The Right2Know Campaign is proud to produce a new edition of the activist guide to the Right to Protest. This is the 2nd edition of R2K’s booklet, which was in turn a reproduction of material produced by the Anti-Privatisation Forum in 2007.

Our campaign is a product of many struggles by communities, social movements and NGOs that have come before us. The right to protest, freedom of expression, and equality before the law are central to all those struggles. More than ever, all who live and work in South Africa need to not only know these rights but be able to exercise them.

Section 1 of this booklet provides basic information about any gatherings that can be seen as a form of protest, contestation or criticism in a public space. It explains the legal definition of a “gathering” and the legal rights and duties of the organisers.

Section 2 is a new addition to the booklet, focusing on police brutality and the rules and regulations that govern the police at protests.

Section 3 gives a basic explanation of court processes that may follow an arrest and what to do in those situations.

Section 4 gives some general advice on protecting the right to protest, and some useful contacts for further information. Knowledge is power! Take this booklet with you and use it in your struggle for social, economic and environmental justice.