2021 South African unrest

SA UNREST Looting Spree Aftermath in KZN

2021 South African Unrest

The 2021 South African Unrest was a significant period of civil disorder and violence in South Africa, primarily in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This unrest was sparked by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma on July 7, 2021, following his failure to appear at a corruption inquiry. What began as protests against Zuma's incarceration quickly escalated into widespread rioting, looting, and arson, marking some of the worst violence South Africa has seen since the end of the apartheid era.

Causes

The immediate cause of the unrest was the incarceration of Jacob Zuma, but the situation was exacerbated by several underlying factors. These included high levels of unemployment, economic inequality, and general dissatisfaction with the current political and economic situation in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic had also significantly impacted South Africa, further straining the economy and increasing the unemployment rate.

Timeline

The unrest began on July 9, 2021, with supporters of Jacob Zuma blocking roads and highways in KwaZulu-Natal. By July 11, the protests had escalated into violent riots, with multiple instances of looting and arson reported in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Over the following days, the violence intensified, with businesses being looted, infrastructure damaged, and clashes between the rioters and the police.

Impact

The 2021 South African Unrest had a profound impact on the country. More than 300 people lost their lives, and property damage was extensive, with thousands of businesses looted or destroyed. The unrest also had a significant economic impact, with the South African rand falling in value and concerns raised about the country's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The violence highlighted the deep-seated issues facing South Africa, including racial tensions, economic disparities, and the challenges of governance.

Government Response

The South African government's response to the unrest included deploying the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist the police in quelling the violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, calling for calm and declaring the unrest as unprecedented in the country's democratic era. The government also faced criticism for its perceived slow response and failure to anticipate the scale of the unrest.

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the unrest, there were calls for unity and rebuilding. The government announced relief measures to support businesses affected by the looting and to assist individuals who had lost their jobs due to the unrest. The events also sparked a national debate on issues of poverty, inequality, and the state of democracy in South Africa.

See Also

• History of South Africa
• Apartheid in South Africa
• Jacob Zuma
• Cyril Ramaphosa
• COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa