Being that I am unabashedly angry that the South African government now wants to legislate freedom of press, which seems elusively similar to what I had witnessed in Zimbabwe first hand when I used to live there, I can only start blathering asinine remarks at the sheer lunacy of such a concept.
The fact that this stupendous, outrageous, malignant, legislation is even on the tables troubles me to no end. The government officials trying to sugar coat it with "It is in the countries best interests" make me livid. What does the government want to hide if it is now trying to stifle media freedom (something that I recall the ANC fighting a long battle to gain during the apartheid years). I agree with some points that were stated at a press conference, for instance that the media should be more responsible with what it broadcasts, but not at the expense of its freedom to report news that might inform the general populace, and might make them reconsider who they vote for in the next elections. Citizens want to know about corruption, and want to know how it is being handled, not just left in the dark idling around looking for what might be the light of truth (thank you Eskom, you make even overused clichés funny again).
It is sad. Once they implement such a draconian legislation, what will be next? A firewall that will censor internet content (Oh, wait. I heard that it was being considered as well). Surveillance of all calls made to and from mobile phones (Oh, yes. There's RICA). I feel like the protagonist in '1984', watched by unknown eyes. As citizens of South Africa we must make a stand against what is now developing into a oppressive regime no better than apartheid regime, which people, such as Mandela, tried to abolish.
