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2021 South African unrest

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2021 South African unrest
Date9 July 2021 – present
Location
Mainly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal
Caused by
Methods
StatusOngoing
Parties

Political Parties

Public

  • Pro-Jacob Zuma protesters
  • Criminal Elements
  • Community Members (including Looters)

Government of South Africa

Political Parties

Public

  • Private security guards
  • Community Members
Casualties
Death(s)45+[7]
ArrestedAlmost 800[7]

The 2021 South African unrest is a series of ongoing riots and protests in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that began on the evening of Sunday, 11 July 2021.[15] The riots began as a protest following the arrest and detainment of former South African president Jacob Zuma, who was arrested after declining to testify at the Zondo Commission, a state-backed inquiry probing allegations of corruption during his term as president from 2009 to 2018. The riots began as protests by his supporters in KwaZulu-Natal before escalating to widespread looting and violence throughout KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.[16] Zuma's prison sentence and contempt of court verdict would be reserved by the Constitutional Court of South Africa on July 12, 2021.[17][18][19]

Background

Jacob Zuma was charged with corruption in March 2018, mainly in connection with a R30 billion arms deal.[20] The legal battle has continued from then, during which Zuma's legal team appealed for more time to prepare and trying get the charged dismissed. During the trial proceedings Zuma has been repeatedly absent from the court citing medical reasons and lack of funds.[21] The case has proceeded into the Constitutional Court.[22]

Arrest of Jacob Zuma

The protests began on 8 July 2021, after former president Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail on 29 June 2021 for contempt of court, after he refused to appear at a government-appointed commission investigating alleged corruption during his nine years in office.[23] He was given until the end of 4 July to hand himself in, after which police would be obliged to arrest him. However on 3 July, the court agreed on to hear his application on 12 July.[24]

Supporters of Jacob Zuma gathered outside his Nkandla homestead on Saturday 3 July 2021
Supporters of Jacob Zuma gathered outside his Nkandla homestead on Saturday, 3 July 2021.[25]

The South African Police Service was then told to arrest him by 7 July 2021 if he refused to surrender. Supporters had gathered near his home with weapons to stop his arrest,[26] but he handed himself over to the police on 7 July,[27][28] and was jailed at the Estcourt Correctional Centre.[26]

Zuma challenged his detention on 9 July in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on grounds of health, but it was rejected.[29] His arrest led to violent protests by his supporters, who dubbed their campaign as "Free Jacob Zuma and shut down KZN", in the KwaZulu-Natal province.[30]

Following Zuma's arrest, widespread protesting began nationwide, with his supporters calling for his release.[1]

Riots and looting

The riots began on the evening of Sunday, 11 July 2021, when multiple news sources indicated reports of gunshots and explosions heard at local malls and residential areas.[31] The violence quickly escalated, and by the morning of Monday, 12 July 2021, multiple companies and malls were forced to close following widespread looting and violence[32] As of 13 July 2021, 45 people have been killed in the riots.[33]

Incitement

Jacob Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is among those who have encouraged the looting and violence in order to secure the release of her father.[34]

A Chatsworth Mall that was looted
A scene from the Ridge Shopping Centre in Shallcross, Chatsworth, which was looted the night of Sunday, 11 July 2021.[35]

State response

Initially, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was deployed in the Nkandla district to control the number of protests in the area.[36][37]

Over the weekend, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) battled to contain the large-scale looting and damage to infrastructure.[38] Pressure mounted on government to deploy the army.[39]

On the morning of Monday, 12 July 2021, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.[40][41]

On 12 July 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the riots, saying the acts of public violence has been "rarely seen" in democratic South Africa. Ramaphosa referred to the riots as opportunistic acts of violence, citing the lack grievance, nor any political cause, that can justify the destruction by the protestors. He highlighted the Constitution of South Africa, which guarantees the rights of everyone to express themselves, but stated that the victims of the violence unfolding are the workers, truck drivers, business owners, the parents of those who have lost their lives have all done nothing wrong. He went on to discuss the impact of the riots on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, stating that the rollout has been drastically disrupted after prior setbacks. He also noted how the economy of the country would face further challenges due to food and medication insecurity resulting from the riots. The deployment of SANDF to assist with ending the unrest was also discussed.[42] The same day, The South African Constitutional Court reserved its previous judgement and rejected Zuma's bid to rescind his prison sentence.[43] As a result of the decision, Zuma is required to remain in prison until he is at least eligible for parole in three months.[19]

More than crime, a well organized plot

Recent videos by both Julius Malema and Duduzane Zuma encourage violence. Duduzane Zuma is the playboy son of jailed former President Jacob Zuma. Duduzane Zuma uses the phrase "Reset, redistribute, rebuild" as an apparent justification for looting, theft and regime change.

