The Protection of State Information Bill has been revived by the Seventh Parliament.
This Bill has been described as controversial by civic organisations as well as the media because of the implications for freedom of speech and the public’s right to accessing information.
Also known as the Secrecy Bill, it deals with the protection, regulation and classification of sensitive state information in the interests of national security. But national security has to be balanced against the public’s right to accessing information. Previously, during its passage through Parliament, there were many objections raised. After being passed by the National Assembly, it sat on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk for a while before he sent it back to Parliament, citing concerns around its Constitutionality.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Somalia: Nusoj Denounces Secrecy and Serious Flaws in Somalia's Official Information Bill, Threatens Democratic Transition19 July 2024: The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) firmly opposes the Federal Government of Somalia's approach to the Official Information Bill (OIB), as it is clearly detrimental to the fundamental principles of democracy, accountability and human rights.
Read more »
ActionSA, Solidarity welcome Gwarube call for BELA Bill to return to Parliament for reviewThe legislation was passed by Parliament days before the end of the sixth administration in May.
Read more »
Somalia: Somali Parliament Advances Investment Bill in Fourth Meeting of Fifth SessionThe Federal Parliament of Somalia held its fourth meeting in the fifth session today, focusing on the second reading of the Investment Bill. The bill, prepared by the Trade and Industry Committee, aims to boost the country's investment climate.
Read more »
Gambia FGM: Parliament rejects bill seeking to end banHuman rights groups had urged MPs to block the bill, introduced after pressure from Muslim clerics.
Read more »
Nigeria: Bill to Create Extra 74 Seats for Women in Parliament Passes Second ReadingThe bill, among others, proposes to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT.
Read more »
Bill to Create Extra 74 Seats for Women in Parliament Passes Second ReadingThe bill, among others, proposes to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT.
Read more »