SECTOR 1 Of late, communities have been trying to re-organise themselves, but sometimes small groups of self-appointed “representatives” use violence and intimidation to impose their will. Women in rural areas still live within the confines of patriarchy and tribal authority. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.9 (2008 = 3.2; 2006 = 2.6) 1.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secret or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. There are no laws in place as yet which seriously impact on freedom of the media. Section 205 of the Criminal Procedures Act 1977, which could compel journalists to reveal their sources of confidential information, is still in place but not used in practice (see indicator 1.7). Defamation is largely a civil rather than a criminal matter. There are, however, proposals currently on the table which threaten to curtail freedom of expression. Parliament is debating a Protection of Information Bill. The Bill, if enacted, would allow state officials at all levels of government - from local authorities up to national government as well as state-owned companies - to classify documents or information as “top secret”, “secret” or “confidential” if they believe their publication could cause harm to the “national interest” or “national security”. National interest is defined as including “all matters relating to the advancement of the public good”, among other things. National security would be breached if the ability of South Africans “to live as equals, to live in peace and harmony, to be free from fear and want and to seek a better life” was put in danger. 14 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2010