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DA fights Secrecy Bill online

Farzana Rasool
By Farzana Rasool, ITWeb IT in Government Editor.
Johannesburg, 25 Nov 2011

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is launching an e-mobilisation campaign to increase pressure on government to withdraw the Protection of State Information Bill.

The Bill was voted into law by Parliament this week.

“We have a network of millions of South Africans throughout the country. Through our social networks and our people on the ground, we can reach in the region of 15 million people,” says DA leader Helen Zille.

She adds that through these networks, the official opposition will distribute information about the Bill, and how it affects people's rights.

“And we will mobilise people through SMS, e-mail and social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and MXit.”

Zille explained that people will be encouraged to make a call to the toll-free presidential hotline (17737) to voice opposition to the Bill; download and e-mail a letter to the president setting out the case against the Bill; sign an online petition; and organise “flashmobs” of people with black gags at high-profile public events to demonstrate opposition to the Bill.

Democracy's death?

“Whatever happens in the months ahead, Tuesday will be remembered as the day that the ANC voted against media freedom - a cornerstone of our democracy,” says Zille.

She adds that some people have resigned themselves to a future under a Protection of State Information Act. “The Democratic Alliance has not given up. Far from it.

“We have fought against the Bill since its inception and we will keep on fighting. This legislation has no place in a free and democratic SA.”

Zille has also requested a private meeting with president Jacob Zuma to discuss the implications of the Bill; and will get legal advice on the validity of the Bill.

“If the DA's amendments in the National Council of Provinces are rejected, and the Bill is sent to the president for assent, we will petition the president to refer the law back to the National Assembly in terms of Section 79(1).”

The relevant section reads: “The president must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this chapter or, if the president has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.”

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