Violent protests have almost become a norm in South Africa, as more citizens take their grievances - ranging from demarcation to poor service delivery - to the streets. And hooligans are cashing in, tearing at the country’s fragile social fabric.
This morning, Mamelodi residents fed up with the housing shortage left, a scene of destruction and chaos. In Wolmaranstad, poor service delivery also ignited a rampage - and as often, foreign nationals bore the brunt of their anger. Not far away in Ottosdal, 15 foreigners’ shops were looted. Last week, 45 people were arrested in Maqhwasi, protesting the lack of service delivery.
Khutsong has been at it for nearly two years over incorporation into the North West. Three weeks ago, Malboro residents, north of Johannesburg, took to the streets over eviction from factories.
Children taking the forefront
It is not uncommon that the situation gets out of control and things turn ugly. During last year’s security guards strike, people were killed and property damaged all over the country.
The culture of peaceful protests, seemed to have made way for mayhem and violence and it has been become commonplace to see children as the ringleaders of the violent factions.
Dale McKinley, an independent political analyst, says: “They raise their issues and they’re ignored and as a result of that ignorance, I think it gives the impetus to people to up the ante. Once the protest gets to a particular point it opens space for criminal elements to come in.”
McKinley says police reaction and media attention often fuel the flames, but in the end, he says, only the government can effectively tackle the problem. SABC
This morning, Mamelodi residents fed up with the housing shortage left, a scene of destruction and chaos. In Wolmaranstad, poor service delivery also ignited a rampage - and as often, foreign nationals bore the brunt of their anger. Not far away in Ottosdal, 15 foreigners’ shops were looted. Last week, 45 people were arrested in Maqhwasi, protesting the lack of service delivery.
Khutsong has been at it for nearly two years over incorporation into the North West. Three weeks ago, Malboro residents, north of Johannesburg, took to the streets over eviction from factories.
Children taking the forefront
It is not uncommon that the situation gets out of control and things turn ugly. During last year’s security guards strike, people were killed and property damaged all over the country.
The culture of peaceful protests, seemed to have made way for mayhem and violence and it has been become commonplace to see children as the ringleaders of the violent factions.
Dale McKinley, an independent political analyst, says: “They raise their issues and they’re ignored and as a result of that ignorance, I think it gives the impetus to people to up the ante. Once the protest gets to a particular point it opens space for criminal elements to come in.”
McKinley says police reaction and media attention often fuel the flames, but in the end, he says, only the government can effectively tackle the problem. SABC
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