South Africa: The Political Week Ahead - Cosatu to Pronounce On Mooted Media Tribunal

Johannesburg — THE Congress of South African Trade Unions' (Cosatu's) central executive committee meets today to discuss, among other issues, the proposed media appeals tribunal. Last week, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the federation would leave today's meeting with a "position" on the matter. Mr Vavi has described the proposed Protection of Information Bill as a "mockery" , and said Cosatu was confident that Parliament would not pass the bill in its present form.

Tomorrow, the media's attention will at least in part remain in Gauteng. The warring African National Congress Youth League's (ANCYL's) factions are expected to clash at its national general council , starting in Midrand tomorrow.

 

The council is the most important gathering between national conferences, as policies of the league are reviewed. But this week's gathering could be a platform for settling political scores , and the 2000 delegates supposed to discuss policy issues could also pass a vote of no confidence in any of their leaders.

 

central executive committee will meet today to discuss, amongst other issues, the proposed media appeals tribunal.

 

Last week Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the federation would leave today's meeting with a "position" on the matter. Mr Vavi has described the proposed Protection of Information Bill as a "mockery", adding , and that Cosatu was confident that Parliament would not pass the bill in its current form..

 

Both the proposed media tribunal and the Protection of Information Bill have caused an outcry as the proposals are seen as an attempt by the African National Congress to curtail media freedom.

 

The aftermath of the weekend meeting of the Inkatha Freedom Party's extended national council will also likely be felt during the week.

 

A highlight on the parliamentary agenda this week will be the meeting of the SABC board and group CEO Solly Mokoetle with the communications committee tomorrow . A first round will be held behind closed doors to allow for frank engagement over the conflicts that are pulling the board apart, with a later discussion open to the media. The committee is expected to plan the troubled institution's future.

 

The National Energy Regulator of SA will brief the National Council of Province s select committee on economic development on the renewable energy feed tariff.

 

On Wednesday, the correctional services committee will be briefed on the medical parole review undertaken following the outcry over the medical parole granted to convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik .

 

The police committee will continue work on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Bill . Also on Wednesday is a briefing by the mineral resources department to the portfolio committee on mining on its mine rehabilitation strategy .

 

Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana will be asked whether he is considering a sunset clause to terminate affirmative action, and the trade and industry committee is due to receive a report from the gambling review commission on Friday.

 

-August 23, 2010 by Sibongakonke Shoba

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Source: allafrica.com/stories/201008230455.html (accessed on 24.08.10)