Freedom of expression under attack in South Africa

The recent onslaught on the media in South Africa has become a hot potato, but how does this affect people not in the media and should we really care?

Well, for those of us that lived through the 20 years before the first democratic election in 1994, and interacted with the police state, the answer is self-evident. For those who didnt have black friends, life started and ended at the edge of our townships; There was a communist under every bush and there was only crime in our townships; The pass laws didnt affect us and any bombings or attacks on key strategic points were terrorist attacks Talk about lala-land and the attempt to control the information that reached people.

So why on earth do we want to go backwards, and why should you care? Well, this attack by the government is aimed directly at your constitutional right to freedom of expression. And its not about the past, its about the future. We live in a new democracy and its our duty to stand up and be counted. In fact, its our obligation to stand up and fight the good fight. And it doesnt matter whether you support the ANC or any other political party. This issue transcends party politics; This is about individuals and our rights.

Sign this petition to add your voice and tell everyone you know. The plan is to send the petition to President Zuma, to show that we are united in defence of our constitutional rights.