This blog post is not about travel but it is about South Africa. Today has been called Black Tuesday by those opposing the so-called 'Secrecy Bill' that is due to be passed in South Africa today.
Which should include anyone reading this is who for Freedom of the Press.
In case you're not sure why there is so much of an outcry against the Protection of State Information Bill read on:
The Bill will mean:
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Harsh prison terms of up to 25 years, with no protection for whistle-blowers, except for the most minor offences. Even those who harbour whistle-blowers may face prison sentences
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Anyone who comes into possession of a state secret faces up to 25 years in prison if they do not hand the information to the police or security services
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The bill would trump the Promotion of Access to Information Act – which promotes citizens’ right to know
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The bill seals off state security agencies from any kind of scrutiny or accountability to the public
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It has no public interest defence.
For more information about the Right to Know campaign visit https://www.facebook.com/Right2Know
