Mixael de Kock

The Johannesburg Press Club supports national efforts by various organisations aimed at convincing members of Parliament to not support the Protection of State Information Bill during a plenary sitting that starts in the National Assembly at 14:00 tomorrow. Tuesday 22nd November 2011.

Tomorrow is a sad day in the history of democracy in South Africa. But, it could also be a sad day for democracy... worldwide as this is a watershed moment in a country where so many has died for freedom and, where a decision has to be made in favour of democracy.

If, globally, in the very birthplaces of democracy, elected governments are being replaced by designated officials appointed by foreign governments, every citizen of South Africa must take heed and protest the case for intellect and integrity.

The bill has come a long way since it was re-introduced in Parliament in August last year.

Many organisations including the South African National Editors Forum, civil society bodies and social movements, trade unions, religious formations, academics and opposition MPs have managed to score very significant amendments while the Bill was being processed initially by an ad hoc committee. Many draconian and unconstitutional elements have been chipped away.

It does, however, remain a terrible law and the fight against it must be intensified.

After the vote the bill will be referred to the National Council of Provinces, which has the power to run its own consultation process and make amendments – so it is important that pressure is applied and kept up.

It is important that South Africans make a strong statement against the Bill tomorrow. It is even more critical for us in the media industry to do so.

We would appeal to all supporters of this initiative, particularly members of the media fraternity, to wear black tomorrow to send a strong message to the MPs who will be voting on the Bill in parliament that South Africa rejects any attempt to turn our democracy into a secretive society.

Chairman on behalf of the Executive Committee
Johannesburg Press Club