It was announced in January that appointments to the Parliamentary Internal Security Commission (PISCOM) will be made as soon as the Cillie investigation completes its report into the 1976 uprising, due this session.
The law establishing PISCOM was introduced in 1976 giving its ten members authority to investigate matters of internal security, but no appointments were made. Intended as a permanent replacement to the Schlebush Commission which in 1972-3 investigated the Christian Institute, the National Union of South African Students, the University Christian Movement and the S.A. Institute of Race Relations, PISCOM is seen as an extra-parliamentary means of intimidating those who oppose apartheid policies but have not yet fallen under any form of proscription. Its role is seen as similar to the inquisitions carried out by Senator MacCarthy in the U.S.A. in the 1950s.
One of PISCOM's immediate targets is thought to be the South African Council of Churches for its role in channelling funds to pay for legal costs in political trials and inquests. Another is the Dependants' Conference, which helps prisoners and families. It may also be directed again against the SAIRR and NUSAS. Investigations are intended to compel disclosure of finances and to pave the way for administrative action such as banning orders on individuals. Failure to comply with a summons to appear before PISCOM incurs a maximum penalty of R600 or six months imprisonment.
