No One Left Behind: Include Firearms Stakeholders in Legislative Debate

South Africans deserve transparent, fair, and effective firearm legislation. Yet the firearms industry has been excluded from formal discussions regarding proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Act, despite being directly affected by them. This after thousands of South Africans submitted comments on the initial Bill.

Speak up, be heard, take a stand!

This exclusion undermines democratic principles and risks creating impractical, laws that do not represent the will of the people. 

Add your name to our submission to Parliament.

More about this petition

Key concerns with the Bill/Regulations:

  • Lack of Formal Consultation: The firearms industry hasn’t been engaged through official channels like NEDLAC, even though business, labour, and community groups were consulted.

  • Risk of Unbalanced Laws: Excluding key stakeholders could lead to laws that are unrealistic, unenforceable, or disconnected from on-the-ground realities.

  • Democratic Credibility at Stake: Parliament must prioritize inclusive engagement—this is non-negotiable when rights, safety, and livelihoods are on the line.

  • Existing System Failures: Instead of crafting new restrictions, focus should be on fixing systemic issues—e.g., corruption and inefficiency within the Central Firearms Registry and SAPS.

What we're advocating for

  1. Full, Formal Inclusion of firearms industry representatives in all stages of Firearms Control Amendment Bill consultations.

  2. Broad-based Public Engagement—inviting citizens, rural communities, security experts, and civil society to contribute.

  3. Transparency: Publish meeting minutes, stakeholder inputs, and proposed changes publicly to build trust.

How you can help

  • Sign our Petition demanding inclusive consultation and publication of stakeholder submissions.

  • Contact Your Representative: Urge them to push for transparency and inclusivity in parliamentary oversight.

  • Amplify the Campaign: Use #IncludeEveryVoice on social media to call out exclusion and rally support.

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