Cabinet approves media gagging bill

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xtermin8or

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With regard to the Film and Publications Bill, Cabinet noted the reservations that have been raised in the media about the deletion of the clause which exempted sections of the media from the ambit of the old Act. We would like to reiterate that the Government has no intention whatsoever to muzzle the media in any way, and that this position will not change. However, Cabinet took the view that the Bill must be published in its current form and that public discourse must be allowed before the Bill is promulgated. The relevant government departments were directed by Cabinet to engage with the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), and other parties, to discuss their concerns about the Bill. We would like to give the assurance that all views will be considered before the Bill is passed.
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this in effect means the bill has been passed - yes, I know theoretically it still has to go through a parliamentary process - but that is basically rubber stamping - the only thing that can stop it is a huge public outcry, so please guys start writing
 
Well we need to get Carte Blanche, Special Assignment and 3rd degree in on this. That's one of the ways to get a public outcry. I'm busy drafting a letter that I'm gonna send to each of them, please everybody try and do the same
 
I am sure this is unconstitutional and they will toss it back to parliament based on that.
(Don't ask me which piece of the constitution, but I am sure we are guaranteed freedom of speech)
 
@ pope24

you're right, section 16 of chapter 2 or the bill of rights entrenches the right to freedom of the press and other media and while the concourt would in all probability throw it back to parliament, but that process could take a long time, in the meantime much ireparable damage could be done, so we should fight it now
 
Disgusting, makes a mockery of what the ANC claims to have fought for.
 
IMO this is an alarm going off for our democracy. Things are looking very bleak indeed.
 
xtermin8or said:
@ pope24

you're right, section 16 of chapter 2 or the bill of rights entrenches the right to freedom of the press and other media and while the concourt would in all probability throw it back to parliament, but that process could take a long time, in the meantime much ireparable damage could be done, so we should fight it now
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They'll just amend the Constitution (again) if they really want it to fly.

EDIT: Where's xtermin8or when you want him?
 
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/me ponders...
Jacob Zuma is anti media - in a very big way
Tony Yengeni blamed the media for his conviction and jail time today
Manto lambasts the media almost daily
Mbeki has slammed the media recently as well

methinks the ANC hates the Media...
 
of course the constitution can be changed, but imagine the international outcry if that basic right is removed. But I think that the bill should be stopped or at least changed before it is passed
 
It is africa accept it or leave. the common people should never question the leaders...
 
telkomsuig said:
It is africa accept it or leave. the common people should never question the leaders...
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Now what would have happened if the ANC and other liberation organisations believed that about the Apartheid government

we have to have the courage to change things even if it seems a daunting task
 
xtermin8or said:
Now what would have happened if the ANC and other liberation organisations believed that about the Apartheid government

we have to have the courage to change things even if it seems a daunting task
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Let's see.... 35 million people that hate the media and think the media are out to destroy their leaders. 5 million people who generally oppose the media opposition. You do the math. :rolleyes:
 
xtermin8or said:
we have to have the courage to change things even if it seems a daunting task
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You can't on the one hand support a government that approves genocide, condones crime and gives tacit support to convicted criminals - and on the other expect fair dealing with regard to Freedom of Speech - they are mutually exclusive. Proponents of free speech and accountability believe in a free media - this government wishes curbing of the media to support their non-delivery, criminality, and blindness to the world - how can you fight for one right without the recognition of the others? How can you expect to have any fight with a government that willfully changes laws that have worked for 12 years - to suit themselves? This 'error' you may recognise - why can't you recognise the others? (Instead of being an apologist you should recognise evil cannot be separated from good - it is one or the other.)
 
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kilo39 said:
You can't on the one hand support a government that approves genocide, condones crime and gives tacit support to convicted criminals - and on the other expect fair dealing with regard to Freedom of Speech - they are mutually exclusive. Proponents of free speech and accountability believe in a free media - this government wishes curbing of the media to support their non-delivery, criminality, and blindness to the world - how can you fight for one right without the recognition of the others? How can you expect to have any fight with a government that willfully changes laws that have worked for 12 years - to suit themselves? This 'error' you may recognise - why can't you recognise the others? (Instead of being an apologist you should recognise evil cannot be separated from good - it is one or the other.)
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Now I realise what's happening, Kilo39 and I live in two different countries, don't know about your government but mine here in SA does not support genocide, or condone crime, I do not support government but some of their policies make sense, others are truly ridiculous even you have to agree with that
 
Maybe we need to build a list of email addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers to send our messages to.
 
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