South Africans Warned: Government Revives Rejected 2021 Firearms Control Amendment Bill

Concern is growing among citizens and firearm rights advocates following revelations that the controversial 2021 Firearms Control Amendment Bill, previously rejected by the public, has resurfaced under renewed discussions between government and Nedlac (National Economic Development and Labour Council).

According to Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, the so-called “new draft” currently under review is identical to the 2021 version, which sought to remove citizens’ rights to own firearms for self-defense. The bill was widely condemned, with over 118,000 formal submissions opposing it during the previous consultation phase.

“It’s the same bill South Africans overwhelmingly rejected,” said Cameron. “No new consultations, no transparency, just silence. This is a dangerous attempt to push failed legislation through the back door.”

The Firearms Control Amendment Bill has reportedly been under review at Nedlac, a body intended to foster open dialogue between government, business, and civil society. However, according to multiple sources, the process has lacked transparency and stakeholder engagement, leading critics to describe it as a “closed-door political operation.”

“Instead of fixing the real issues, missing state firearms, illegal weapons, and a dysfunctional Central Firearms Register, the government is targeting lawful gun owners,” said Joe Emilio, host of Newsflash and documentary filmmaker.

Emilio described the Central Firearms Register as “the Eskom of firearm administration, corrupt, dysfunctional, and permanently on stage eight load shedding.” Adding that “the ANC, with its socialist tendencies, has always had a problem with armed citizens, citizens who can protect themselves are harder to control. This isn’t about gun safety, it’s about power.”

He warned that disarming citizens could lead South Africa down a dangerous path similar to countries where governments have stripped civilians of self-defense rights.

Security expert and firearms enthusiast Gideon Jubert emphasized the bill’s far-reaching implications for safety, security, and sports shooting culture in South Africa:

“If you want to defend yourself and your family, you should care about this bill. If you want armed response companies to keep neighborhoods and businesses safe, you should care about this bill. If you care about sports shooters, hunters, or a strong, law-abiding firearm community, you should care about this bill.”

Jubert added that national security and economic stability are also at risk if lawful ownership is further restricted.

Advocacy group FreeSA has launched a campaign titled “Stop the Secret Revival of the 2021 Firearms Control Bill,” urging South Africans to make their voices heard.

“This fight can’t be left to politicians alone,” said Emilio. “We rejected this nonsense in 2021, and we will reject it again. If we care about our families and our freedom, now is the time to act.”

Citizens can support the campaign and find more information through links provided in Newsflash’s latest report. Watch the episode entitled ‘ANC’s Secret Gun Grab Exposed’, here.

Ends.

Diana Kinyanjui

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