In July 2023, the United States called for the release of Patrick Zaki, a human rights researcher sentenced to three years in prison for “spreading false news.” Despite spending 22 months in pretrial detention, Zaki was taken into custody once more following the court’s decision in Mansoura, Egypt.
On Tuesday, the Deputy President spoke out against an incident involving his VIP protection officers allegedly assaulting three civilians on a Gauteng highway. The incident was caught on video and shared on social media, sparking public outrage. ### Deputy President’s Office Confirms Incident
Egypt’s Devolution into Authoritarianism: A Decade of Suppression Ten years ago, thendefense minister Abdel Fattah alSisi promised to lead Egypt out of the “terrorist” shadow of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. However, over the years, alSisi has transformed Egypt into a nation where dissent is silenced, the media is controlled, and the justice system is a maze. This article will explore the current state of repression in Egypt, examining the country’s history of activism, the extent of current oppression, and the consequences of alSisi’s regime.
Despite the establishment of monitoring and reporting mechanisms for employment equity, the EEA’s impact has not achieved its intended goals after 25 years. The representation of previously disadvantaged individuals in senior management positions and specific industries remains inadequate, and corporate South Africa reflects the economically privileged population rather than the economically active one.
The recent case of organ harvesting in Tanzania has brought to light the dark side of witchcraft and mutilation in the country. The incident involved premature twin babies who were found mutilated, with their organs allegedly harvested by four nurses.
Cholera outbreaks are a common occurrence in areas with poor water quality and sanitation, and Hammanskraal is no exception. The government has acknowledged the gravity of this crisis and is taking swift action to mitigate its effects. However, a longterm solution to water supply and quality issues in the area is still being developed.
South Africa’s Minister of Social Development, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, accepted the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Social Security in Africa on May 17, 2023, on behalf of the department. The award recognizes the country’s commitment to providing social security protection for vulnerable children, specifically the Child Support Grant (CSG) initiative.
In April 2021, the Gauteng High Court in South Africa ruled that free public health services must be provided to pregnant women and children under six years old, regardless of nationality or documentation status. The ruling resulted from a case brought by SECTION27, a public interest law center, on behalf of women who were denied access to care. However, many immigrant women, especially those from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, still struggle to register for prenatal care.
Kenya experienced its worst mass suicide incident in the southeast of the country, with over a hundred confirmed deaths, including children, at the New Life Prayer Centre and Church. Led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the church captivated followers from all over Kenya with his apocalyptic narratives and controversial teachings. Autopsies revealed that most victims had starved to death at his urging to “meet Jesus” in the afterlife, while others, including children, had been strangled or suffocated.
The water and sanitation crisis affecting several towns in South Africa has led to broken pipes and maintenance holes, causing severe sewage issues that impact the lives and health of thousands of residents. This crisis is evident in towns like Sannieshof, Ottosdal, and Delareyville, where raw sewage has flooded parts of the local cemetery and forced some households to avoid using their toilets due to backflows from the blocked sewerage system.
Ten years ago, on February 24, 2013, the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region was signed, with the aim of bringing peace, security, stability, and development to the region. However, a decade later, the situation remains far from the goals the Framework set out to achieve.
The Pretoria High Court has ordered the South African government to equip public facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, police stations, and schools, with generators and diesel to ensure an uninterrupted power supply within 60 days. The ruling raises concerns about the economic implications of this directive, as the cost of generators and diesel would be an expensive undertaking for taxpayers, funded by general taxes.
World Press Freedom Day is a significant event that highlights the critical role of the press in promoting and safeguarding human rights. This occasion aims to commemorate the basic principles of press freedom and to recognize the gains achieved in protecting journalists and freedom of expression while acknowledging the ongoing challenges.
World Press Freedom Day is an annual event that commemorates the importance of press freedom across the globe. This year, the event is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the event. ## The Theme for 2021: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for Human Rights
On a historic day, South Africa celebrated the 2023 National Orders ceremony, which recognized the contributions of both South African citizens and foreign nationals who dedicated their lives to improving their communities and making the world a better place. President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the recipients’ lasting impact on South Africa’s history.
The tension between the Western Cape Government and the ANCnational government over the potential arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic needs. ## The Premier’s Statement
