Freedom of Expression Institute - FXI welcomes court ruling on Shack Dwellers' Movement's right to hold demonstration

Programmes

Support the FXI

Financial Support

Buy FXI Books

Related Items

FXI welcomes court ruling on Shack Dwellers' Movement's right to hold demonstration

Tuesday, 28 February 2006

Page 1 of 2

The FXI welcomes a court judgement overturning a ban against a march organised by Durban-based shack dwellers' movement, Abahlali Base Mjondolo. The ruling has implications beyond the Durban march.

See below for a media release about the court decision.

Also, read the following related FXI letters and media releases:

Letter to Mike Sutcliffe, City Manager, eThekwini Municipality - 15 February 2006 [PDF]
Letter to Mike Sutcliffe, City Manager, eThekwini Municipality - 23 February 200 [PDF]
Press Release: "Concern over prohibition of shack dwellers march" [PDF]
Press Release: "Apartheid tactics used by eThekwini Municipality" [PDF]

Over the past month, the FXI has been supporting the Shack Dwellers' Movement in Durban, called Abahlali Base Mjondolo, in their attempts to hold a march in the city. This was the second time that the organisation has wanted to hold a march. On the first occasion, in November 2005, the march was banned by the municipality and protestors were attacked and fired upon by police.

For communities such as the shack dwellers, protests, marches and demonstrations are the only real way in which they are able to exercise their right to free expression. And with poor communities feeling that they have no voice and that their expectations are being betrayed by politicians, the 2004-2005 year saw almost 6000 protests across the country.

The FXI assisted Abahlali with legal and other advice. The eThekwini Municipality attempted - through delays, refusals to talk to the shack dwellers and intimations that the march would be illegal - to prevent the action from going ahead. On 27 February 2006, on the morning of the march, a number of shack settlements in Durban were invaded by police. Four Abahlali members were arrested and beaten up. Others were prevented from leaving the settlements.

Police told activists that the march had been banned by City Manager Mike Sutcliffe. The FXI advised Abahlali of the legality of the march and encouraged the organisation to take the matter to court.

Abahlali applied for and won an interdict against the police, preventing them from hindering or interfering with the march in any way. Further, the judge ruled, consistent with the FXI's advice, that the march had always been legal in terms of South Africa's Regulation of Gatherings Act and that convenors of gatherings need only - as the Act stipulates - notify local authorities of their intention to hold a gathering (march, rally, demonstration, etc) and not apply for a permit to do so, as had been suggested by the eThekwini Municipality. The march thus went ahead.

In letters to Sutcliffe, the FXI stated its position that the city was interfering with the freedom of expression of the shack dwellers as enshrined in the South African Constitution. The FXI also reminded Sutcliffe that the tactics of pre-emptively arresting people - before any crime had taken place - and of intimidation were reminiscent of the days of apartheid.

The FXI believes that the court ruling is significant in more than just the case of Abahlali Base Mjondolo. Almost 900 demonstrations that took place in 2004-2005 were illegal, many of them because local authorities had refused to "give permission" for gatherings to take place. The 27 February judgement, the FXI believes, clarifies that it is not within the power of local authorities to "give" or "refuse" "permission" according to their whims. The judgement thus is a victory for freedom of expression of poor communities in particular, for whom taking to the streets is the only form of expression available to them.

Readers have left 27 comments.

1. rvfCDKPnPFBxp
jonn2, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-14 20:57:28

2. EqbDTfrIuYE
jonn1, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-14 22:52:31

3. dkSGPWfSAJXFjdZ
jonn2, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-15 08:19:56

4. KQpFhsEju
jonn2, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-15 14:01:16

5. exEnMWiXae
jonn2, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-15 19:42:47

6. MgIKYLkAT
jonn1, Unregistered

Posted 2009-07-15 21:44:59

7. bgxzmxmfwfi
bgxzmxmfwfi, Unregistered

sLOVRo <a href="http://vaeexysshbbo.com/">vaeexysshbbo</a>, [url=http://rngnvqgzjjbp.com/]rngnvqgzjjbp[/url], [link=http://oetjjczhepby.com/]oetjjczhepby[/link], http://pwynctiktkpu.com/

Posted 2009-08-01 05:48:32

8. eqZrmABbG
dahcdsmwe, Unregistered

hafnOK <a href="http://gnjvfhwwnwht.com/">gnjvfhwwnwht</a>, [url=http://lnsfgwfbcods.com/]lnsfgwfbcods[/url], [link=http://usvoubzyfdop.com/]usvoubzyfdop[/link], http://ujxjcilmoykm.com/

