NUMSA statement on the withdrawal of Protection of Information Bill

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) welcomes the withdrawal of the Protection of Information Bill which was suppose to be tabled in the National Assembly today Tuesday 20 September 2011,  as pronounced by the African National Congress (ANC) Caucus.

We registered our concerns that had the Bill went through to the National Assembly in its current form and content, it was going to undermine the values and traditions of our broad movement as led by the ANC. The decision by the ANC Caucus is a victory for all.

We fully agree with the ANC Caucus that "further consultations and debates should (therefore) continue on the Bill with a view to further enhance the quality of the current Draft. The consultations will involve ANC MPs taking the proposed legislation to the people through constituency work scheduled for next week, further discussion internally and with other political parties, and engaging views from the broader society".

Our federation will use the opportunity to further engage with the leadership on areas that concerns the workers in the Bill.

NUMSA will always be on the side of the people to fight against any Bills that are at odds with our democratic dispensation and social justice given the mass unemployment, poverty and deepening inequalities.

Castro Ngobese, NUMSA national spokesperson, September 20 2011

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