Free SA has condemned the ANC government’s renewed and clandestine efforts to revive the controversial 2021 Firearms Control Amendment Bill, a move that would strip ordinary South Africans of their constitutional right to self-defence while bypassing meaningful public consultation.
The proposed legislation, which would have banned firearm ownership for self-defence, was withdrawn in 2022 after overwhelming public opposition and the government’s failure to justify its necessity. Despite this, the Department of Police has reportedly resumed internal discussions on the Bill, without any public notice, consultation, or fresh legal rationale.
“The South African government is once again attempting to disarm law-abiding citizens while it fails dismally to protect them,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “This is not governance, this is authoritarianism dressed up as policy.”
A State That Can’t Protect You Should Not Disarm You
South Africa’s violent crime rate is among the highest in the world, with over 27,000 murders recorded in 2023 alone. For millions of South Africans, the police do not arrive in time, if at all. Against this reality, the attempt to criminalise self-defence through firearm ownership is both irresponsible and unconstitutional.
“The state cannot disarm citizens while it fails to keep them safe. That is a betrayal of the social contract,” Coetzer added.
Free SA also raises serious concerns about the lack of transparency. The Department of Police has not issued any public statements or calls for comment, violating the principles of democratic participation and accountability enshrined in the Constitution.
“We are seeing a disturbing pattern,” said Coetzer. “From wage hikes to hemp regulations to firearms—government departments are making decisions behind closed doors, with no input from the public they’re meant to serve.”
Demand Transparency. Defend Your Rights.
Free SA calls on the Minister of Police to immediately:
- Confirm whether the Firearms Control Amendment Bill is being revived
- Disclose all steps taken to date regarding the drafting or redrafting process
- Commit to full public consultation before any version of the Bill is tabled again
This is not a debate about policy—it is a question of constitutional rights. The right to self-defence is implied in Section 12 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom and security of the person, including the right to be free from all forms of violence.
South Africans are urged to sign Free SA’s petition opposing the revival of the 2021 Firearms Control Amendment Bill:
👉 https://www.freesa.org.za/stop-the-secret-revival-of-the-2021-firearms-control-bill/
“We will not stand by while government tries to erode our rights through silence and secrecy,” concluded Coetzer. “This Bill must be brought into the light—where it can be properly challenged.”
About FREE SA:
The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) is dedicated to empowering South Africans to speak out, demand accountability, and shape laws that serve the people. We stand for transparency, democracy, and constitutional freedoms.
Learn more: https://www.freesa.org.za