MISA Welcomes Rejection of Film and Publication Bill

Press Release
 
30 January 2009

The South Africa Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-SA Chapter) welcomes President Motlanthe’s decision to not sign the Film & Publications Amendment Bill, citing that sections of the Bill are unconstitutional. Although Parliament passed the contentious Amendment Bill and the President has returned the matter back to legislature for further discussions.

Business Day reported that the Office of the President did not disclose details of Motlanthe’s concerns about constitutionality, but simply saying that “the president has expressed reservation on the unconstitutionality of certain sections of the bills after careful consideration.” Those opposed to the Film & Publications Amendment Bill warned that it was unconstitutional because it discriminated between different categories of publishers and infringed the right to freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, the President has also not signed the Broadcast Amendment Bill. The bill is expected to be sent back to Parliament because of its failure to include a provision for a due process of inquiry before the dismissal of the board. This move alarmed leading African National Congress (ANC) members and its alliance partners as they expected Motlanthe to swiftly sign the controversial bill into law.

The ANC is concerned that his delay in signing the Broadcasting Amendment Bill will prevent it from removing the SABC directors during the current session of Parliament. This would mean the board picked by former president Thabo Mbeki would remain in position at the national broadcaster during the upcoming elections.

END.

For more information on the position of MISA-SA on this matter, contact:

Media & Advocacy Officer - Manana Stone
Tel: +27-11 339 6767
Email: advocacy@misa-sa.org.za