Govt launches clumsy secrecy bill advertising spree

With big guns such as Zwelinzima Vavi, George Bizos and Thuli Madonsela opposing the Protection of Information Bill, the State Security Agency has embarked on a propaganda offensive. But the campaign may hit the wall because it appears Government has exceeded its mandate. [video]

By Mandy de Waal: @mandyldewaal

2 Apr 2012

Govt launches clumsy secrecy bill advertising spree

South Africa's State Security Agency has launched a propaganda campaign to sway public hearts and minds about the Protection of State Information Bill. The bill is currently under the jurisdiction of parliament and, as such, Government appears to be flouting how the state is constituted and run by advertising the bill, an entity over which it has no dominion. The advert was created by the agency, and the media placement for the campaign was done by the Government Communication and Information System, which falls under The Presidency.

"The overriding problem with these adverts is that they comment on a piece of legislation that doesn't yet belong to the government," said Lindiwe Mazibuko, leader of the DA in Parliament. "For state security and GCIS to comment on something that does not belong to them and has not yet been completed by parliament is madness."

Mazibuko said she'll be taking the matter up "first thing". "For the state security department to engage in this propaganda campaign on behalf of a piece of legislation that is not theirs and doesn't exist yet is a flagrant disregard of the separation of powers," Mazibuko said.

Continue reading the full story on www.dailymaverick.co.za.

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill radio ad

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill ad 1

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill ad 2

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill ad 3

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill ad 4

State Security's Protection of State Information Bill ad 5

Parody of first ad

For more:

Times Live: DA angered by Info Bill 'propaganda campaign'
Politicsweb: Dept of State Security releases adverts defending POSIB
IOL: Protector derailed by Info Bill
GCIS statement: Media failed the country with Info Bill reporting

For More list updated at 5.16pm on 2 April 2012.

Source: Daily Maverick

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Mandy de Waal

About Mandy de Waal: @mandyldewaal

Editor, writer and researcher. *Editor of #TheFutureByDesign & The Africa Annual *Published in Africa's Greatest Entrepreneurs *Published in Rolling Stone Magazine, The Guardian (UK), Daily Maverick, Finweek, Mail & Guardian, City Press, Rapport, Moneyweb, Noseweek; Brainstorm Magazine; ITWeb, and MarkLives. *Before becoming a full time writer, de Waal founded brand agency Idea Engineers, and led the Cape Town office of Text 100.