Stop Podcast Regulation: Defend Free Speech in South Africa
Parliament is exploring whether podcasting and online audio content in South Africa should be brought under formal regulation—potentially requiring creators to comply with rules similar to traditional broadcasters. This could mean licensing requirements, content oversight, and increased government control over what South Africans can say online. While the stated aim may be to ensure accountability […]
Peace before Politics: Oppose Escalation at the 4 March 2026 Hague Meeting
The government of South Africa set to take part in an emergency diplomatic meeting on 4 March 2026 convened by The Hague Group in The Hague, Netherlands. The stated purpose of this meeting is to accelerate coordinated state action to enforce international law in response to Israel’s conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories. Some international […]
Raise the VAT Threshold to R2 Million To Protect Small Businesses & Jobs
Small businesses are the engine of local jobs, community services, and everyday innovation. But many are being squeezed by rising costs and heavy compliance requirements. Free SA is calling on national government to increase the VAT registration threshold to R2 million. This would reduce unnecessary red tape for smaller businesses, help informal and emerging enterprises […]
Stop BEE — We Will Not Be Silenced
The proposed 2026 amendments to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes represent a continuation — and intensification — of an economic policy framework that has failed to deliver inclusive growth, job creation, or competitiveness for South Africa. Instead of broadening participation in the economy, the proposed framework narrows opportunity, deters entrepreneurship, and weakens South […]
Decentralise Language Rights: Power to the Provinces!
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is proposing amendments to the Use of Official Languages Act that further centralise control over language policy at the national level. While the Bill appears to expand language use by requiring seven official languages for government purposes, it still reinforces a one-size-fits-all model, sidelining provincial and municipal voices. […]
Stop Overreach: Fix the Flawed Hate Crimes & Hate Speech Regulations
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is calling for public input on the draft regulations for the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, 2023. While South Africans overwhelmingly support action against real hate crimes, these draft regulations raise serious concerns about privacy, government overreach, and enforcement that could undermine free […]
Stop the Business Licensing Bill — Government wants to control the what, where and when of opening a business
South Africa’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and informal traders already face mountains of red tape, rising costs, and collapsing local economies. Now, the proposed Business Licensing Bill, 2025 threatens to make things worse by tightening state control over who can do business, where they can trade, and how they must operate. At Free SA, we […]
Stop the Public GAG Order: Say NO to the Polling Ombud
South Africa’s democracy thrives on informed citizens and open debate. But a new proposal threatens to silence vital sources of public information. The Draft Electoral Laws Amendment Bill currently open for public input seeks to create a Polling Ombud—a new body with sweeping powers to control, restrict, and punish the publication of political opinion polls […]
BEE: Don’t review, repeal
Our Constitution sets the goalposts: dignity, equality, non-racialism and freedom (section 1). It allows remedial measures to advance those unfairly disadvantaged (section 9(2)). It does not say such measures are permanent, immune from evidence, or above review. Any remedy must be reasonable, proportionate and effective. Free SA believes BEE, as currently designed and enforced, isn’t […]
Defend Our Right to Self-Protection: Ongoing Public Submissions on Firearm Ownership
South Africans are facing growing uncertainty around their right to own firearms for self-defence. Recent public statements, draft legislation, and regulatory proposals indicate a continued push to restrict lawful firearm ownership, despite the country’s ongoing challenges with violent crime and limited state protection. Closes: 1 December 2024 Make your voice heard More about this campaign […]