Protesters urged to follow proper channels, uphold the law
In an effort to ensure safety of protestors and that of public property, the Gauteng Provincial Government is appealing to communities to follow the rules stipulated in the Regulation of Gatherings Act before embarking on a protest action.
The newly formed high-level task team announced by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane on Sunday to address the violent service delivery protests in Gauteng, has appealed to the residents to follow proper procedures before embarking on any protest action.
"One of the very first steps our people should consider is to give prior written notice to the local council and the notice must be signed by the convener of the protest.
"The local council will in turn rope in the police. It is important to note that the Regulation of Gatherings Act tries to help both the protestors and the police. The Act tries to make sure that both the protesters and the police talk about the march before it takes place and ensure it is conducted peacefully," said the task team.
In addition, there are a number of avenues which are available to members of the community to raise their concerns. These include ward councillors, ward committees, petitions committees in municipalities, public petitions committee in the legislature, Community Development Workers (CDWs), Community Liaison Officers (CLOs), Premier's Hotline, Presidential Hotline, Integrated Development Plan (IDP) forums and izimbizo.
The task team further emphasised that it is vital for organisations and individuals that are likely to hold marches to empower themselves with the detailed provisions of the Regulation of Gatherings Act. A copy of the Act can be obtained from any government department.
Also, a handbook giving information about laws and protesting procedures in South Africa can be accessed on the website: fxi.org.za/PDFs/Publications/RGAHandbook.pdf
The task team is composed of Premier Mokonyane, MECs and Heads of Department for Health, Community Safety, Human Settlements, Economic Development and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
For more information contact the Premier's spokesperson:
Thebe Mohatle
Cell: 082 373 1146
