Throughout this year, the South African Police Services (SAPS) has used violence against peaceful protestors practising their constitutional right to challenge a broken system. This hasn’t only resulted in many people sustaining life-threatening injuries, but in some instances, innocent bystanders losing their lives.
It’s becoming clear that public and private actors are threatening the space for activism in South Africa. The SAPS’s use of force against peaceful protestors and state-sanctioned surveillance against civil society organisations clearly demonstrate this.
As non-violent direct action is part of our DNA, Greenpeace Africa and our partners want to share some resources with you, to ensure that these activities do not discourage or deter you from exercising your right to protest.
“Everyone has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions.”
– Section 17 Of the Constitution
HERE ARE THE STEPS
You can either visit the R2P protest guide website or download the toolkit here.
If you’ve gone through the toolkit and you’re finding it difficult to complete all the necessary forms to attain a permit, please contact Lindokuhle Mhlanga, our Ships, Actions and Investigations Coordinator. His email address is [email protected]. He’ll help you to complete and submit them.
If you’d like to broaden your protest skill set, you might be interested in receiving non-violent direct action training. If you are, please fill in the form below.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO GET ARRESTED?
If you do get arrested during a protest, please call Busisiwe at Right 2 Protest on 080 0212 111 (hotline active between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or you can leave a message for a call back) or at [email protected].
Here are some other legal resources you may find useful.
| ORGANISATION | CONTACT DETAILS | COMMENTS: WHAT CAN THEY OFFER? | ADDITIONAL NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Aid South Africa | Head Office: 011 877 2000 (All calls go through this office, don’t call the regional offices directly.) | General legal advice for anyone. A Means Test is needed to determine whether they can offer legal representation, most likely students would qualify. | A Means Test can only be conducted, once an initial enquiry has been made. “If you ask us for legal assistance we will ask you to complete a form, so we can understand how much money you earn each month and what things you own, like a car or house. This is called the Means Test. A Legal Aid South Africa official is always available to help you fill in this form.” |
| Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) | Johannesburg Office: 011 339 1960 | As part of the Right 2 Protest network, they would generally direct people there. There’s a network of attorneys that are accessed by LHR and R2P. Alternatively, you could contact their local office. They provide help to people who can’t afford it, so they’ll also do a Means Test. They have assisted protesters from social movements (#FMF, recent education protests, etc.). | A Means Test can only be conducted, once an initial enquiry has been made. |
| LIPCO Law for All(PAID SERVICE) | Telephone number: 021 180 0000 (24-hour emergency line) | They give legal advice, but only to policyholders (i.e. this is a paid service).You will have to sign up before the protest to protect yourself, and check if you’d be covered for the type of activity you wish to engage in. | Find out how to become a policyholder here: https://www.lawforall.co.za/#plans |
| Below are other legal organisations that can’t help with representation, but can help you to understand your rights |
|---|
| Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network Work to protect those defending our human rights Simphiwe Sidu Mobile number: 076 675 8168 Email: [email protected] |
| Pro Bono South Africa Don’t deal with protests, but connect people with lawyers for other purposes Nomaswazi Malinga Telephone number: 011 339 6080 Email: [email protected] |
| The Equal Education Law Centre Mainly provide legal assistance to minors/primary and high school students, and sometimes students (evaluated on a case-by-case basis) Ted Khosa Mobile number: 081 346 0180 Office number: 021 461 1421 Tollfree number: 0800 110 752 Email: [email protected] |
| South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Human rights organisation but does not deal with criminal law Zamathuli Luthuli Mobile number: 082 645 8573 Email: [email protected] |
WHERE CAN I GET TRAUMA SUPPORT?
Being confronted with police violence, when taking part in a peaceful protest can be a traumatic experience. Here are some organisations that may be able to assist you with trauma counselling.
| ORGANISATION | CONTACT DETAILS | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| JOHANNESBURG | ||
| LifeLine Johannesburg | 011 728 1331 | Provides free 24-hour counselling for all ages and any issues. |
| CAPE TOWN | ||
| LifeLine Western Cape | Khayelitsha: 021 361 9197Cape Town: 021 461 1113 | Provides free (09:00 to 22:00) counselling for all ages and any issues. |
| Hope House Counselling Centre | 084 557 7525 | Based in Cape Town, this Christian organisation offers therapy sessions for individuals dealing with trauma, mental illness etc. |
| The Triangle Project (LGBTQI specific) | 021 712 6699 https://triangle.org.za/ | Offers low-cost or free counseling, as well as transport assistance in low-income scenarios. Operating hours are from 13:00 to 21:00. |
| DURBAN | ||
| Grace Counselling | 031 003 1830 | This Christian centre is based in Durban, and offers mental health counseling. |
| NELSON MANDELA BAY | ||
| Revive Counselling | 041 372 8882/3 | This NPO is based in Nelson Mandela Bay, and offers counselling on depression, anxiety, and dealing with traumatic experiences. |
| TSHWANE | ||
| Ithemba Counselling Centre | 012 660 3532 | Based in Gauteng, this organisation is designed to support disadvantaged communities and offers support to those struggling with substance abuse. |
| NATIONAL | ||
| South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG) | 0800 21 22 230800 21 22 23 | Provides telephonic services Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00. There is an option to start a support group or join an existing one. |