Dear Colleagues
Some more on the Protection of Information Bill. I understand that LIASA is putting a statement together.
Regards
Ingrid
>>> Jeremy Martens <jeremy.martens@UWA.EDU.AU> 8/25/2010 4:02 AM >>>
Date: 25 August 2010
From: Sarah Duff
<sarahemilyduff@googlemail.com<mailto:sarahemilyduff@googlemail.com>>
What follows is not of much relevance research-wise, but is, I think, of
critical importance to the future of academia in South Africa.
Last night, PenSA and and The Book Lounge in Cape Town hosted Keep
Information Free, a discussion on the Protection of Information Bill now
before Parliament (here's a blog on it
http://book.co.za/blog/2010/08/24/a-night-for-media-freedom-in-south-africa-tweets-from-the-book-lounge-wits-and-the-university-of-johannesburg/).
I don't think that I need to go into a great deal of detail about the fact
that the Act has profound implications not only for press and academic
freedom, but for every South African's right to access information.
The internet is abuzz with opposition to the Bill, and I'm sure that the
press will be be flooded with angry letters within the next few weeks. I
think, though, that contacting Cecil Burgess, the chair of the ad hoc
committee steering the Bill through Parliament, would make more of an
impact. Burgess accused NGOs and other advocacy groups of being 'obsessed
with openness'. (Here's a rather depressing description of the hearings,
http://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za/shock-and-awe-at-parliament-street/.)
His email address is cburgess@parliament.gov.za<mailto:cburgess@parliament.gov.za> and I, and a few friends and
colleagues, have contacted him, explaining our opposition to the Bill.
The more people who email Burgess, the more of an impact we'll make. (I
should add that this is only about the Protection of Information Bill and
not the proposed Media Tribunal - for more on the Bill, see
http://www.idasa.org.za/index.asp?page=output_details.asp%3FRID%3D2180%26oplang%3Den%26OTID%3D50%26PID%3D44)
Would you consider adding your voice?
<http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nicholas-dawes-a-grotesque-law-that-must-be-rejected-in-the-name-of-freedom-2060148.html>
>>> Jeremy Martens <jeremy.martens@UWA.EDU.AU> 8/25/2010 4:02 AM >>>
Date: 25 August 2010
From: Sarah Duff
<sarahemilyduff@googlemail.com<mailto:sarahemilyduff@googlemail.com>>
What follows is not of much relevance research-wise, but is, I think, of
critical importance to the future of academia in South Africa.
Last night, PenSA and and The Book Lounge in Cape Town hosted Keep
Information Free, a discussion on the Protection of Information Bill now
before Parliament (here's a blog on it
http://book.co.za/blog/2010/08/24/a-night-for-media-freedom-in-south-africa-tweets-from-the-book-lounge-wits-and-the-university-of-johannesburg/).
I don't think that I need to go into a great deal of detail about the fact
that the Act has profound implications not only for press and academic
freedom, but for every South African's right to access information.
The internet is abuzz with opposition to the Bill, and I'm sure that the
press will be be flooded with angry letters within the next few weeks. I
think, though, that contacting Cecil Burgess, the chair of the ad hoc
committee steering the Bill through Parliament, would make more of an
impact. Burgess accused NGOs and other advocacy groups of being 'obsessed
with openness'. (Here's a rather depressing description of the hearings,
http://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za/shock-and-awe-at-parliament-street/.)
His email address is cburgess@parliament.gov.za<mailto:cburgess@parliament.gov.za> and I, and a few friends and
colleagues, have contacted him, explaining our opposition to the Bill.
The more people who email Burgess, the more of an impact we'll make. (I
should add that this is only about the Protection of Information Bill and
not the proposed Media Tribunal - for more on the Bill, see
http://www.idasa.org.za/index.asp?page=output_details.asp%3FRID%3D2180%26oplang%3Den%26OTID%3D50%26PID%3D44)
Would you consider adding your voice?
<http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nicholas-dawes-a-grotesque-law-that-must-be-rejected-in-the-name-of-freedom-2060148.html>
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