Wikileaks not a threat, website won't be blocked in South Africa- government

Note by Marc Aupiais

According to the notorious South African Defence Industry based coverage platform DefenceWeb- the South African government said it won't block the Wikileaks site and does not see it as a threat. Scripturelink investigative journalism- suggests a high likelihood of a national firewall set up to deny access to certain websites in South Africa. With websites available by proxy server but not by traditional methods.

South Africa makes audio recordings of all cellular phone calls in the country, and keeps records and contents of emails and mobile phone messages. These are kept in massive , cooled electronic warehouses by applicable companies in accordance with RICA Amendment Act. A Scripturelink journalist was fortunate enough to visit one of these impressive sites, where the storage process was explained. Modern technology makes it possible to record all electronic communication to be accessed when needed by the state. A judicial order is required to release/access a person's lifetime records- if the government suspects possible future illegality.

A move has been suggested by Ruling Party agents which would see media gagged, and also prohibit the release of any secret government documents. The Catholic church objected to such a move. Free political speech, especially criticism of a government or showing it up when acting illegally is seen as one of the building blocks of an open and democratic society based on equality, life and human dignity- by many.