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Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has urged MPs to heed the warnings from across society regarding the controversial Information Bill. Photo: Cindy Waxa
Johannesburg - The Protection of State Information Bill is flawed and insulting to South Africans, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said on Monday.
“It is insulting to all South Africans to be asked to stomach legislation that could be used to outlaw whistle-blowing and investigative journalism... and that makes the state answerable only to the state,” he said in a statement.
The bill will come before the National Assembly for a vote on Tuesday.
Tutu said he was appealing to MPs to acknowledge the backlash the bill had caused.
“Please hear the warnings of the academics, civil society leaders, labour representatives, media corps, and legal and constitutional experts,” he said.
“This law will do our people and our country a disservice.”
If the bill is passed, the media will not be able to claim they acted in the public interest if they violate or are party to the violation of a law, or publish classified information to substantiate a report on, for example, malpractice or corruption in government.
“A state is entitled to keep information outside the public domain in instances where publication may jeopardise state security,” Tutu said.
“But if the legal mechanism created to protect state security... prevents criminality from being exposed, the mechanism is patently flawed.”
Various human rights groups and media houses across the country were expected to protest against the bill on Tuesday.
National Press Club (NPC) chairperson Yusuf Abramjee said the day “will mark the start of a dark day for freedom of speech, freedom of expression and media freedom”.
The NPC 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 almost 20 people and organisations associated with the black consciousness movement.
On Monday, the State Security Agency (SSA) said claims that the bill would lead to censorship and information blackouts were sensationalist.
“It is not correct that there will be mass classification of information as the application of the bill is narrowed drastically to national security departments,” SSA spokesperson Brian Dube said in a statement.
“To argue that life under the Protection of State Information Bill will be characterised by censorship and information blackouts is sensationalising of the highest order.” - Sapa
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Anonymous, wrote
I have never seen so many sheep as in the voting process in the Protection of information bill. The ANC were told how to vote, or else. What a disappointment is Trevor Manuel? I thought he was one of the "good guys" ; no more. The whole corrupt bunch were protecting their own interests. It should be "the protection of own interest bill". Its not just to stop journalists, you silly buggers, its to reveal corruption, thats why the bill was passed, just before the arms deal inquiry, to prevent the truth being revealed. Do you think the ANC are stupid? They have outwitted us all. Mr Malema Sir, dont go away, our country needs you.
Idiot, wrote
@Anonymous, wrote 01:36pm on 22 November 2011. what a moronic statement. are you on the Malema payroll? why is it that you think your corrupt brothers in parliament should not be held to account? is it because you are a beneficiary or is it just because you want to save yourself from embarrassment? what a muppet
mandy, wrote
You want to know everything about me but I can't know anything about you or what you do with the taxes you collect from me. This is the perfect trigger to get law abiding south africans to go underground. You can only treat people like second class citizens for so long and then the people rise up. Isn't that how the ANC came into power? Beware and heed the Arch's warning.
TelliT, wrote
Well might sound ignorant but if you are making money selling confidential documents, you must be exposed and locked away. Sensitive, that's my view point.
TelliT, wrote
Well might sound ignorant but if you are making money selling confidential documents, you must be exposed and locked away. Sensitive, that's my view point.
wayne, wrote
welcome to africa mr tutu... this is what you fought for all those years during apartheid. if there is a single person in south africa who did not think this would happen and who does not think that zimbabwification is a stones throw away - see malema - then you are the biggest dumba** that ever roamed the southern african peninsula. TIA - THIS IS AFRICA. there is no such thing as democracy, freedom, human rights etc. and those still sticking around need to take of those rose tinted glasses... i told you so.
TelliT , wrote
Well I guess if one can publish such a document(classisfied) without compromising the country's security so be it, but I doubt that very much. If such cases go to court all will have to be revealed not only that small section, but everything, how is this to be addressed without compromising the state security? As for those making a leaving selling classified documents, their cover must be blown, they must be exposed and known to the public, its about transparency, just like press freedom.
Anonymous, wrote
South African media have too much freedom, they dont want to be regulated, hence, other instutitions are regulated. Why? and for that matter, Its biased and it is controlled in britain. Why do they expose britain and americans? They are given so much freedom and they destroy ppl's lyf without following proper procedures. forinstance, why did Sowetan showed a photo of that policeman with that correctional officer. It was unacceptable. what is the meadia teaching kids who have access to newspapers. hayi nxah
Stan, wrote
I see Bishop Tutu at least is speaking out. That is a good thing. Is there a possibility for anyone with legit info on the govt corruption and also their cronies' to publish forward send it to the word press wiki's before the bill is passed? Groot asseblief! We freedom-loving, truth-declaring, taxed-to-debt legit citizens of South Africa need these info and also a tax break! Speak, Tutu, speak! Please don't let no rock outcry you, for if your voice is silenced, maybe the rocks should start their campaign of protest (biblically speaking... )
Anonymous, wrote
I thought we lived in a democratic country - not a communist one!
Foxi, wrote
8:30 am Annon wrote "... they acted in the pubic interest ..." You need glasses dude! If we lose our freedom of FOS, my God, then there is even less hope for our country. What will come next, who will protect our public interest. Come right ANC !!
Clive Dallas, wrote
Dont just slam the bill resign from the ANC and join the DA.
Anonymous, wrote
Lovers - You mirror the idea that the majority non ANC voting electorate thinks of the ANC - dumbed down individuals who parrot what their party feeds them, for their own gain. Open you eyes and start thinking for yourself
Anonymous, wrote
You all know who to vote for next time. !!!!!!!
Anonymous, wrote
@ Anonymous 06:10am - Actually nevermind I dont even know where to start with your comment, your overly powerful ignorance and your blind sheep mentality. At least you do serve a purpose, the African National Circus dep[ends on ignorant citizens as yourself for votes they dont deserve.
sizwe, wrote
I have simple rule approach to life, I do not criticise what you do not understand. I urge all of you who have felt compelled to participate on this discussion to first go read it so we can have an informed debate. Right now all I see is sensationalisation without any substance. There are many things I do not like about this bill, but let us rather address the specifics as opposed to getting caught in the politics
aNON, wrote
@butho....if you really understand as you say, then you will also understand that the anc majority in parliment, on the very committee that has been working on this legislation for some time is the reason why the bill has not been 're-arranged'. the anc has a predetermined outcome of this issue and they will use their majority to destroy this countries democracy.
Anonymous, wrote
GToodbye SA Government (corruption, bribery, tender-preneurs)... Helloooo Wikileaks!
aNON, wrote
@tellit....back again with your ignorance! listen mate, the info bill in its present form provides a platform for all 'secrets' to be classified. and the 'secrets' i refer to are those that implicate your anc govt in wrong doing, corruption, maladministration, outright theft, etc. real state secrets need to be classified so as to keep out of the domain accessed by foreign intelligence to either advantage their countries economic or other initiative. do you understand that?
aNON, wrote
@tellit....back again with your ignorance! listen mate, the info bill in its present form provides a platform for all 'secrets' to be classified. and the 'secrets' i refer to are those that implicate your anc govt in wrong doing, corruption, maladministration, outright theft, etc. real state secrets need to be classified so as to keep out of the domain accessed by foreign intelligence to either advantage their countries economic or other initiative. do you understand that?
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