TO: National Council of Provinces Select Committee on Security & Justice
ATT: Mr Mohseen Moosa, Chairman
FROM: Mike Veysie
DATE: 11 August 1998
Direct Response Marketing is a major player in the distribution of leaflets direct to homes in South Africa. These are not addressed to any specific individual and personal information is not utilised, however,we have introduced an opportunity for individuals to give us their view on the receipt of such information.
As such we are pleased with the progress made on the Open Democracy Bill and would encourage the National Council of Provinces and National Assembly not to back down from the current position, which we feel, through the opt-out clause, effectively protects the rights of the individual.
Further, it is our view that it is important for Government to consult with private sector bodies prior to the drafting of legislation, and do not believe that it is necessary to set up an additional commission or authority to deal with this issue.
We congratulate you on the progress made by your department to-date and look forward to legislation which will respect the rights of the individual without jeopardising the positive use of targeted information in effectively marketing products.
M C VEYSIE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
DIRECT RESPONSE MARKETING