Locals were very outspoken about their concerns over the Protection of State Information Bill at the Public Hearings of the ad hoc committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

At Tuesday's meeting, held in the Thembalethu Community hall, this group of parliamentarians listened to the opinions aired by local citizens.

The NCOP held hearings throughout the Western Province on Tuesday. Former ANC councillor, Lulamile Yesi said he was concerned that the bill had been tabled before the public had had a chance to examine it. "Whilst I am not against the bill as such, I feel that some clauses may protect corrupt activities. We have a right to know about criminal acts by politicians and their supporters, and that is why I am supporting the Right2Know Campaign."

There was general criticism in the way that the meeting had been staged. Although it had been advertised in some national newspapers, residents said they had not known in advance of the meeting. By 11:00 there were 360 people.

George's deputy Mayor, Daniel Maritz said he had only been alerted the night before and that the meeting started late with only a handful of people. The meeting was attended by Lionel Esau, Eden's deputy Mayor and George ANC clr Bazil Petrus.

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Great Brak resident Ben Erasmus, a former Director of Library Services for the OFS Technicons, said that the general din in the hall made him go for the option of a written submission. "I feel that the people who consider the submissions should have legal qualifications. Lawaaikamp resident, ANC member and Secretary of the Ministry Fraternal Shaheed Rooiland said that the right to classify information as top secret - as granted to the Minister of Security - is objectionable.

Murray Hunter, National Co-ordinator of the Right2Know Campaign said he was perturbed that the local ANC branch chairmen had not been informed of the meeting. He said "An independent body appointed by parliament, and not the minister of state security, should be responsible for reviewing and deciding what may be made secret." He added "Do not criminalize the legitimate possession and disclosure of secret in the public interest.

Cope's Southern Cape Region spokesperson, Allan Kock said he shared Murray's concerns. "I believe a clause should be introduced to protect whistle blowers, otherwise they can end up in jail for years."

Ad hoc Committee, NCOP Chief Whip, Nosipho Ntwanambi objected to the way in which the Right2Know campaigners had printed the logo of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on their pamphlets. She said that this was misleading and unlawful.

Ntwanambi also said the public hearings were held according to a schedule and with full transparency. It was held in Thembalethu to afford people in the Eden district to have their say.

Ad hoc Committee member Mr LPM Nzimande said that without proper state control over information, people were in danger of having private details on their IDs or passports accessed by anyone. He said the Bill had been drawn up by legal advisers and experts.

*The public can still voice their opinion. However the deadline for written submissions is 17 February 2012. Written submissions can be send to JDixon@parliament.gov.za or faxed to 086 658 9371. For more information contact 021 403 3771.