Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Reckless use of firearms cannot be normalised - AfriForum after alleged discharge of a firearm by Plettenberg Bay deputy mayor

AfriForum says it is unacceptable for individuals in leadership positions, who are expected to uphold and respect the rule of law, to engage in conduct that undermines both the law and basic firearm safety principles. This follows the alleged conduct of the deputy mayor of the Bitou Local Municipality, Nokuzola Kolwapi, who is accused of pointing and discharging a firearm in public during a family gathering in Kwanokuthula, outside Plettenberg Bay.

A video of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, raises serious concerns not only about the immediate safety of those present, but also about the broader message such behaviour by a public representative sends to society at large.

“When political and municipal leaders handle firearms recklessly, it normalises dangerous behaviour and sends a clear message to ordinary citizens that the law is optional. This is precisely the type of conduct that fuels a culture of lawlessness,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

AfriForum welcomes the confirmation that a criminal case has been opened and calls on the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough, independent investigation without political interference. Should the allegations be substantiated, the full force of the law must be applied without exception.

AfriForum points out that this incident follows shortly after the conviction of EFF leader Julius Malema in October this year on a similar charge, after he discharged a firearm in public in 2018. This, according to AfriForum, highlights a deeply concerning pattern of disregard for the law among political leaders, despite clear legal precedent and existing legislation.

“The fact that senior political figures have already been convicted for the same type of conduct, and that other public representatives still appear to behave in this reckless manner, shows how little respect there is in certain quarters for the rule of law,” Broodryk adds.

While the Bitou Local Municipality has stated that the event was a private Umgidi celebration, AfriForum emphasises that the pointing or discharge of a firearm – whether in a public or private setting – is strictly regulated by law and can never be treated lightly.

“Public trust in the justice system is further eroded when leaders are not held accountable for their actions. The law must apply equally to everyone – regardless of position, political affiliation, or status,” Broodryk concludes.