David Goldblatt Rejects National Honour in Protest Against Secrecy Bill
Distinguised South African photographer, David Goldblatt, has expressed his opposition to the passing of the Protection of State Information Bill on Tuesday in a way only someone of his renown can do. He has rejected the Order of Ikhamanga, awarded to him in silver earlier this year.
Goldblatt, who had been unable to attend this year’s ceremony and was therefore to receive his award in April next year, has described the fact that the bill was even considered as “appalling”.
In a letter to President Jacob Zuma, Goldblatt explained that, in addition to the Secrecy Bill which “severely undermines our brave but fragile democracy”, his actions are also in protest of “what has been done to the spirit in which the award was created”. Thus, he concluded his letter to Zuma: “To accept the Order of Ikhamanga from you on April 27 would be to endorse your contempt. I refuse to do that and, very sadly, I decline the honour.”
Acclaimed South African photographer David Goldblatt said this week he would not accept a national order awarded to him this year in protest against the passing of the Protection of State Information Bill.
He also said he was declining the award, the Order of Ikhamanga Silver, in protest “against what has been done to the spirit in which the award was created”.
In an email sent to the chancellor of orders on Wednesday afternoon, Goldblatt (81) wrote:
“The damage done to our democracy by the very passing of this Bill and the damage that is likely to ensue should you sign it into law has been emphatically and eloquently stated by others and I will not attempt to describe it here. Suffice to say that this action severely undermines our brave but fragile democracy and the rule of law.”
Read Goldblatt’s letter to Zuma:
Dear Mr. President,
On March 29 2011 I was informed by the Chancellor of Orders that I had been awarded the Order of Ikhamanga Silver which I accepted with gratitude and in humble awareness of the honour that had been bestowed on me. I was not able to attend the ceremony of presentation on April 27. However, I was informed that the award would be presented to me on April 27 2012.
I profoundly regret to inform you that I now decline the award. I do this for two reasons.
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Photo courtesy Darkness Boy on Flicker
Apr
