Draconian Suppression

O’ Lord have mercy, what’s becoming of this world? I think Draconian censorship relates to the world of evil. Where is SA heading to?

Trying to find out what laws and rules are referred to as Draconian, I came across disturbing information about a Syrian woman. The 75 year old Khamisa Sawadi was sentenced to 40 lashes, four months jail term and deportation from the kingdom for letting two young men who were not her relatives into her home. Apparently, these men took bread to the old lady in the name of kindness but their generosity landed them in hot water. They were also sentenced to lashes and imprisoned (Raton, 2009). Now, people come on this is total insanity, practicing this type of Draconian rule in the name of religion is not unacceptable and damaging to society. If this is what it is to be hard co Muslim then Islam should be questioned.

Draconian censorship seems to flourish in the Middle East; in Saudi Arabia women are non-existent. Extreme Islam dictates that women are to cover their bodies and not to talk to any man they are not related to. If a woman is caught talking to a man who is believed to be unrelated to her, severe punishment is imposed on both. I view this as religion against women. I can imagine how horrible it is to live in such anarchy. Can we see how South Africa might head to such cruelty if the Media appeals Tribunal and the protection of personal information bills are left to manifest?

However, in South Africa the Draconian censorship would be based on political interests. As we have recently seen in the media, ANC has proposed that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) be managed by the particular ruling government. This is totally out because ICASA is meant to be autonomous to be efficient and effective. The ruling party has also wished-for the amendment of certain acts and the passing of specific bills to fulfil its political interest. This is Draconian at its best as the government is supposed to protect the public and not put it into emotional turmoil. Government is supposed to support the media in trying to inform people about dangerous information (political or economical or environmental or technological or socials) and any substances. Enhancing caution among people results in prevention of dangerous events, such as warfare, genocide, diseases etc. Instead of the ruling party initiating and promoting Draconian censorship, it should focus on ways of developing a peaceful society, a society free of fear.