Fundamental rights and democratic contestation: reflections on freedom of assembly in an unequal society

Demonstrations and protests are a regular feature of political life in South Africa. People take to the streets to protest against inadequate public services, interruptions in the supply of electricity, corruption, the violent use of force by the police, a lack of democratic accountability on the part of local government, hikes in student fees, outsourcing, etc. Of course, the high incidence of demonstrations and protests is not a new phenomenon in SA -protests, demonstrations, labour strikes, consumer boycotts and numerous other forms of resistance * I am indebted to the