Human Rights Day: Coronavirus' impact on South Africa in spotlight
- Human Rights Day has dawned on South Africa under the dark cloud of the coronavirus pandemic
- Politicians highlighted the struggle ahead for the country in their messages to Mzansi
- President Cyril Ramaphosa says that now, more than ever, is the time to safeguard citizens
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Human Rights Day has arrived and many citizens aren't feeling festive despite the public holiday.
In his message to South Africans, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for rights to be protected:
"Today, more than ever, we need to work together to safeguard the lives, health and wellbeing of all South Africans. As we take measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, government is committed to protecting fundamental rights for all, especially the most vulnerable."
People's Dialogue founder Herman Mashaba urged citizens to remember the nation's undying spirit:
"Today on Human Rights Day, let us remind ourselves of the undying spirit of the South African people. Let us put aside the things that make us different, and work together to overcome the threats we face. We are strong, we are resilient, we are good. God Bless South Africa."
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Activist Yusuf Abramjee called on the government to focus on citizen's rights:
"While the focus is on the coronavirus let's remind government and ourselves that citizens are entitled to basic human rights. Many communities still don't have water. Minister Lindiwe Sisulu needs to address this urgently."
Interim Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen called for all necessary measures to be taken against the virus:
"As we celebrate our hard-fought Human Rights Day, our country stands before one of its greatest tests ever. The spread of the coronavirus in South Africa will stretch the ability of our state to safeguard these human rights. Let's all take the necessary measures to mitigate the risk."
Briefly.co.za reported that the number of confirmed cases of the virus in South Africa currently stands at 202 cases.
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Source: Briefly News
