Media statement
A black day for South Africa – National Press Club
22 November 2011
The National Press Club has thanked South Africans for supporting 'Black Tuesday'.
"We asked to stand up and you responded," said Yusuf Abramjee, chairperson of the club.
Abramjee said the Protection of Information Bill "was accepted by Parliament, but rejected by South Africa.
"If the need arises, we will declare a Black Monday, Black Tuesday, Black Wednesday, Black Thursday, Black Friday, Black Saturday and a Black Sunday."
He said it was a black day for South Africa and the press club is saddened by what happened in Parliament today.
"It is a sad day for our democracy. Today was a black day for free speech, a black day for freedom of expression and a black day for media freedom."
Abramjee, who protested with other editors and journalists outside parliament, said it is unfortunate that the MP’s closed their eyes to what the public wanted.
He said the press club would continue to fight for media freedom in South Africa.
Abramjee said the press club supports SANEF and the Right2Know campaign. "We will engage with them and other bodies to decide on the way forward. With one step closer to becoming law, we support the move to take it to the Constitutional Court," he said.
For enquiries contact: Yusuf Abramjee, Tel 082 441 4283
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