R2K’s march on the Union Buildings is going forward – despite police non-compliance
R2K MARCH ON THE UNION BUILDINGS – FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
FOR INTERNATIONAL RIGHT TO KNOW DAY
To voice our remaining concerns with the Secrecy Bill, the Right2Know Campaign will march to the Union Buildings on 28 September 2012. This date also marks International Right to Know Day, and we stand in solidarity with freedom of information campaigners around the globe, who like us, demand their right to know.
POLICE FAIL TO COME THROUGH ON RIGHT2KNOW MARCH
Although we have made repeated attempts to engage meaningfully with the Tshwane Metro Police Department and the South African Police Service regarding the planning of this event, they have subjected our activists to delays, frustrations and hostile behaviour that threatened to derail the event. Although we have acted within the stipulations of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, the TMPD/SAPS have not done so.
We provided the TMPD/SAPS with sufficient notification of our march, but they have frustrated the process by delaying their responses to us, and only ‘approving’ a march route which was entirely unfeasible. Although the legal process of holding a march is one of notifying the authorities rather than requesting permission, we have tried to work cooperatively with these officials; however, we have been met with hostility.
Since TMPD/SAPS have not provided the information required by the Regulation for Gatherings Act to prohibit our planned march, we have now informed the police that we will continue with our march. We have acted within the requirements of the law. It is not our responsibility if the police do not adhere to the Regulation for Gatherings Act.
By marching through the streets of our capital city we assert our fundamental right to freedom of expression and our right to freedom of assembly, protected by the Regulation of Gatherings Act and the Constitution.
This march is not illegal!
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS:
| 10h00 – 11h00 Marchers will gather at the march starting point, on the corner of Schubart Street &Johannes Ramokhoase Street (previously Proes Street) |
| 11h00 – 12h30 Marchers will make their way to the Union Buildings, walking south on Schubart Street, and then east on Church Street, moving through Church Square, and then straight along Church / Helen Joseph Street to the Union Buildings. |
| 12h30 – 14h00 Representatives from the Right2Know Campaign will deliver a list of demands regarding the Secrecy Bill to a representative from government. Speakers who will address the marchers at this point include Dale McKinley, Mashao Chauke, Ferrial Adam, and Bishop Paul Verryn. |
International Right to Know Day will be celebrated for its 10th year on 28 September 2012 by freedom of information advocates and campaigners around the world. In South Africa, as we continue to struggle for the preservation of our right to information, and the promotion of more open access to information, it is important to remember that we are not alone. Many countries around the world currently do not have freedom of information laws, and in 2011 the number of African countries with access to information legislation was as low as 10. Open access to information is a right which many African citizens still struggle to realize.
The right to seek, access and receive information from state or private bodies which perform a public function or use public funds, is a right that is guaranteed in a number of constitutions (including that of South Africa) and is included in various international agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Article 9). Yet, this right is still severely undermined by governments and corporations across the African continent and the globe. The South African Right2Know Campaign stands in solidarity with freedom of information activists from around the world who continue the work to promote this fundamental human right and to campaign for open, democratic societies in which there is full citizen empowerment and participation in government.
Come wearing RED & BLACK.
For more information contact R2K Gauteng spokesperson:
Dale McKinley (Cell: 072 429 4086; Email: dtmckinley@gmail.com)
