R2K Rejects Covid-19 Gathering Regulations
On Wednesday 24 February 24, supporters of R2K in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng will protest against an austerity budget that drives economic stagnation. On this day, Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni will deliver his 2021 Budget Speech.
We will be defying the current Covid-19 regulations that prohibit political gatherings because we believe the government is using them to suppress dissent. Other gatherings are permitted in the current regulations except for political gatherings and we strongly believe that this is an attack on our right to protest. The Covid-19 Gathering Regulations are irrational and unconstitutional – they must be scrapped!
The right to protest is pivotal for the proper functioning of a democracy and the ability for ordinary people to demand accountability and justice.
We have witnessed how dissent is met with threats, repression and police brutality in this country but last week two ANC political gatherings took place outside Bloemfontein High Court and Western Cape High Court where ANC leaders are facing corruption charges happened without any police interference.
The government has failed to produce a pro-poor budget that invests in social infrastructure and service delivery and the poor feel left out as the fruits of democracy only benefit a few politically connected individuals. Corruption is rampant and politicians continue to loot with
impunity. For too many, democracy does not deliver on its promises. Instead of a better life, the government is serving austerity, unemployment, violence and repression.
The government is manipulating the COVID-19 pandemic to find reasons to shut down protests and make it even harder for activists to organise and participate in protests lawfully. As citizens, it is our duty and our responsibility to defend the right to freedom of assembly.
NB: We will gather peacefully, masked and we will observe social distancing.
Picket Details:
Gauteng: Baragwanath Hospital, CCMA, Dept of Labour, Gauteng Legislature, Premier’s offices and Central Police Station
Time: 10AM to 13:20PM
Western Cape: Keizersgracht Street
11AM to 1PM
KwaZulu-Natal: Durban City Hall
Time: 1PM to 3PM
For further information contact:
Thami Nkosi, Anti-Repression Focus Organiser: 062 624 5992
Moeketsi Monaheng, R2K Gauteng Organiser: 078 0417402
Sthembiso Khuluse, R2K KZN Organiser: 081 575 3832
Nomacebo Mbayo, R2K WC Organiser: 060 676 4795
