A storm brewing
IT IS unclear what the formulators of the SA Weather Service Amendment Bill are trying to achieve. Section 30A states that “no person may issue a severe weather or air pollution-related warning without the necessary written permission from the Weather Service … (No person may) supply false or misleading information about the Weather Service”.
Such a person can be fined up to R5 million or sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court could also force the offender to pay for damages or reimburse money gained as a result of his or her forecasting activities.
This sounds unreasonable and thoughtless. The minister and legislators seem not to comprehend that no government agency or institution can claim monopoly over the application of scientific knowledge.
Some decades ago, only the military had access to satellite navigation system and satellite aerial pictures of the Earth. Even the Internet was a privileged forte of government institutions. But technological advances and innovation have made it easy for ordinary citizens to have access to satellite images of the Earth. Navigation systems are readily available to all. You only need satellite data to predict the weather, depending on the module.
We agree that the 150-year-old South African Weather Service – with its high-tech facilities – is the country’s authority on weather prediction. But it cannot be the only monopoly for two reasons.
First, if it is for commercial reason – as the Act intends to recoup the gains made by private forecasters – this is anti-competitive and unconstitutional. Second, we don’t agree that any government agency or institution should abuse the law to protect its commercial interests.
Therefore, this bill – if passed – will set a dangerous precedent. Imagine if government starts legislating there should only be one stateowned airline or telecommunications operator.
If the proposed legislation is for the public good and security, there is an alternative way to protect the public from unscrupulous weather forecasters.
As it stands, it is likely to end up as another piece of legislation considered an ass.