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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