A notice about the FF Plus’s private member’s bill about prohibiting public gatherings near educational premises and other institutions where minors are present was published in the Government Gazette and the public now have the opportunity to give their input.
The process to draft the bill was initiated in January this year after what transpired at Overvaal High School made it clear that protests at schools can be extremely disruptive. The objective of the bill is to prohibit any protests near schools and other places where minors are present.
The notice was published yesterday (Thursday, the 21st of June) and the public has thirty days to respond. (Notice attached herewith). The final bill will be drafted using, among other things, the input and suggestions received from the public.
The FF Plus will also launch an awareness campaign on social media and has already created a website where people can register to show their support. The website is www.onskinders.co.za
The laws that will have to be amended to achieve the aforementioned objective include, amongst others, the National Schools Act and the Regulation of Gatherings Act. It will apply to schools, from pre-primary to secondary level, as well as other institutions like orphanages.
As things stand at present, the rights of peace-loving citizens, and in particular learners, are being disregarded as their safety is jeopardised by the nature of protests actions.
The FF Plus’s proposed private member’s bill is, therefore, of the utmost importance as it will serve to protect children against disruption, particularly in schools, and it will also augment their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
Contact details: 082 391 3117 / 065 801 7216
