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
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In the media

Speak up, be heard, take a stand!

Free SA believes that democracy does not end after one public participation process. When government fails to listen, the people must continue to speak. This campaign establishes a rolling public submission process every 90 days, ensuring that citizen voices are consistently and formally placed on record until government provides a clear, binding commitment to respect the public’s right to firearm ownership.

Submission deadlines:

30 April

31 July

31 October

31 January

Make your voice count

I, the undersigned, call on the South African government to:

  • Respect and protect the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms for self-defence

  • Provide a clear and binding guarantee that this right will not be unjustifiably restricted

  • Ensure that all future firearm legislation reflects meaningful public participation

  • Prioritise policies that address violent crime without disarming responsible citizens

Join the campaign. Stay engaged. Defend your rights.

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Key concerns with the current approach

  • Ongoing policy direction toward disarmament
    Government has repeatedly signaled its intention to tighten firearm controls, including proposals that could remove self-defence as a valid reason for ownership.

  • Contradiction between public safety needs and policy proposals
     South Africans continue to face high levels of violent crime, yet proposed regulations risk leaving law-abiding citizens more vulnerable.

  • Lack of meaningful public engagement
     Despite public outcry and submissions, there is little evidence that citizen input is shaping final policy outcomes.

  • Disproportionate impact on responsible firearm owners
    Law-abiding citizens are targeted by restrictions, while illegal firearms remain widespread.

  • Regulatory overreach affecting private security
     Proposed limits on private security firearm use may weaken one of the country’s most relied-upon safety sectors.

What we’re advocating for:

  • A formal government guarantee
    A clear, binding commitment that lawful firearm ownership—especially for self-defence—will not be further restricted without genuine public consent.

  • Recognition of self-defence as a fundamental right
     Policies must reflect the reality that citizens have the right to protect themselves where the state cannot.

  • Transparent, accountable law-making
    All firearm-related legislation must be subject to meaningful public participation, with visible incorporation of citizen input.

  • Evidence-based policy over ideology
    Government must demonstrate that proposed restrictions will actually improve safety, rather than simply limit lawful ownership.

  • Protection of the private security sector’s effectiveness
    Regulations must not weaken critical safety infrastructure relied upon by millions of South Africans.

How you can help

This campaign is built on one simple truth: consistent public pressure drives accountability.

By participating, you will:

  • Add your voice to a legally recognised submission

  • Be part of a nationwide, coordinated civic action

  • Help ensure that government cannot ignore sustained public opposition

  • Strengthen the call for policies that reflect the realities faced by South Africans

You don’t need legal expertise, Free SA makes participation simple, accessible, and impactful.

Every 90 days, we show up. Every 90 days, we are heard.

In the media

Politicsweb Article
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