Quotes

‘Magufuli’s administration has passed many laws that restrict the work of journalists and intend to repress activities of civil society organisations.'

– Amnesty International's lead researcher Roland Ebole who said President John Magufuli needed to ‘carefully reflect on his government's record of ruthlessly disembowelling of the country's human rights framework’.

 

'The Springboks were led by a kid from the townships. Siya Kolisi said he did not dream about winning the World Cup when he was young, because he was too busy dreaming about where his next meal was coming from. He was a captain leading a team who had more to play for than the likes of you, and I, and Eddie Jones, and England, could possibly fathom.'

– Sports writer Andy Bull on SA's rugby World Cup victory.
  

‘We are encouraging and urging the government to ease these restrictions on civil society and the media to amend the restrictive laws.'

– HRW Africa researcher Oryem Nyeko said Tanzania's upcoming local and general elections would not be fair unless the government takes a different approach to perceived opponents. 

 
'We have examined all the briefs and the exhibits for over two weeks and we agree that there is no merit in this appeal.’

– Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad after Nigeria's Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar to overturn the result of February's presidential vote in which President Muhammadu Buhari won re-election. 

 
‘Even if they lock me up, I will come out and preach the same message. They might as well just leave me there.’

- Cape Town pastor Oscar Bougardt who may find himself behind bars for defying a court order barring him from making anti-gay comments. He has accused the SA Human Rights Commission of trying to make an example of him.
 

'The use of rubber bullets and stun grenades was unnecessary and clearly exacerbated the situation. In addition, we are concerned that these methods were used while there were children present, and that this may have caused trauma and injury to them. The authorities are the duty bearers and must urgently find alternative, and safer, ways of dealing with crowds.'

- Shenilla Mohamed, executive director of Amnesty International SA after police evicted foreign nationals who were camping in the Cape Town CBD.