Attacks on whistleblowers, legislating patriotism, #IWD and a bittersweet tribute
A group of Nigerian women mark International Women’s Day and voice their concerns over the recent rise in insecurity, hunger and inequality for women, in Lagos, 8 March 2021, Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto via Getty Images March 2021 in Africa: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s regional editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
The celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March provided a crucial springboard to foreground issues, concerns, and stories of triumph across the continent. Women took centre stage – from the launch of a new podcast featuring youth voices, to a book honouring women leaders, to speaking out against misogynistic attacks.
Outrage over death of âinnocent bystanderâ at student protest
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Johannesburg - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa led the chorus of outrage from the countryâs politicians following the death of a government employee during a student protest outside the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) on March 10.
The man died as students and police clashed in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
âMthokozisi Ntumba was an innocent bystander and, indeed, even the students, much as they were protesting, the way I saw it on television, did not warrant the type of resistance and push from the police,â said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said he had asked the Wits University Council and its management as well as the relevant law enforcement authoritiesâ agencies to provide an explanation on what caused this tragedy, and to take whatever steps needed to ensure justice was done.
Protesting Wits students burn Minersâ Monument and try to bring it down
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Johannesburg - Protesting Wits studentsâ plan to destroy the Minersâ Monument in Braamfontein were thwarted when police quickly swooped in and confiscated the rope they were using to pull down the statue.
The students, who have been protesting since last week over issues of funding and blocked roads with burning tyres, turned their anger to the statue, near the Johannesburg City Council. They tied a rope around then pulled it, trying to bring it down. However, the statue did not budge.
Initially a student carrying a bottle with a flammable liquid approached the statue, sprinkled the liquid around it and set it on fire. The fire did not destroy it and as they were busy pulling at it, Joburg metro police officers arrived.