South Africa’s democracy is at risk — a draconian and unconstitutional new secrecy Bill is in Parliament and a Media Tribunal could be endorsed by the ANC Council this week, muzzling the media and letting the security agencies operate without accountability.
The secrecy measures in the “Protection of Information Bill” and the proposed “Media Appeals Tribunal” threaten press freedom enshrined in the Constitution and will hamper public scrutiny of the government and security agencies, blocking the media from exposing corruption and abuse of power. Hundreds of prominent South Africans, business executives, civic leaders and journalists have condemned the measures and submitted amendments on the Bill to Parliament, but so far the ANC is defending both proposals. Only massive pressure from citizens across South Africa can wake them up and preserve hard-won freedoms!
You can read more below and sign the petition here:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/protect_south_africas_democracy/98.php?CLICKTF
(These guys have had tremendous success with past petitions, please do take the time to sign!!)
Thanks, Emile, for the mention. This petition was individually suggested/ requested by about 100 South African members of Avaaz, says the Campaign Director Alice Jay. (I was one of them and literally drove Avaaz crazy until they took the decision to go ahead).
The petition was launched amongst the 60 000 SA Avaaz members at 5pm on Wednesday 22 September 2010 (only a week ago). Its first 20 000 signatures (achieved in less than 2 days) was delivered by letter to Pres Jacob Zuma and leaders of ANC Alliance partners at their National General Council in Durban, as well as to relevant Parliamentarians in Cape Town, on Friday 24 Sept 2010.
Earlier today, we reached 30 000 signatures. The aim is now 50 000.
If any of you have ideas on how to go about delivering the petition again (say when it reaches 50 000), please let me know.
Benita