Parliament's ad hoc committee on the Protection of Information Bill began voting on the contentious measure on Friday, signalling the end of drafting and hope for further concessions from the ruling ANC.
Democratic Alliance MP Dene Smuts told colleagues the opposition would “move amendments as we go along”.
MPs would then vote on these suggestions, with the ANC expected to prevail because of its majority in the committee.
Before voting began, ANC MP Luwellyn Landers rejected a final plea from Smuts to consider redrafting a clause that imposes prison sentences of up to 25 years for disclosing classified information relating to the intelligence services.
“Would the ANC as a last gesture make the clause applicable only to intelligence agents?” she asked.
Landers said his party would not. - Sapa