MEDIA GROUP RAISES CONCERNS OVER SECRECY BILL IN ITS CURRENT FORM

The Southern African Freelancers' Association (SAFREA) today issued a press release raising concerns over the Protection of Information Bill in its present form.

The Bill was passed by majority vote in South Africa's Parliament yesterday and will now be forwarded to President Jacob Zuma to be signed into law.

Safrea drew on a quotation from American writer and activist Noam Chomsky which aptly describes the relationship between free speech and a democracy:

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for those we despise, we don't believe in it at all."

The full text of the press release appears below.

The Southern African Freelancers' Association stands opposed to the passing of the Secrecy Bill in its current form.

"Although the Secrecy Bill that was passed yesterday is a considerably improved version compared to what was presented last year, it remains a threat to freedom of speech, exposing journalists and whistle-blowers to real and significant risks, including a jail sentence of up to 25 years when reporting on certain matters in the public interest.

"The limited protection the bill offers journalists and whistle-blowers will no doubt result in an unacceptable environment of secrecy, fear and intimidation. This does not bode well for responsible journalism in South Africa, for the livelihood of those pursuing honest careers in what should be free media, or for the South African public," says Safrea chair, Helen Ueckermann.

The Secrecy Bill must be weighed and tested against the South African constitution. Legislation of this nature undermines and erodes the sacrifices endured during the Struggle, and all that it stood for. Passing the bill makes a mockery of the constitutional safeguards on free speech.

"The media's role as watchdog, and its responsibility towards the public to report on classified information exposing corruption or criminal activity, will be severely hampered with the passing of the bill," says Ueckermann.

There can be no true democracy where there is a limitation on freedom of speech. In the words of American linguist, philosopher, historian, political critic, and activist, Noam Chomsky, "If we don't believe in freedom of expression for those we despise, we don't believe in it at all."