Association
LGBTIQ+ man killed in Cape Town
On 3rd February 2024, Diego Jacobs, a 21 year old LGBTIQ+ man was attacked by a former neighbor while walking home with friends in Delft (Cape Town).The assailant allegedly stabbed Jacobs in the neck after hurling homophobic slurs.
Reacting to the incident, Civil Society Engagement Officer at OUT LGBT, Sibonelo Ncanana, urged law enforcement officials to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure the alleged suspect is given a hefty sentence.
“No individual should ever face violence or discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity...This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in South Africa.” - Sibonelo Ncanana
The attack highlights the importance of enacting the long-awaited Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which was passed by Parliament in December 2023 but continues to await President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature. Activists stress that such legislation is crucial for protecting LGBTIQ+ persons in South Africa, where attacks based on sexual orientation and gender identity persist despite constitutional recognition of LGBTQI rights.
Environmental human rights defender faces threat to life for questioning government officials
On 18th March 2024, Nomsa Sizani, a human rights defender and former General Secretary of the Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM), received a threatening phone call after she questioned government officials who were in the community the previous day about a development taking place there. According to Sizani, the caller told her: “If you don’t shut that mouth, we will shut it for you”. On 26th March 2024, she received a text message which said: “We hope that Zikode [referring to AbM president Sibusiso Zikode] and Abahlali will be able to protect you from that big mouth of yours”. On 31st March 2024, three men arrived at her home looking for her. She was forced into hiding. The threats against Nomsa Sizani must be seen against the backdrop of a greater pattern of harassment, intimidation, threats, attacks and killings of AbM members and leaders. One of these killings includes Nomsa Sizani’s son, Samuel Hloele, who was allegedly shot by the eThekwini Anti-Land Invasion Unit according to AbM reports. Leaders of the movement alleged that the targeted killings were a direct response to the movement challenging the status quo of the communities in which they reside and operate by speaking out against allegations of corruption at the local government level and organising themselves independently outside of party politics.
Peaceful Assembly
Since January 2024, South Africa has seen a surge in protests driven by dissatisfaction with service delivery, particularly in the context of the 2024 elections. Communities across the country have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations over issues such as lack of access to clean water, electricity, housing, and basic services. Students in higher learning institutions have also joined the protests as a result of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS) failure to pay allowances on time.
Residents protest over the state of roads and lack of water
On 3rd February 2024, residents in Dludluma Village, Nkomazi Local Municipality, organised a protest over poor roads and water shortsges in the area. The protesters barred IEC officials from accessing a voter registration station in ward 6. in protest at these long-standing issues residents claim to have raised since 2018. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdluli stated that Public Order Police and SAPS members in Tonga were deployed after residents disrupted the registration process. Mdluli confirmed an IEC official was assaulted during the commotion.
University students protest funding delays
On 1st March 2024, students protested outside the main campus at the Central University of Technology (CUT) over funding delays by NSFAS, which resulted in a lack of funding for food, housing and study materials such as textbooks and laptops, according to students.
The police dispersed the protesters from the campus with stun grenades, and 22 protesters were arrested. They will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
Separate service delivery protests held
On 9th February 2024 protests erupted by the organisation Agri Eastern Cape in response to the Bhisho Health Department reportedly planning to close the healthcare facility in Cathcart. The protests, which began as service delivery protests, were later marred by damage to property and violence.
At least nine people between the ages of 15 and 54 were arrested and faced charges ranging from public violence, possession of unlicensed firearms, malicious damage to property and damage to essential infrastructure. On 13th February 2024, four males aged between 15 and 20 who were allegedly stoning vehicles on the N6 were arrested.
In a separate service delivery protest, on 13th March 2024, frustrated residents in various parts of Durban protested against power and water outages. The protests stemmed from unattended issues since 27th February 2024, when eThekwini municipality workers, aligned with the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), went on strike over wages. Demands included a 15% salary increase or a R4,000 wage top-up to match other metros' salaries. Residents in Lindelani blocked roads with burning car tyres and concrete bricks. The municipality in the interim, obtained a court interdict prohibiting workers from striking illegally; gave striking workers an ultimatum to return to work; and served 79 employees with notices of misconduct for engaging in the strike. Police arrested five women at Thokoza hostel for allegedly throwing objects at them. The hostel had been without electricity for nearly two weeks. On 14th March 2024, the Durban Magistrate’s Court granted 13 eThekwini Municipality workers bail of R2 000 each when they appeared on charges of public violence; and tampering, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure during strike action that took place on 4th March 2024.
Expression
Journalist faces intimidation charges for photographing the mayor's home
On 24th December 2023, journalist Thomo Nkgadima was arrested in relation to a complaint by the municipality's mayor, Eddie Maila, alleging trespass and intimidation. Nkgadima denied the accusations, stating he was reporting on illegal electricity connections. Despite being released on bail, he faces potential imprisonment if found guilty. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns Nkgadima's arrest, calling it an attempt to deter him from reporting on public interest issues. South African courts have historically upheld press freedom, but assaults on journalists persist. With elections approaching, there are calls for greater press protection.
Law abolishing criminal defamation enacted
On 3rd April 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the Judicial Matters Amendment Act (2023), repealing the common law on defamation in South Africa. Parliament passed the bill in December 2023, making South Africa the latest Southern African country to decriminalise defamation, following Zimbabwe and Lesotho. This move is seen as a significant victory for press freedom. Press freedom advocates highlighted remaining problematic laws, such as the Cybercrimes Act, lacking public interest overrides for journalists. Concerns also arise regarding the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, which potentially threatens media independence. Civil society groups raised additional concerns about laws indirectly affecting media freedom, including the Protection of Personal Information Act and Public Procurement Bill. Since 1994, South African courts have generally protected press freedom, countering efforts to gag the media or harass journalists.