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The Department of State Security remains opposed to a public interest defence in the Secrecy Bill, despite a watered down version already having been introduced by the ANC. During the department’s briefing this morning the Acting Director General Dennis Dlomo continued to argue against the inclusion of a public interest defence.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) finds it difficult to understand why the Department of State Security would argue against amendments which propose that journalists and whistle blowers be protected from prosecution if they reveal information which discloses criminal activity.

The Department surely does not want to create the impression that it wishes to protect alleged criminals or punish those who earnestly expose corrupt and criminal behaviour?

The Department may have its preferences; however legislative authority is vested in Parliament. The DA will accordingly continue to push for further amendments to the bill, as the ANC’s amendments do not go far enough.