The planned march and delivery of a memoranda to the Union Buildings, which is a national key point requires that prior written permission is obtained from the Presidency in accordance with the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993.
Government wishes to confirm that no such request was received by the Director General in the Presidency.
The
Constitution, which is the cornerstone of our democracy, makes
provision for the public to raise concerns in various platforms
including marches. However, whilst it is within
their Constitutional rights to embark on mass actions, such protests
must be done within the confines of the law.
Though our Constitution,
in the Bill of Rights, provides for this important right, Section 36 of
the Constitution equally enjoins protestors
to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
Those
who are planning to participate in marches must do so within the
designated routes in a peaceful manner.
They should refrain from any
form of intimidation and destruction of
property. Marchers should avoid making inflammatory statements or
provocative actions that could incite violence. Conveners of the march
should together with their marshals cooperate with the law enforcement
agencies who will be deployed to serve and protect
all citizens and property.
During
the course of the day, government will periodically update citizens on
the progress of the protests, to allow South Africans not participating
in the marches to go about their
work freely, paying particular attention to operating businesses and
informal traders.
Government
has a responsibility to protect property and to protect those who do
not wish to participate in protests or strikes against intimidation or
threats of violence. We call
on communities, groups or individuals to raise issues responsibly and in
the spirit of nation building.
Government
remains committed to implementing the programs and projects that will
continue to improve the lives of South Africans. The National
Development Plan remains a living
document that will ensure that we remain on course to tackle
unemployment, poverty and inequalities within our society.
We
remain a caring and open government and we encourage dialogue and
engagement to resolve any issue through appropriate platforms.
Government thanks civil society, labour and businesses
who have already mobilized people to maintain normalcy, to deepen our
Constitutional order and to underline peaceful protests as an essential
part of our democracy.
This important right to freedom of speech will
not be taken away by this government, which
fought to make real the peoples aspirations enshrined in our
Constitution.
Enquiries: Phumla Williams – 083 501 0139
Donald Liphoko - 082 901 0766
Issued by: Ministry of Communication
7 April 2017
