Quotes

‘ Zuma is in jail. Now charge his kids and puppets for inciting violence.’

– Analyst Adriaan Basson

‘The man was a ball of filth before he came into office. He should never have risen as far has he did. Sadly, detritus does rise to the top. This good republic of ours is a constitutional democracy whose people are aligned to progress. Zuma was a terrible aberration for which we shall forever have to curse his party.

– Analyst Mondli Makhanya

‘I do fear that the declaration of a state of emergency – if it comes – will be no more than an admission of complete failure by our government. While such a declaration may be warranted in circumscribed circumstances, it is an extreme and potentially dangerous path to follow. Moreover, it may not be the magic bullet some citizens believe it to be.’ 

– Constitutional law expert Professor Pierre de Vos, in response to calls demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa declare a state of emergency following widespread protests

‘The pandemic has shown the vital importance of human solidarity and unity, values championed and exemplified by Nelson Mandela in his lifelong fight for justice. No one is safe until all are safe. And each of us has a part to play.’

– UN secretary-general António Guterres, saying the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the importance of the values championed by former South African President and struggle icon Nelson Mandela. Sunday marked Mandela Day – an international day that seeks to honour and celebrate Mandela's birthday – and is recognised by the UN.

‘The extent of sexual violence in the DRC is recognised and denounced by many national and international actors. Yet, this condemnation is not followed by sufficient actions, whether in terms of prevention, care or protection.'

– Juliette Seguin, Médecins Sans Frontières head of mission in the DRC

'The entire network of Libyan migration detention centres is rotten to its core'.

– Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa deputy director. Amnesty has published fresh evidence of appalling human right abuses against people detained in Libya's notorious migrant detention centres.