THE LAST NEWS WORD
The aftermath of looting in a Durban shopping mall. Photograph: Shutterstock.com.
INSURRECTION CANNOT BE TOLERATED The civil unrest or insurrection that took place between 9th and 19th July 2021 has been extensively documented in the audio-visual and print media. No purpose would be served in attempting to extensively review individual incidents other than to highlight the incidence. By Peter Bagshawe
M
y intention is look at the impact on Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng directly, the ripple effect on their economies as well as on the national economy. From my perspective, a discussion on cause and effect, relating to the unrest is probably of more value and a portion of this will obviously involve reference to the perceived political causations. President Cyril Ramaphosa initially referenced an ‘orchestrated campaign of
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public violence, destruction and sabotage’ and subsequently stated the ‘violence may indeed have its roots in the pronouncements and activities of individuals with a political purpose and in expressions of frustration and anger’ but latterly referred to events as insurrection. The Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni described the violence as economic sabotage. In a clear lack of cohesion at cabinet level then-Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, stated that the military saw no signs of an
insurrection or attempted coup (in direct contradiction of the State President) but rather a counter-revolution in the form of ‘criminality and thuggery.’ Her statement was later retracted. Within the Security Cluster, there was further lack of cohesion with Minister of Police Bheki Cele and State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo at odds on whether State Security had provided intelligence reports on the impending violence and looting. Ultimately, in a recent Cabinet reshuffle Dlodlo lost her Cabinet position when
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