “running” this country is not fair on black government and the ruling party. All they promote is white elitist interests. They should tell people the truth about this bill not propaganda.
Anonymous, wrote
The ANC has so much to hide that they will do whatever it takes to censor the media. How else are they going to retain power? Back to apartheid, but there days are numbered, just like the previous government.
can't talk, wrote
I am ********** in ******d***** of********* in ****** the *********of ******* ****** and cant talk********ot they wil******** have !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mrp, wrote
biffo, wrote
Nelis, wrote
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