Protests are meant to be disruptive. This is the nature of protest. It is an integral part of democratic political participation. Yet, government has consistently stifled protest and brutalised activists – and in particular poor, Black activists.What SAPS and the City of Cape Town did was abhorrent. It was violent, uncalled for and reminiscent of apartheid. Sadly, this has been the norm for us, as poor, Black people, when attempting to engage with government.
On Wednesday 6 February 2019 Social Justice Coalition activists will stage a picket outside the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court in support of Axolile Notywala, the SJC General Secretary, who will have his first appearance in court after being arrested during a peaceful protest and charged with contravening the Regulation of Gatherings Act (Gatherings Act).
On Thursday 31 January 2019 public order police from the South African Police Service (SAPS) once again perpetrated a violent, heavy-handed and unnecessary apartheid-style “dispersal” of poor, Black activists outside the Cape Town Civic Centre.
A group of less than 50 peaceful protestors were singing outside the doors of the Civic Centre, some with empty buckets to illustrate how they are forced to collect water from far away, as well as relieve themselves. Then SAPS showed up, armed with rifles, rubber bullets and stun grenades. There was no warning. No one asked why we were there. No one asked us to move. SAPS ascended the stairs, and immediately released a stun grenade. SJC General Secretary Axolile Notywala was arrested, but was never informed of his rights or told why he was being arrested until two hours later at the Cape Town police station.
On the way to the police station Notywala was assaulted by SAPS right after he had been separated from the crowd and a colleague who was with him, informing him and SAPS that legal representation was on the way. SAPS also tried to prevent journalists from recording their brutality. Notywala was charged with contravening the Gatherings Act. In 2018 the Constitutional Court declared sections of this same piece of legislation unconstitutional because of the way it stifles protest, a legitimate form of public participation for people who lack economic and political power.
Protests are meant to be disruptive. This is the nature of protest. It is an integral part of democratic political participation. Yet, government has consistently stifled protest and brutalised activists – and in particular poor, Black activists.What SAPS and the City of Cape Town did was abhorrent. It was violent, uncalled for and reminiscent of apartheid. Sadly, this has been the norm for us, as poor, Black people, when attempting to engage with government.
This is why SJC activists, supported by partner organisations, will be picketing outside the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court tomorrow from 9am. After his first appearance in court, Notywala will be laying charges against SAPS for assault and for contravening the Prevention of Combating and Torture of Persons Act. We are opposing state-sanctioned police violence. We are fighting for our rights to peaceful assembly, equality and justice.
[ENDS]
FOR COMMENT:
Axolile Notywala
General Secretary
Social Justice Coalition
EVENT DETAILS
Time: 9am
Venue: Outside Cape Town Magistrate’s Court
Date: Wednesday 6 February 2019