In a true democracy there is freedom of expression, transparency, and, amongst other things, a commitment to a free media. In fact, our Constitution's Bill of Rights is very specific on these and other rights - take a look at
the South African Constitution (which, by the way is the supreme law in South Africa - see 2 - Supremacy of Constitution). Then scroll down to the Bill of Rights and pay particular attention to 16 (Freedom of Expression) and 32 (Access to Information).
While you are about it, take a look at 36 (Limitation of Rights).
Reading those passages and the rest of the document, it's no wonder that this country's Constitution is rightly lauded as one of the best, if not
the best such document anywhere.
Today, however, Parliament is to vote on the contentious Protection of Information Bill - and given the governing party's majority, it is almost certain to be passed.
Can anyone who believes in a true democracy not view this as a truly Black Tuesday, and the proposed bill in its current form not worthy of this country, its peoples, or its Bill of Rights?
Rod Baker, GM: Content
Submit your company news to
lifestylenews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to
contributors-lifestyle@bizcommunity.com.
The winners of the 2011 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards, together with the Top 10 restaurants, have been announced. The gala ceremony was held at The Rotunda at The Bay Hotel in Cape Town where guests sampled gourmet creations from award-winning chefs. 
City Sightseeing Cape Town, the company that operates the unmistakable and well-known red double decker open-top buses, has a new addition to their tour offerings in the form of a Hop On - Hop Off canal cruise that the company aims to ensure is unique, memorable and fun. 
Sting will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his solo career with his Back to Bass Tour, which will include gigs at the Coca-Cola Dome, Joburg, on 24 and 25 March and the Grand Arena, GrandWest Cape Town on 27 and 28 March, 2012. 
Vans Off The Wall Music Night, the punk rock extravaganza that is held annually in 26 countries worldwide, will be coming to South Africa for the first time on 3 December, 2011, at The Assembly, Cape Town. 
Van Coke Kartel will release their fourth album, Wie's Bang, in November, which will be the band's first with its new four-piece line-up including Jedd Kossew (lead guitar) and Jason Oosthuizen (drums). An extensive tour in November/December, 2011, will follow. 
The well-known music, culture and current affairs magazine Rolling Stone will launch in South Africa on Wednesday, 23 November, 2011, as a monthly with a cover price of R34.95. It will cover everything from young visionaries and icons to politics, movies and more. 
British comedian Jimmy Carr, known for pushing boundaries with his humour, which is delivered with a deadpan face,is bringing his Laughter Therapy show tot he GrandWest Grand Arena, Cape Town, on Thursday, 8 December and the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, December 10. 
NEW YORK, US: The One Club for Art and Copy has announced that it will induct Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, advertising creative Paula Green and director/producer Joe Pytka into the Creative Hall of Fame on 17 January 2012. The One Club is also initiating an Educator's Hall of Fame with its first inductee, Robert Lawton from Creative Circus in Atlanta. 
