How you can influence gun laws
In this module, we focus on how you can lobby to influence policy and government's decision-making processes to strengthen South Africa's gun law.

Parliament and public participation
Parliament is the legislative authority of South Africa, and makes the laws that govern our country. It consists of two houses. The National Assembly has 400 Members of Parliament (MP) representing the different political parties in proportion to the number of people who voted for them. The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has members from each of the nine provinces to ensure that provincial interests are represented in the national sphere of government. Both the National Assembly and NCOP consist of different Committees to streamline work e.g. gun control falls under the Portfolio Committee of Police in the National Assembly.
Parliament has three main functions:
Parliament has three main functions:
- Make or change laws in accordance with the Constitution.
- Ensure service delivery by overseeing or monitoring government’s actions and spending.
- Facilitate public participation and involvement in law-making.
What is public participation?
Advocacy in action
DID YOU KNOW?
THE LAW-MAKING PROCESS
Myths
Don’t believe everything you hear about guns. Here are some common myths you should be aware of.
Ordinary citizens cannot influence the decisions made in Parliament.
Fact: You are empowered by the South African Constitution to make your voice heard through public participation.
Payment is required to access Parliament.
Fact: Parliament does not require a fee in order to enter the building.
You need to speak English in Parliament.
Fact: You can choose any of the 11 official languages to communicate in Parliament.
You must have an academic qualification and be educated if you want to speak to MPs.
Fact: Your background does not matter when it comes to participating and contributing to Parliament.
Take Action
Together, we can make a difference to reduce gun violence and help create safer communities for us all.
Vote
If you are over 18, you can participate in Parliament by simply voting in the elections for a political party that has policies you want to support.
Keep yourself informed
You can stay tuned in to what is happening in Parliament by following the parliamentary radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, business and educational publications, newsletters, and social media, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Parliamentary Monitoring Group (www.pmg.org.za) is another good source of information.
Take part
Look out for public participation activities such as the People’s Assembly (www.pa.org.za), the Taking Parliament to the People programme
(www.parliament.gov.za), the Women’s Parliament and the Youth Parliament, as well as public hearings and outreach programmes.
(www.parliament.gov.za), the Women’s Parliament and the Youth Parliament, as well as public hearings and outreach programmes.
Be vocal
Make submissions, representations and/or petition Parliament. Contact the Members of Parliament (MPs) if you want to make sure that the law works in the best interest of you and your community.
