Concern raised that ‘censorship’ Bill may be fast-tracked

The SA National Editors\' Forum, the SA chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa and the Freedom of Expression Institute issued a joint statement, saying they were shocked by reports that Chauke was planning hearings on the Bill soon so that it could come before Parliament within the next three months. This was contrary to the promise made by Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, as well as Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her deputy Malusi Gigaba, that there would be extensive consultation with stakeholders before the Bill was presented to Parliament. The media had vigorously protested against the Bill\'s first draft last year, pointing out it that introduced the prospect of pre-publication censorship, which was counter to the media freedom guarantees in the Constitution. The media organisations believe that the Bill should be withdrawn and a consultative conference be held to discuss how the ministry\'s objectives, which are directed at eliminating the dangers of child pornography, can be achieved. Full Mail & Guardian Online report