South Africa threatens protesters with 2020 cyber protection legislation

July 2021 saw violent protests that left 72 people dead and 1,300 in prison after former president Jacob Zuma was jailed for failing to appear before a constitutional court’s inquiry into corruption during his time in office. In response, the South African government deployed the military onto the streets in the provinces of Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal, and began monitoring social media platforms and tracking those who “are sharing false information and calling for civil disobedience”. President Cyril Ramaphosa also threatened to use 2020 cyber protection legislation to jail offenders for up to three years.

https://qz.com/africa/2033328/south-africa-to-monitor-social-media-as-protests-rock-the-country/
Writer: Tawanda Karomba
Publication: Quartz Africa
Publication date: 2021-07-14