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The National Press Club (NPC) says support for its "Black Tuesday" campaign is growing and it has again called on South Africans to wear black tomorrow.
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> Parliament is to vote on the controversial Protection of Information Bill (POIB) at 2pm tomorrow.
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> NPC chairman, Yusuf Abramjee, said tomorrow "will mark the start of a dark day for freedom of speech, freedom of expression and media freedom".
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> "We have received thousands of messages of support from across SA and it's time that we get a loud and clear message to government that we will not sit back and watch our Constitutional rights being infringed.
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> "Some political parties, scores of NGO's, the Right2Know campaign and SANEF have come out in support of 'Black Tuesday," said Abramjee.
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> The NPC said it had taken note of comments by the ANC in Parliament and the State Security department. "They feeling the heat and they are trying to side step the issues by attacking the press club.
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> "They are also trying to defend the POIB...You cannot defend the indefensible", said Abramjee.
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> Abramjee said it was important for citizens to join in the pickets which are being organized by the Right2Know campaign. There will also be one outside Parliament between 1 and 2pm tomorrow.
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> SANEF has asked editors to also witness the vote in Parliament tomorrow.
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> Abramjee said the POIB will have "major and serious consequences for South Africa. At this late stage, government should still consider further consultation. "There is also no public interest defence clause and this is a major problem".
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> The NPC has called on government to suspend the scheduled vote.
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> Meanwhile, the NPC says poet Don Matera who has attacked the club for the "Black Tuesday" campaign is "misinformed".
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> "He can say what he wants to... We have freedom of speech. But, Matera must get his facts rights before opening his mouth."
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> Matera said the press club had an "all-white" membership and an "Indian" chairman in Abramjee.
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> "He is taking nonsense. We have over 60 percent black members," said Abramjee.
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