Well-kept secrets
Subtitle: the right of access to information and the South African intelligence services
By: Sandy Africa
Publisher: Institute for Global Dialogue; Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Midrand, South Africa; Maputo, Mozambique
Language: eng
Number of pages: 179
ISBN-13: 9781920216221
Subjects: Intelligence service; Freedom of information; National security; Public records; Civil rights
Description: "South Africa's democratic constitution entrenches citizens' right of access to information held by the state. In this volume, the author - who previously held a  senior position in the intelligence community - assesses whether the post-apartheid intelligence services have complied with this obligation during the first decade following South Africa's transition to democracy. She raises key normative questions such as whether relevant policy-makers and the intelligence services have pursued appropriate and meaningful levels of transparency; and whether there has been a decisive break with the culture of secrecy that characterized the apartheid intelligence apparatus. Drawing on international theory and comparative experience, she spells out a path towards clearer policy and practice on these vital issues. It is hoped this book will help role players in the intelligence dispensation to gain greater clarity about the boundaries between transparency and secrecy - and, equally crucially, equip citizens to better defend their hard-won constitutional freedoms"--Institute for Global Dialogue website.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-179).