THE City of uMhlathuze is calling upon all citizens who may be involved in organising any public gathering, to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Gatherings Act.
The Act regulates matters associated with gatherings that are held in private or public spaces such as streets, parks and steps of a building.
‘In terms of the Act a gathering is a march, picket or parade of more than 15 people,’ said City Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.
‘Any organisation or persons intending to hold a gathering must, not later than seven days before the date on which the gathering is to be held, give written notice of the gathering to the municipality on the prescribed form.
‘The said notice shall contain details of the gathering, e.g. the purpose, the date, the place, the route and the time.
‘The form is available from the legal section at the municipal offices.
‘Consultations with the conveners will be made to finalise all arrangements.’
Ncalane warns that the gathering may also be prohibited or conditions may be imposed as may be deemed necessary.
‘It is a criminal offence to convene a gathering where proper notice has not been given, or to fail to attend a meeting called for by the municipality or to violate any conditions imposed by the municipality.
‘It is also a criminal office in terms of section 12 (1)(a) of the Act for any person to attend a prohibited gathering.’
For any further information regarding the Act, contact the City’s legal section on 035 9075000.