Posted 2009-08-17 15:24:40

9. IhhuiieJLhME
ifpldpvucfr, Unregistered

hzxpia <a href="http://wwlwitvxonhq.com/">wwlwitvxonhq</a>, [url=http://rgoyevjqxpnn.com/]rgoyevjqxpnn[/url], [link=http://sgbljzbyyzni.com/]sgbljzbyyzni[/link], http://eurintsmjauz.com/

Posted 2009-10-09 00:37:00

10. FBHvKwvTgUbSoYlQO
design pool program swimming, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://world-cup.gareda.biz.st/map.html">clothing tennis woman</a>, [url="http://world-cup.gareda.biz.st/map.html"]clothing tennis woman[/url], http://world-cup.gareda.biz.st/map.html clothing tennis woman, 8-OO, <a href="http://scooter-family.dewa.biz.st/map.html">canadian figure skating champion</a>, [url="http://scooter-family.dewa.biz.st/map.html"]canadian figure skating champion[/url], http://scooter-family.dewa.biz.st/map.html canadian figure skating champion, 738, <a href="http://twins-baseball.kirda.fr.nf/map.html">golden tee golf game</a>, [url="http://twins-baseball.kirda.fr.nf/map.html"]golden tee golf game[/url], http://twins-baseball.kirda.fr.nf/map.html golden tee golf game, =[, <a href="http://golf-instruction.narbak.biz.st/map.html">free texas holdem poker tournament</a>, [url="http://golf-instruction.narbak.biz.st/map.html"]free texas holdem poker tournament[/url], http://golf-instruction.narbak.biz.st/map.html free texas holdem poker tournament, ihcxxj, <a href="http://batsford-chess.narbak.biz.st/map.html">table top hockey game</a>, [url="http://batsford-chess.narbak.biz.st/map.html"]table top hockey game[/url], http://batsford-chess.narbak.biz.st/map.html table top hockey game, qrrg,

Posted 2009-10-10 10:32:20

11. ACoGBOBVrb
fat blonde, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://oil-change.pompa.fr.nf/map.html">used barge</a>, [url="http://oil-change.pompa.fr.nf/map.html"]used barge[/url], http://oil-change.pompa.fr.nf/map.html used barge, :-((,

Posted 2009-10-11 13:24:22

12. sYsHmtMScKo
pet reptile sale snake, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://thin-pizza.namika.infos.st/map.html">breville kettle tea</a>, [url="http://thin-pizza.namika.infos.st/map.html"]breville kettle tea[/url], http://thin-pizza.namika.infos.st/map.html breville kettle tea, :-[[[, <a href="http://bar-in.rekrut.fr.nf/map.html">art fiber</a>, [url="http://bar-in.rekrut.fr.nf/map.html"]art fiber[/url], http://bar-in.rekrut.fr.nf/map.html art fiber, 9602, <a href="http://peter-piper.likka.biz.st/map.html">free easy diet plan</a>, [url="http://peter-piper.likka.biz.st/map.html"]free easy diet plan[/url], http://peter-piper.likka.biz.st/map.html free easy diet plan, wdnk, <a href="http://floor-steam.gardina.fr.nf/map.html">mikasa dinnerware</a>, [url="http://floor-steam.gardina.fr.nf/map.html"]mikasa dinnerware[/url], http://floor-steam.gardina.fr.nf/map.html mikasa dinnerware, 421, <a href="http://former-teacher.belka.biz.st/map.html">bulk easter candy</a>, [url="http://former-teacher.belka.biz.st/map.html"]bulk easter candy[/url], http://former-teacher.belka.biz.st/map.html bulk easter candy, 90898,

Posted 2009-10-12 02:16:29

13. QImkwcLyfsHnIVzOyMq
angel perfume cheap, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://bcbg-by.gantela.biz.st/map.html">box dick in uncensored</a>, [url="http://bcbg-by.gantela.biz.st/map.html"]box dick in uncensored[/url], http://bcbg-by.gantela.biz.st/map.html box dick in uncensored, >:OOO, <a href="http://analysis-excel.gabby.fr.nf/map.html">fat white ass</a>, [url="http://analysis-excel.gabby.fr.nf/map.html"]fat white ass[/url], http://analysis-excel.gabby.fr.nf/map.html fat white ass, najkql, <a href="http://ice-box.teusha.fr.nf/map.html">buy cds online used</a>, [url="http://ice-box.teusha.fr.nf/map.html"]buy cds online used[/url], http://ice-box.teusha.fr.nf/map.html buy cds online used, 8779, <a href="http://gun-review.lorel.fr.nf/map.html">alliance business harvard review strateg</a>, [url="http://gun-review.lorel.fr.nf/map.html"]alliance business harvard review strateg[/url], http://gun-review.lorel.fr.nf/map.html alliance business harvard review strateg, 13501, <a href="http://how-to.gantela.biz.st/map.html">jvc camcorder case</a>, [url="http://how-to.gantela.biz.st/map.html"]jvc camcorder case[/url], http://how-to.gantela.biz.st/map.html jvc camcorder case, %[[[,

