South Africa Unrest Hits 40,000 Businesses: Govt
Faizan Hashmi Published July 21, 2021 | 12:40 AM
Johannesburg, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2021 ) :At least 40,000 South African businesses were looted, burnt or vandalised during widespread rioting that broke out after the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma, the government said Tuesday.
Hundreds of shopping centres and warehouses in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province were ransacked beginning on July 9.
The rampage later spread to Johannesburg, inflicting a devastating blow to an economy already battered by the coronavirus.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's office, told reporters that "40,000 businesses were affected" in KZN.
The total losses to the national economy are estimated to be 50 billion rand ($3.4 billion), according to a government statement.
In KZN, 161 malls and a similar number of liquor outlets and distributors were "extensively damaged", Ntshavheni said.
More than 200 shopping centres and 100 malls were looted or burnt, while at least 1,400 ATMs were damaged and 300 banks and post offices vandalised in the southeastern province.
Meanwhile a total of 90 pharmacies were destroyed "beyond revival" as the country grapples with a brutal coronavirus third wave.
Ramaphosa told business leaders Tuesday that "there is virtually no part of the economy that has not been affected by the violence".
Damage to businesses is still being assessed in Gauteng province, which includes the economic hub of Johannesburg, Ntshavheni said.
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are South Africa's most populous provinces and account for half of the country's GDP.
Ramaphosa has admitted that his government was "not sufficiently" prepared for violence and that security forces could have responded quicker.
The violence has abated after claiming 215 lives, the government said, with no incident reported over the past 24 hours.
At least 200 of more than 2,500 suspects have appeared in court for looting and public violence.
The unrest erupted after Zuma began serving a 15-month jail term for snubbing a corruption inquiry.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
1 day ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
4 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
6 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago