riots phase 2

Photo: Twitter

Just in: Level 4 rules on gatherings RELAXED – in a bid to prevent more riots

Is Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma preparing to fight gatherings with gatherings? Well, there’s a little more logic to this latest Level 4 adjustment.

riots phase 2

Photo: Twitter

This one might take some mental gymnastics before you work out the government’s intentions here, but a new directive to Level 4 lockdown laws has been published on Wednesday, with the sole aim of preventing any further riots from happening. The government’s solution, however, allows an EASING of rules of gatherings.

Why are Level 4 laws on gatherings changing?

At first, this step comes across as a little counter-intuitive. After all, the greatest strength of these looters is that they are large in numbers, and any legislation that encourages gatherings perhaps doesn’t sound so wise in the current climate.

Level 4 regulations forbid any sizeable gatherings from taking place, but caution has been hurled to the wind by those partaking in mass demonstrations of violence and destruction this week. From Nkandla through to Gauteng, the behavior of protesters has been utterly against the spirit of lawful compliance. So how will this tactical tweak actually work?

Who is allowed to host gatherings?

The key theme here is ‘mobilisation’. According to the amendment made by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, gatherings WILL be allowed IF they are related to ’emergency matters’, and have been convened by one of these six authority figures.

  • MPs
  • MPLs
  • Political Party Leaders
  • Political Councillors
  • Religious Leaders
  • Traditional Leaders

Here’s the logic behind the decision…

The idea is that, by allowing people to gather under these circumstances, more can be done to coordinate efforts amongst communities that will prevent further riots flaring up. Also, with many people now left desperate and destitute by the looting, this will help facilitate ’emergency relief’. It’s outside the box, but NDZ is sure this won’t be an own goal.

“Gatherings at community engagements hosted by members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, or leaders Political Parties – as well as councilors, religious leaders, and traditional leaders – to deal with emergency matters are hereby permitted. This regulation comes into operation now the gazette has been published”