Parliament soon to decide how to deal with revival of controversial Secrecy Bill

CAPE TOWN - Parliament says it will know by next week how it plans to deal with the revival of the controversial Protection of State Information Bill, 14 years since it was first introduced in the house. 

The so-called Secrecy Bill came under fire during public hearings in 2013 over fears it would stifle freedom of expression, the public’s access to information and media freedom. 

It's been laying dormant in Parliament since it was returned to the house by the president in 2020 to reconsider its constitutionality.

The Secrecy Bill is intended to ensure the State's sensitive information is protected, regulated and classified.

But at issue is how these interests could impact the public's right to access information. 

The justice committee of the sixth administration failed to address concerns over whether it meets constitutional muster. 

READ: Parliament reviews several bills from the 6th administration

National Assembly Secretary Masibulele Xaso said the next steps will be decided by next week. 

"Because the executive has now responded and said revive the bill we take it that it’s desirable that the bill be processed. So, the decision that must be taken, is whether justice continues with that bill or an ad hoc committee be established to process that bill," said Xaso.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party whips have complained about the slow pace in processing legislation in Parliament - including the EFF's bill on the privatisation of the South African Reserve Bank introduced by its former deputy leader Floyd Shivambu in 2018. 

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said she will write to committees to instruct them to prioritise legislation.

The Protection of State Information Bill is the oldest of the 12 bills currently before the house, most of which have been revived from the sixth administration.