"It would not be in the interests of the country to invite the Dalai Lama to South Africa at this stage because the attention of the world is on us as the host of the 2010 Fifa World Cup." -- President Kgalema Motlanthe's spokesman Thabo Masebe, quoted in The Star."[A] choice was made in this particular case that our interests would be better served if we give priority to making sure we don't jeopardise our bilateral relations with China in this particular case." -- Masebe.
"I will condemn government's behaviour as disgraceful, in line with our country's abysmal record at the United Nations Security Council, a total betrayal of our struggle history. We are shamelessly succumbing to Chinese pressure. I feel deeply distressed and ashamed." -- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity... and oppose Tibetan independence. We appreciate relevant countries' measures." -- China's foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang quoted by Agence France Presse.
"Just the very fact that this government has refused entry to the Dalai Lama is an example of a government who is dismissive of human rights. I believe [it] needs to apologise to the citizens of this country, because it is in your name that this great man who has struggled for the rights of his country... has been denied access." -- Health Minister Barbara Hogan.
"They reaffirmed how much they respect our raw materials, and we reaffirmed how much we respect their money." -- Satirical website www.hayibo.com in a fictitious report on the government's engagement with the Chinese over the decision not let the Dalai Lama into South Africa.
"I know it looks like chaos, but we're getting better." -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees' senior registering officer Andrew Hopkins at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg, where refugees were being interviewed and registered.
"More than one paper came in with a cellphone number instead of an ID number on top." -- Education department director general Duncan Hindle explaining the delay in the release of last year's matric results.
"I also struggled with mathematics between the age of 13 and 16." --Finance Minister Trevor Manuel to a group of Pretoria high school children.
"I will pay the fine because I don't want to be imprisoned." --Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa to Midrand magistrate Joe Kgomo after he was arrested for travelling 162km/h in a 120km/h zone, quoted in The Star.
"Imagine how it will be having to spend time with dangerous criminals I have arrested." -- Police Captain Victor Jwili pleading for bail after being arrested for allegedly selling confiscated drugs back to drug lords.
"We're going to lose jobs to these buses. We're not going to allow these buses to happen and that is what we're going to tell [ANC president Jacob] Zuma." -- Alexandra Taxi Association spokesman Velile Thambe quoted in The Star during a protest against Johannesburg's new bus system.
"If that spice is no longer part of the recipe then you have to find another menu." -- SA National Civic Organisation Western Cape secretary Veza Nethi explaining that Sanco had turned away from the ANC to back Cope, because it felt the ruling party had abandoned the Freedom Charter's principles.
"It was minor, just a scratch, no one was hurt." -- Transport Minister Jeff Radebe after he and 702 Talk Radio show host John Robbie had a "minor collision" with their cars.
Source : Sapa /th/gj
Date : 26 Mar 2009 11:59
