A planned gathering at Princess Vlei in Cape Town to mourn the nine women killed in Ekurhuleni has sparked controversy over the City's event application process. Anti-gender-based violence activist Lucinda Evans plans to bring women together for a peaceful walk, prayer, and words of encouragement. The gathering follows renewed national outrage over the GBV killings. Evans was contacted by City officials after Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate became aware of the planned march.
Correspondence between Southgate and Evans shows that the councillor advised Evans of the requirements to host the event. Southgate claimed he had seen notice of the event on a community group and contacted City officials to alert them. He provided Evans with the necessary event application forms. However, Evans questioned why she was expected to engage the City when Princess Vlei is a public open space. She expressed frustration at having to ask permission to host a gathering for 200 women in mourning.
Evans took issue with Southgate's response, which stated that the application was subject to compliance with applicable by-laws and regulations. Evans asked what specific by-laws and regulations applied to a GBV gathering. She argued that the country has been ravaged by GBV and that there are no clear regulations for such events. Southgate stressed that he was not opposed to the gathering and had known Evans for many years.
According to Southgate, the gathering requires an event permit because it is taking place at Princess Vlei. He claimed that he had only become aware of the event after seeing an infographic shared on a community group. Southgate said he had contacted City officials to assist Evans and support the initiative. He emphasized that the requirement was about ensuring activities at the park complied with necessary procedures.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed support for the planned gathering, stating that people have a right to peaceful protest. He said that the City would issue a gathering permit if organisers informed the City's events department. Hill-Lewis described the process as regular and easy. The women are expected to walk around Princess Vlei from 9am until 11am, carrying posters before ending with a prayer.
The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing the right to peaceful protest with City regulations. Evans and other activists argue that the process can be bureaucratic and restrictive, particularly for events focused on social issues like GBV. The City's requirements have sparked debate about the limits of public space and the role of local government in regulating gatherings.
The gathering at Princess Vlei is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about GBV in South Africa. The country has seen widespread protests and solidarity events in response to the recent killings in Ekurhuleni. The planned gathering aims to provide a space for women to mourn and show support for victims of GBV.
Key points
- Activist Lucinda Evans questions the City's event application process for a GBV solidarity walk at Princess Vlei.
- The City requires an event permit for the gathering, citing the need for compliance with by-laws and regulations.
- Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis supports the gathering, stating that people have a right to peaceful protest.
