Mr Speaker, as other speakers have said, this Bill must be distinguished from the so-called "secrecy Bill", and maybe we should call this one the "privacy Bill". How often are we as members phoned about new cellphone contracts or other arbitrary offers? Did you give permission for that personal information to be used? In most cases the answer is no.
This Bill creates the legislative framework to protect personal information, but does so in a manner that still allows for the free flow of information, both within South Africa and between countries. It's all about balancing the right to privacy with the right to information. Consumers will and should welcome this Bill.
A specific exclusion for journalistic, literary and artistic purposes results in the necessary balance also being struck between the right to privacy and the right to freedom of expression, and this the ACDP also supports.
Our report also indicates that this is a field in which rapid technological advancement brings new challenges for the protection of personal data, and in this regard there are proposed changes to the European Union's legislation. Much of this is still being finalised, but the committee took these developments into account as far as is practically possible.
We as committee members are also very aware of the difficulties of enforcement mechanisms in the Promotion of Access to Information Act, including those related to the high incidence of deemed refusals. Today we again heard from the SA Human Rights Commission about the problems in this regard. At present, litigation seems to be the only recourse and this in itself is a lengthy and very expensive process. The Bill transfers these responsibilities to the Information Regulator. We as the ACDP trust that access to information - particularly that held by the state - will be made easier. The Promotion of Access to Information Act should and must enjoy priority and must trump other legislation, including the Protection of State Information Bill.
Lastly, the ACDP wishes to particularly thank the hon Jeffery, Dene Smuts, Mario Oriani-Ambrosini, as well as the officials who did such sterling work in the subcommittee. Well done and thank you for doing all the hard work! The ACDP will support this Bill. [Applause.]