The Ministry of State Security has noted with concern the ongoing media onslaught on the Protection of Information Bill debate.
After the public hearings on the bill, the Minister for State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele requested additional time to consider the submissions made, this owing to the seriousness of the issues at hand. What is concerning is the tone of the debate which suggests that the work on this bill is complete and that Parliament has already made its pronouncements on the matter. This perception is clearly not true and mischievous on the part of some who are participating in the debate.
An additional element of concern is the ‘war-talk’ that forms part of the media debate, as well as personal attacks on members of the adhoc committee working on the bill. This type of engagement is unwarranted and does nothing to add value to the debate and the work that is currently underway. If anything, it is dangerous and misguided. As already indicated, the minister is still considering the submissions and is due to provide an official response on the concerns raised on the bill to the adhoc committee, fairly soon.
Through the introduction of this bill, government aims to improve the security of the state with regards to work of counter-espionage and information peddling, amongst other things. It is not true that the intention is to stifle freedom of expression and create a ‘society of secrecy’. On the contrary, the bill provides for a process that will facilitate the flow of information in a more coordinated approach, within the provisions of the Constitution. We respect the Constitution and this bill will not undermine the spirit of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
We call on the media, social commentators and members of civil society to allow Parliament to process the work on this bill and to desist from making unwarranted comments that incite and mislead the public. We further call on those who are throwing personal attacks on members of the adhoc committee to desist from doing so.
We reiterate our resolve to apply our mind to all the inputs and submissions comprehensively and to ensure that all sections of our society have an informed debate on this proposed legislation.
Enquiries:
Brian Dube
Head of Communication
Cell: 082 418 3389