The profile of the average rioter is young, urban, uneducated and ethnic Zulu.

Local Militias

Due to poor police deployment and overwhelming numbers, local communities have started organizing themselves into self defense units. The ethnic minority Indian community of Kwa-Zulu Natal are traditionally retailers and small shopkeepers, hardest hit by the looting. These communities have adopted 24 hour vigilante style patrols and cooperate with law enforcement where possible.

References

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  2. ^ "Ten dead in violent riots over jailing of South Africa's Jacob Zuma". Stuff. 12 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  3. ^ "South Africa struggles to contain worst unrest in decades". www.ft.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  4. ^ AfricaNews (11 July 2021). "Supporters demand Zuma's release via fiery protests in KwaZulu-Natal". Africanews. Archived from the original on 11 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  5. ^ Makhafola, Getrude. "N3 in KwaZulu-Natal closed after trucks set alight in Free Zuma protests". News24. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Four killed, 96 arrested in Gauteng amid violent action, looting". www.iol.co.za. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  7. ^ a b "South Africa Zuma riots: Death toll mounts amid looting". BBC News. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  8. ^ "Jacob Zuma: Military deployed to tackle unrest over jailed ex-president". news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  9. ^ "Soldiers deployed to KZN and Gauteng | eNCA". www.enca.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  10. ^ "Violent protests deal body blow to South Africa's economy". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  11. ^ "WATCH: Violence and looting continue as South Africa face worst unrest in years". ca.movies.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  12. ^ McCain, Nicole. "Chatsworth man, 22, killed in drive-by shooting as public violence continues to sweep across KZN". News24. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  13. ^ "COVID-19 vaccinations face delay after pharmacy lootings | eNCA". Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  14. ^ McCain, Nicole. "Durban clinics, vaccination sites close amid threats by rioters". News24. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  15. ^ "LIVE UPDATES: Looting and violence in Gauteng and KZN". www.iol.co.za. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  16. ^ "S Africa violence spreads after Jacob Zuma jailed". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  17. ^ Perreira, Ernsie (12 July 2021). "Constitutional Court reserves judgment in Zuma case". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  18. ^ "CONCOURT RESERVES JUDGMENT IN ZUMA'S RESCISSION BID". Eyewitness News. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Judgment reserved in Zuma's rescission application". SABC. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  20. ^ "Zuma to stand trial on corruption charges relating to $2.5bn arms deal". the Guardian. 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
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  22. ^ "South Africa's jailed ex-leader Zuma loses bid to overturn arrest". Reuters. 9 July 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  23. ^ "Former South African President Jacob Zuma sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court". 29 June 2021. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  24. ^ "S. Africa's top court agrees to hear Zuma challenge to jail term". aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  25. ^ Grootes, Stephen (5 July 2021). "Pre-Prison Diaries: Analysis: Defenders of Jacob Zuma's last stand: Strong devotion, deep emotion, mostly from KZN". Daily Maverick. Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  26. ^ a b Sishi, Siyabonga; Dludla, Nqobile; Cocks, Tim; Wendell, Roelf; Winning, Alexander (8 July 2021). "South Africa's Zuma hands himself over to police to begin sentence". Reuters. Archived from the original on 8 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  27. ^ "FORMER PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA HANDS HIMSELF OVER TO SERVE 15-MONTH JAIL TERM". ewn.co.za. Archived from the original on 7 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
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  29. ^ Winning, Alexander; Roelf, Wendell; Ward, Rogan; Kumwenda-Mtambo, Olivia; Cocks, Tim (9 July 2021). "South Africa's jailed ex-leader Zuma loses bid to overturn arrest". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  30. ^ Govender, Suthentira (9 July 2021). "Millions of rand of KZN infrastructure damaged in violent 'Free Jacob Zuma' protests". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
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  34. ^ Plessis, Carien du (12 July 2021). "AGE OF ANARCHY: Stoking the flames: ANC condemns looting and violence, 'concerned' about tweets from Zuma's daughter". Daily Maverick. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  35. ^ Naidoo, Yasantha. "Shots fired online, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla takes aim at president as Free Zuma campaign rages". HeraldLIVE. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
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  39. ^ "South Africa deploys army to quell unrest linked to Zuma jailing". Reuters. 12 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
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  41. ^ Shange, Naledi. "Jacob Zuma's fate to be decided: Will he stay in jail?". SowetanLIVE. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  42. ^ CNN, David McKenzie and Pierre Bairin. "South African military deployed as ex-leader Zuma jailed and looting spreads". CNN. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  43. ^ Palley, Kailene (12 July 2021). "ConCourt reserves judgment on Jacob Zuma's bid to have prison sentence rescinded". IOL. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
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