analysis
SPECIAL REPORT: Why SA is burning
SA’s violent predemocratic history may provide some explanation for current social conflict. But state incapacity, government inaction and a political culture of impunity fan the flames of violence
12 September 2019 - 05:00
SA is in the midst of a perfect storm. Economic deprivation, inequality and disturbing levels of unemployment, combined with a limping criminal justice system, compromised intelligence services and a demoralised police force, make our townships, suburbs, universities and even post offices fertile ground for violent crime.
Another wave of xenophobic violence, protests, looting and criminality gripped swathes of Joburg in the past two weeks. It began with attacks on trucks driven by foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal; the industry reported that more than 60 vehicles were torched in just three weeks in June...
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