NILENE VAN NIEKERK
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
Freedom of Expression Forum
It is a principle of protest against curtailment of
freedom of speech reinterpreted as place. Nilene
van Niekerk says the project developed by examining
the Secrecy Bill. This led to an investigation into
the intimidation of journalists by the controversial
Secrecy Bill.
Although freedom of expression and the press
are generally protected practices in South Africa’s
constitution, the persistent role of the government
to protect state information, is a substantial threat to
citizens’ constitutional right of freedom of expression.
The governments’ attempt to block cellular phone
signals during the State of the Nation Address in
February 2015 is one of many examples of this
imposing threat.
This inevitably influenced the idea of creating
a Freedom of Expression Forum within the direct
vicinity of Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg. The
tower provides protection to journalists, becomes a
pivotal point where classified information can be sent
to and archived, as well as establishing a public space
that encourages communication. This is done in the
name of fostering the right of freedom of expression
within this human rights precinct.
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