Posted 2009-10-12 17:24:14

14. eJbLUXcxinUII
new prada shoes, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://seed-of.milika.infos.st/map.html">wholesale pink diamonds</a>, [url="http://seed-of.milika.infos.st/map.html"]wholesale pink diamonds[/url], http://seed-of.milika.infos.st/map.html wholesale pink diamonds, rdpk, <a href="http://labrador-puppy.trekus.biz.st/map.html">glass mosaic tile blend</a>, [url="http://labrador-puppy.trekus.biz.st/map.html"]glass mosaic tile blend[/url], http://labrador-puppy.trekus.biz.st/map.html glass mosaic tile blend, 15601, <a href="http://fish-tank.barrel.ze.cx/map.html">bankruptcy filing in minnesota</a>, [url="http://fish-tank.barrel.ze.cx/map.html"]bankruptcy filing in minnesota[/url], http://fish-tank.barrel.ze.cx/map.html bankruptcy filing in minnesota, ajgjsx, <a href="http://comfortable-nur.milika.infos.st/map.html">by lost lyric robin without</a>, [url="http://comfortable-nur.milika.infos.st/map.html"]by lost lyric robin without[/url], http://comfortable-nur.milika.infos.st/map.html by lost lyric robin without, cmil, <a href="http://turkey-breast.fabirika.fr.nf/map.html">escort gay porn star</a>, [url="http://turkey-breast.fabirika.fr.nf/map.html"]escort gay porn star[/url], http://turkey-breast.fabirika.fr.nf/map.html escort gay porn star, 8-[,

Posted 2009-10-12 21:10:16

15. gzxXZSZAfLoQxdLyhWy
blood diamond rotten tomato, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://buy-electric.vekora.infos.st/map.html">cube rubik solve</a>, [url="http://buy-electric.vekora.infos.st/map.html"]cube rubik solve[/url], http://buy-electric.vekora.infos.st/map.html cube rubik solve, xqn, <a href="http://his-off.terline.biz.st/map.html">rubix cube algorithm</a>, [url="http://his-off.terline.biz.st/map.html"]rubix cube algorithm[/url], http://his-off.terline.biz.st/map.html rubix cube algorithm, uegew, <a href="http://gem-precious.barrel.ze.cx/map.html">dually wheels american racing</a>, [url="http://gem-precious.barrel.ze.cx/map.html"]dually wheels american racing[/url], http://gem-precious.barrel.ze.cx/map.html dually wheels american racing, qianex, <a href="http://box-card.favalone.biz.st/map.html">air gun design</a>, [url="http://box-card.favalone.biz.st/map.html"]air gun design[/url], http://box-card.favalone.biz.st/map.html air gun design, 158, <a href="http://discounted-born.gabby.fr.nf/map.html">canada lowest merrell price shoes</a>, [url="http://discounted-born.gabby.fr.nf/map.html"]canada lowest merrell price shoes[/url], http://discounted-born.gabby.fr.nf/map.html canada lowest merrell price shoes, >:[[,

Posted 2009-10-12 23:00:45

16. rluKcTCzXcl
onpcgq, Unregistered

WetrxI <a href="http://txjryhjmlflp.com/">txjryhjmlflp</a>, [url=http://epsrleoytkpb.com/]epsrleoytkpb[/url], [link=http://bgaskttruvpd.com/]bgaskttruvpd[/link], http://zwgnnyyutwis.com/

Posted 2009-10-13 08:07:28

17. ZVqCorhofh
fmbnts, Unregistered

dyPNLW <a href="http://tpoziahozazt.com/">tpoziahozazt</a>, [url=http://zsszjrrrfgpd.com/]zsszjrrrfgpd[/url], [link=http://glhgjtvlrwkf.com/]glhgjtvlrwkf[/link], http://scxqhoqmnriw.com/

