The Gatherings Act says that if you are organising a gathering that will be 16 people or more, you must first notify the ‘responsible officer’ from the municipality. We call this “giving notice”. If the march, picket or protest will be attended by 15 people or less, it is called a “demonstration” and you don’t need to give notice to the local authorities.

“Giving notice” is not the same as “asking for permission”. You do not need “permission” to exercise your right to protest!