Parliament has approved the controversial Promotion of Information Bill that will curtail press freedom in this country. As a former political journalist, I am saddened and sickened by what this means for my profession. As a mother, I am worried that my children will grow up in a sullied democracy where press freedom and access to information is no longer protected. If the Bill is signed into law by President Jacob Zuma, journalists who report on state secrets or classified information could face up to 25 years in prison. This means that journalists, many of whom have young children and families, could end up in prison just for doing their job – which is to report on matters that are in the public interest. What message does this send to our children? What does this teach them about the supposed democracy that great leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko fought so hard to attain? It grieves me greatly to think that my children may have to grow up with the same media blackouts that we experienced during apartheid. I was in primary school during the eighties, but I remember the riots and the protests, and the lack of information about what was really going on. The media is supposed to serve as a public watchdog, ensuring that government is accountable for its actions. But without the freedom to report openly, this watchdog will effectively be muzzled. Who will protect our children and their right to know then?