Our government is doing everything in its power to silence the media and restrict media freedom. Tomorrow, Tuesday 22 November 2011 is your opportunity to stand up to this in your own way.
The National Press Club has called for a day of mourning called 'Black Tuesday'. They are calling on all South Africans to wear black to protest against the implementation of the Secrecy Bill, which Parliament will be voting on tomorrow. By choosing this name the Press club is invoking some very powerful history.
On the 19th October 1977 the National Party government banned several newspapers and magazines as well as 19 Black Consciousness activists, the day was dubbed 'Black Wednesday'. That particular 'black' day was seen as the death of press freedom in South Africa.
I challenge you, stand up for what is right, lead South Africa, and do your bit by educating yourself, and by wearing black tomorrow. Let us all fight for press freedom and say 'We will not be silenced'
You can learn more from the following sites:
http://www.r2k.org.za/
http://www.leadsa.co.za/
http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-11-21-black-tuesday-protest-declared-against-secrecy-bill
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
ANC members are 'more equal' than others
Of all the atrocities committed during the dark days of apartheid one of the worst had to be the search for chemical weapons to subdue the black population; this team was headed up by Dr Wouter Basson.
During the Truth and Reconciliation commission this Dr Basson did not apply for amnesty and as a result he was charged for his offences during apartheid. Through an independent court he was found innocent and allowed to continue his medical practise.
Over the last few years the government has done everything in its power to try and prevent Dr Basson from practising medicine in South Africa. They feel that his past immoral actions should exclude him from caring for sick people in our country.
While I agree that Dr Basson did some wicked things, I disagree with the morals behind this government intervention:
Tony Yengeni, a National Executive Committee Member (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) was recently found guilty of fraud relating to the procurement of weapons for South Africa (also known as the Arms Deal). He was given a ludicrously light sentence, allowed home on weekends, broke his bail conditions, was let out early, and welcomed back into the upper echelons of the government with open arms. This same Toni Yengeni has now been appointed to the Defence Review Committee of Parliament. When challenged on the farce of this appointment the ANC bent over backwards to justify this appointment. They say that he has served his time and he should be free to serve his country.
How can it be that a Doctor wanting to practise in a private capacity should be hindered from doing so when a convicted criminal can serve the public in the very field he was convicted of a crime?
According to Chapter 2, section 9 of our constitution: "Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law." However, it seems that if you are an ANC member you are more equal than others.
During the Truth and Reconciliation commission this Dr Basson did not apply for amnesty and as a result he was charged for his offences during apartheid. Through an independent court he was found innocent and allowed to continue his medical practise.
Over the last few years the government has done everything in its power to try and prevent Dr Basson from practising medicine in South Africa. They feel that his past immoral actions should exclude him from caring for sick people in our country.
While I agree that Dr Basson did some wicked things, I disagree with the morals behind this government intervention:
Tony Yengeni, a National Executive Committee Member (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) was recently found guilty of fraud relating to the procurement of weapons for South Africa (also known as the Arms Deal). He was given a ludicrously light sentence, allowed home on weekends, broke his bail conditions, was let out early, and welcomed back into the upper echelons of the government with open arms. This same Toni Yengeni has now been appointed to the Defence Review Committee of Parliament. When challenged on the farce of this appointment the ANC bent over backwards to justify this appointment. They say that he has served his time and he should be free to serve his country.
How can it be that a Doctor wanting to practise in a private capacity should be hindered from doing so when a convicted criminal can serve the public in the very field he was convicted of a crime?
According to Chapter 2, section 9 of our constitution: "Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law." However, it seems that if you are an ANC member you are more equal than others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)