PRESIDENT'S DECISION ON THE INFO BILL

12 September 2011

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip welcomes the decision of President Jacob Zuma to refer the Protection of State Information Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration to bring it in line with the Constitution. The Bill was passed by the National Assembly on 25 April 2013 and sent to the President for assent and signing into law.

In terms of the Constitution, the President must either assent to and sign Bills or, if he has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The President has written to Parliament pointing out several clauses which should be changed to ensure that the Bill passes the constitutional muster. We appreciate the President's views on the Bill. Indeed Parliament must ensure that an appropriate process is instituted to ensure that amendments are accordingly effected. It is important that the laws parliament pass are of highest quality and are not in conflict with the constitution. 

We are confident that the amendments would further strengthen the Bill and its objectives of protecting citizen's information and enhancing national security through protection of sensitive government information. 

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, September 12 2013

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