This is according to dearsouthafrica.co.za, a non-profit platform which enables the public to co-shape all government policies, amendments and proposals, who says the parliament regards a petition as only one submission. 

Many concerns have been raised following the Draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill that was released, which includes numerous controversial proposals. One proposal that stands out, are plans to ban South Africans from applying for gun licenses for the purpose of self-defence. 

John Welch, president of the South African Gunowners Association or SAGA, says despite the fact that the Secretariat would only consider submissions on a petition as a single submission, they nevertheless need to take all signatories into account. Welch says whether one takes it as a single submission or 80 000 submissions, it is immaterial and they need to take it into account as a negative opinion against the proposed amendment bill.

“With regards to the consideration of those submissions, there are going to be literally thousands of submissions against the proposed amendment bill. Who is going to consider that, who is going to be the judge of that and who is going to decide what [must] be included and what ought to be excluded from the submissions made,” Welch clarifies. 

“South Africa might see an increase in crime if the right to self-defence is taken away from responsible and law-abiding citizens." Welch previously said the police tend to frown upon citizens and often arrest them should they protect themselves and defend themselves against violent crimes. 

OFM News/Blaine Jones