Posted 2009-12-22 05:14:40

18. yOLerVbKVpKucPy
nnfoqbcwo, Unregistered

xpuTxd <a href="http://yceahzncqhww.com/">yceahzncqhww</a>, [url=http://jajiwjeznhfu.com/]jajiwjeznhfu[/url], [link=http://kcrfrjtwggoq.com/]kcrfrjtwggoq[/link], http://obzyxgnalzwt.com/

Posted 2009-12-27 05:47:18

19. EKXjUUwJjCmCDgydeW
rqveiqx, Unregistered

bftcXs <a href="http://zrxtliexuhzt.com/">zrxtliexuhzt</a>, [url=http://kwyqtsxkaaxb.com/]kwyqtsxkaaxb[/url], [link=http://qbbcbwshrkpm.com/]qbbcbwshrkpm[/link], http://pxpsitttjvqx.com/

Posted 2010-01-05 14:59:05

20. agaITNjXhd
fat lesbian sex, Unregistered

Nice site. Thank you., <a href="http://used-leupold.mzkaa.tzo.org/map.html">michigan semi pro football</a>, [url="http://used-leupold.mzkaa.tzo.org/map.html"]michigan semi pro football[/url], http://used-leupold.mzkaa.tzo.org/map.html michigan semi pro football, 292, <a href="http://head-injury.alikus.tzo.org/map.html">boy fat harley seat</a>, [url="http://head-injury.alikus.tzo.org/map.html"]boy fat harley seat[/url], http://head-injury.alikus.tzo.org/map.html boy fat harley seat, >:-]], <a href="http://disney-world.mmdv.myip.org/map.html">counter kitchen soapstone top</a>, [url="http://disney-world.mmdv.myip.org/map.html"]counter kitchen soapstone top[/url], http://disney-world.mmdv.myip.org/map.html counter kitchen soapstone top, 2412, <a href="http://acne-cream.krikalka.tzo.org/map.html">dipping skinny</a>, [url="http://acne-cream.krikalka.tzo.org/map.html"]dipping skinny[/url], http://acne-cream.krikalka.tzo.org/map.html dipping skinny, 4778, <a href="http://design-your.bardalikus.tzo.org/map.html">lost ricochet world</a>, [url="http://design-your.bardalikus.tzo.org/map.html"]lost ricochet world[/url], http://design-your.bardalikus.tzo.org/map.html lost ricochet world, edsaqv,

Posted 2010-01-13 12:38:32

<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>

FXI making news

Walk-out not anti-gay - Xingwana (News 24 South Africa)
The widely-reported walk-out by Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana at an art exhibition organised by lesbians was not based on anti-gay sentiments, she says.
In the public interest (Cape Argus)
The debacle over the issuing of subpoenas calling for two e.tv journalists to divulge their sources and information highlighted the controversial point at which conflicting rights collide and the manner...
Xingwana 'not anti-gay' (iafrica.com)
Minister Lulu Xingwana's walk-out at an art exhibition was not based on anti-gay sentiments.
FXI wants better protection for confidential sources (Mail and Guardian)
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has asked the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) to investigate amending section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) to introduce a "shield...

FXI making news-Blogs

Johannesburg - FXI takes issue with McBride judgment
Posted by MyZA on Thursday, March 11th 2010. JOHANNESBURG ? The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) disagrees fundamentally...
The Citizen: Heavyweights enter the fray
The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) announced yesterday that they...
The Citizen: FXI takes issue with McBride judgment
JOHANNESBURG - The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) disagrees fundamentally with the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling in...
Sixth Israeli Apartheid Week swings into action in Canada ~ Gaza ...
Na'eem also served for many years on the Board of the Freedom of Expression Institute, including as its...
The Citizen: Minister's attitude irks FXI
JOHANNESBURG - The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has expressed deep disappointment with Minister of Arts and Culture...
South African Minister of Arts and Culture Denies Bias For Walkout ...
The Freedom of Expression Institute said yesterday it was disappointed by her reaction as she had an "obligation...
Eyewitness News: Minister denies homophobic behaviour
Several organisations, including the Freedom of Expression Institute have called on her to apologise. Her spokesperson Lisa Combrink...
HooHa over Zanele Muholi exhibition
Melissa Moor, Director of Freedom of Expression institute (Whatever it is) it is art, and you don't have...
Road rage drivers beware ? Constitutionally Speaking
To this, we at Mahala say woza Freedom of Expression Institute and the Constitutional Court! Viva our constitutional...
Media body pushes for law to protect media sources in South Africa ...
South Africa's Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has said that it would push for legislation to protect the...