July looting: One year later
Initially, as pockets of violence broke out in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in July last year, following the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, it looked uncoordinated.
When the dust eventually settled eight days later, more than 350 people had died and the economy had been damaged to the extent of R50 billion.
A 154-page report, given to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and made public in February, provided a hair-raising view of how a hollowed-out security cluster, compounded by inept politicians, led to the chaos in July.
But, a year later, we are no closer to healing or understanding who masterminded the violence and mayhem. Was it ANC politicians? Rogue intelligence officials? Organised community groups?
In this week's Friday Briefing, News24's associate editor of politics and opinions, Qaanitah Hunter writes that what transpired during the eight days of mayhem last July, which was prompted by Zuma's arrest, marked a turning point for our democracy.
Durban-based News24 reporter, Kaveel Singh, reflects on the impact of the unrest on the KwaZulu-Natal community, and how some members have already made plans in case the violence breaks out again.
Fin24's Sibongile Khumalo unpacks how businesses in the area are still playing catch-up, while investigative journalist Jeff Wicks examines the role of the police in the violence and whether any lessons were learnt.
Finally News24's James de Villers takes a look at the unrest in numbers and where we stand now.
Hope you enjoy the read.
Best,
Vanessa Banton
Opinions editor
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July unrest: A year on, we remain vulnerable to more mayhem
The ANC-led government, whose inaction led to over 350 people dying in July last year, has shown no political will or interest in truly giving closure to the thousands of people affected by the unrest, writes Qaanitah Hunter.
July unrest: A year on, we remain vulnerable to more mayhem
The ANC-led government, whose inaction led to over 350 people dying in July last year, has shown no political will or interest in truly giving closure to the thousands of people affected by the unrest, writes Qaanitah Hunter.
July unrest: A year on, we remain vulnerable to more mayhem
The ANC-led government, whose inaction led to over 350 people dying in July last year, has shown no political will or interest in truly giving closure to the thousands of people affected by the unrest, writes Qaanitah Hunter.
July unrest: A year on, we remain vulnerable to more mayhem
The ANC-led government, whose inaction led to over 350 people dying in July last year, has shown no political will or interest in truly giving closure to the thousands of people affected by the unrest, writes Qaanitah Hunter.
July unrest: A year on, we remain vulnerable to more mayhem
The ANC-led government, whose inaction led to over 350 people dying in July last year, has shown no political will or interest in truly giving closure to the thousands of people affected by the unrest, writes Qaanitah Hunter.
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