The Ministry of State Security welcomes the latest developments on the Protection of State Information Bill.
Yesterday, 29 November 2012, Parliament’s National Council of Provinces passed the bill, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.
This bill has been the subject of discussion across various platforms and has earned the status of the most talked about security law. We express our appreciation to civil society and various organisations that made their input in improving this bill. Over 800 amendments were made by the NCOP Committee processing the bill.
A number of amendments are worth noting, particularly as they serve to address some concerns raised by civil society.
- The bill now provides, in clause 43, for explicitly protection of whistle blowers and those who expose corruption from prosecution
- All minimum sentences have been dropped except in espionage related offences
- A public interest override, in clause 19, provides a simple mechanism for a person to apply for access to an organ of state for access to a document and if refused may appeal to the head of an organ of state, the relevant Minister or can apply to the court.
We have noted calls for people to take the bill to the Constitutional Court. Indeed South Africa is a constitutional democracy and we would welcome such an action as it is provided for by our constitution. There is nothing to fear in this regard.
Enquiries:
Brian Dube, Head of Communication
Cell: 082 418 3389
