Info bill: The people beginning to sense victory

11 MAY 2012

The ruling party has begun to bow to severe pressure to amend the Protection of State Information Bill. As a result of a courageous and united stand by ordinary South Africans something like a public interest defence clause has now been proposed.

This bears testimony to what COPE has always advocated - an activist state, where the citizens play an active role in the creation of policy and legislation in matters that affect them on the ground. This has exposed the arrogance of the ANC and SACP.

COPE Chief-whip in the NCOP, Dennis Bloem said the demand from opposition parties in the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces as well as from civil society including had begun to bear fruit.

"This is a small but important victory. The attempt by government to muzzle the media and punish whistle-blowers to conceal scandals and corruption has already been dealt a blow. The battle, however, has not yet been won," said Mr. Bloem.

The constitutional right of citizens to Access Information cannot be undermined. COPE vowed from the beginning to fight this bill and together with sister opposition parties has been waging an active public campaign. Democracy is power in the hands of the people. Apartheid style police intimidation and draconian laws have no place in our constitutional democracy.

Together we have once again ensured that that democracy lives and that unity is strength.

COPE will continue to be in the front line defending the constitution and the democratic space of the people.

Statement issued by Mr. Dennis Bloem, COPE Chief whip: NCOP, May 11 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter