South Africa at Ease Following Days of Unrest

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Today, Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined post-riot clean-up efforts, following days of unrest in the country.

Ramaphosa accused the supporters of former President Jacob Zuma of provoking chaos in the last days, describing the event as a "premeditated attempt to destabilize the country", and he said, "It is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated; there were people who planned it and coordinated it."

President Ramaphosa toured the destroyed shopping mall in Soweto near Johannesburg and said, "We all admit there were lapses… we will gather ourselves and do a proper review."

The citizens of South Africa celebrated today, Sunday, “Mandela Day”, in honor of the first president after the country adopted democracy as its ruling regime, which constitutes an opportunity to participate in the ongoing group work. 

Quite was restored in the city of Durban, after a week of protests and bloody riots that resulted in the death of 212, consquently after former President Jacob Zuma was jailed for charges of corruption and contempt of court.

Thieves robbed shops, while unknown groups burned factories and warehouses. Moreover, main roads were closed.

Tomorrow, Monday, the trial of ex-president Jacob Zuma will proceed on a separate case regarding a 20-year-old bribe, amid severe tensions.

Ramaphosa is under mounting pressure as only one of the individuals suspected of what officials have called an attempted insurrection, which caused damage estimated at one billion dollars, has been arrested.

In the worst-hit KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, access to basic items has become a pressing issue in the affected areas, as many stores were destroyed, while others remain closed.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has warned against "vigilante acts" after residents of Phoenix outside Durban, a township of mostly Indian-origin South Africans were accused of victimizing their black citizens.

"If we hear that people are being racially profiled at roadblocks set up in the area... (people) including police, are being intimidated, violated and in extreme cases, people are being beaten up, and their cars are searched and torched (this) is simply criminal and won't be tolerated," the Police Minister stated.

A task force of 10 detectives will be deployed in the area to investigate the deaths of 20 men in suspicious circumstances during this week.

In a related context, several beaches around Durban were closed due to concerns of possible contamination after a chemical leak at a combusted factory. 

The business sector, particularly tourism which represented 7% of the GDP before the Coronavirus pandemic, fears that the acts of violence will affect South Africa’s reputation and impede investments.