SAPRA Comment on draft “Prohibition of Harmful Practices and Unlawful Accusations of Harmful Witchcraft Practices Bill”
In February 2007 I requested the South African Law Reform Commission, on behalf of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance, to investigate whether the Witchcraft Suppression Act was consistent with section 15 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.
In January 2016 the Commission concluded that the Act’s prohibition against identifying as a Witch and professing knowledge of Witchcraft was inconsistent with section 15 and therefore unconstitutional.
In June 2022 the Commission has confirmed its recommendation for the repeal of the Witchcraft Suppression Act.
On behalf of this Alliance, I wish to extend my gratitude and thanks to the Commission for its review and recommendation for the repeal of Act 3 of 1957.
This Alliance herewith submits further comment in objection to the proposed draft “Prohibition of Harmful Practices and Unlawful Accusations of Harmful Witchcraft Practices Bill”.