It is an act that will cost an estimated R63-million to implement. And it is causing chaos and threatening to lead to major acts of civil disobedience.
The Firearms Control Act is bringing the billion-rand hunting and arms-sales industries to their knees.
It became law on July 1, but a lack of preparation has paralysed its implementation.
On Tuesday, about 2 000 protesters took part in a march in Pretoria organised by the Black Gun Owners' Association.
A water cannon was brought to the scene after the crowd at Pretoria police headquarters refused to disperse. They eventually began moving off at 4.10pm.
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Protesters claimed that 99 percent of licence applications by blacks were refused. They said the new law would force people to get illegal guns to defend themselves and their families.
They vowed not to renew their licences, as required by the new act, as it was too expensive.
March organiser and association chairperson Abios Khoele initially refused to present a memo to a delegated police representative - Central Firearms Registry official Senior Superintendent Sam Lekgotla.
He insisted on handing it to Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula.
Dealers said they had seen a steady decline in sales since police began routinely refusing licences in July last year. In the past three months, gun shops have not sold a single firearm.
The hunting industry, which generates R1-billion a year - mainly from tourism - fears major losses.
Stewart Dorrington, a vice-president of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, said red tape was driving business away.
The Democratic Alliance has urged Nqakula to apologise to the public and admit the legislation was a mistake.
"It is 90 days since the minister launched the Firearms Control Act and he still has not met the legal requirements of his own act. Since 2002, 18 630 appeals were lodged with the appeal board, of which 8 280 (44 percent) are still outstanding."
DA MP Roy Jankielsohn said: "The cost of implementing this law is set down at R63 199 956. The 458 additional vehicles that are to be purchased and R23 291 956 spent on information technology equipment could have been better used in crime-fighting activities." - Staff Reporters and Sapa
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This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on September 29, 2004
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