Opposition backs Motlanthe on Secrecy Bill

A report in The Citizen quotes DA spokesperson Alf Lees, who said: 'This is another indication that the ANC is slowly bowing to pressure from the opposition and the public around this controversial Bill.' As reported in Legalbrief Today, Motlanthe said it would be wise for President Jacob Zuma to refer the Bill to the Constitutional Court for certification. Lees said the remarks followed the significant concessions made on Wednesday by the ANC in deliberations in the National Council of Provinces' ad hoc committee on the Bill, of which he is a member. 'We do, however, want further amendments to be made before the Bill goes back to the National Assembly and from there to the President.' These included the removal of provincial archives from the Bill's provisions, amendments to the 'opt-in' clause, and the removal of all minimum sentences, he said. Full report in The Citizen