Tuesday could see the South African Government bring in a bill that will allow public bodies to work free of scrutiny from the press. Social media platforms have been buzzing with opposition and a number of protests are planned around the country.
Struggle stalwarts have joined the chorus of opposition to the Protection of State Information Bill, which is due to be voted on in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Journalists and civil society are voicing their opposition by dubbing the day “Black Tuesday”. Opponents say the bill is Government’s attempt to cover up corruption, while threatening reporters with jail time.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said the bill is flawed and insulting to South Africans, while former cabinet minister Jay Naidoo said he is deeply disturbed by the battering ram approach to the proposed legislation.
Tutu said people in this country should not be asked to stomach legislation that could be used to outlaw whistleblowing and investigative journalism. He is concerned the so-called secrecy bill will make the state answerable only to the state and added that it will do the country a disservice.
Meanwhile, Naidoo told the Daily Maverick that those trying to make the bill law fail to realise that transparency is a foundation of the democracy that South Africa fought for. He said the struggle against apartheid was also a struggle for a voice and that principle should not be betrayed.
The National Assembly gallery is expected to be packed with editors, journalists and groups opposed to the secrecy bill on Tuesday afternoon.
The Guardian on ‘Black Tuesday’