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
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Business Live reports that finance minister Pravin Gordhan has asked the World Bank to make more money available to South Africa so that various renewable energy projects can get underway quickly. 
Business Day says that African Bank Investments (Abil) has reported a 24% increase in headline earnings to almost R2,34 billion for the year to September, up from R1,89 billion for the same period last year. 
Some changes have been announced to the medical tax credit coming into effect 1 March 2012, where the medical aid capped deduction amount will fall away and will be replaced by a medical scheme fees tax credit applicable to all taxpayers other than those aged 65 or more. 
