Storm over weather law

[Nom Chompsky]

Nice to know the ANC have their priorities right. :erm:

http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/storm-over-weather-law-1.1211128

A STORM is brewing over the government’s bid to severely punish those who issue severe weather warnings without official sanction.

The proposed SA Weather Service Amendment Bill makes it illegal to issue such warnings without written permission from the weather service, and those found guilty could face fines of up to R5 million or five years’ jail.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a fine of up to R10m or 10 years’ jail will apply.

The founder of the SA Weather and Disaster Observation Service (Sawdos), Johan Terblanche, said on its blog that he was concerned about the bill.

Sawdos publishes weather observations from the public.

“As the amendment bill now reads, nobody will be able to issue any warning of approaching severe weather.” He said the body also posted images and video on Twitter, Facebook, their blogs and radio networks to warn the public about severe weather.

He added that obtaining permission to issue a warning “takes time – that is, if you can get hold of the designated person”.

 

[BBSA]

Already posted here:http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/395253-Storm-over-weather-law