SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCING SOME OF THE WORST RIOTING SINCE THE END OF APARTHEID
" The Death Toll Continues To Rise As Rioting Plagues South Africa's Major Cities."
July 16, 2021 By Englebrook Independent News,
SOUTH AFRICA- The Jailing of former South Africa President Jacob Zuma has sparked some of the worst rioting since the end of Apartheid, but rising poverty, racial tension and the Covid-19 Pandemic are being blamed for the continuing anger in the Country.
Violence and rioting in South Africa brought on by former President Jacob Zuma's imprisonment has killed at least 117 people and seen more than 2,200 arrests, Officials said on Thursday. Some 25,000 troops have been deployed to help police subdue the riots. It's among the worst episodes of violence the country has seen since the end of Apartheid nearly 30 years ago.
Rioters in the areas most supportive of Zuma have blocked highways with burning tires, set vehicles and buildings ablaze, and looted businesses, with Officials claiming hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. It began when Zuma handed himself over to police after being charged with Contempt of Court and sentenced to 15 months of prison.
Many of Zuma supporters believe he is the victim of witch hunt against the Zulu Ethnic Group. But wider issues plaguing South Africa and the failure of the Government to address them is furthering anger in the Country. Unemployment, especially among young people, has increased sharply in recent months, while economic divides deepened during the Pandemic.
Inequality remains high in South Africa, with many unable to access food, power or running water. A split at the top of the ruling African National Congress between allies of Zuma and his successor Cyril Ramaphosa has prompted allegations of unfair distribution of wealth and power. Many believe Zuma's allies hope the riots will secure his release from prison and make it impossible to rule.
FILED UNDER JULY 16, 2021: GLOBAL: