1.   A Senate amendment to the sale legislation gives the communications minister power to direct the board of Telstra under certain circumstances.

2.   The constitution does not give the minister powers to postpone it again.

3.   The pharmaceutical companies argue the law illegally gives the health minister unfettered power to override patents, violating their intellectual property rights and international trade regulations.

4.   In fact, Halim said, the amendments have entrusted the home minister even greater powers.

5.   The bill, designed to protect South Africa from cyber-terrorism, gives the communications minister powers including the authority to regulate critical databases.