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Panic Buying

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Hundreds of cars queue to fill petrol at a local feul station in central Durban stoking a fear of fuel shortages in Durban on July 14, 2021 as several shops, businesses and infrastructure are damaged in the city, following five nights of continued violence and looting sparked by the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma. – So far, 72 people have died and more than 1,200 people arrested, since former president Jacob Zuma began a 15-month jail term for contempt, sparking protests that swiftly turned violent. The violence, targeting malls and other economic hotspots has seen shops and infrastructure destroyed. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
ZUMAUNREST

Government bans mass petrol and diesel purchases

Restrictions are likely to affect people who consume fuel for uses such as running generators to power medical equipment, says the Automobile Association

  • Eunice Masson
2 min read
People queue to buy bread from trucks who provide food as shops and mall are looted and closed for business in Soweto, on July 14, 2020. – Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters on July 13, for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives. As pillaging erupted in the economic capital of Johannesburg and the southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s main opposition accused radicals of stoking the unrest. (Photo by LUCA SOLA / AFP) (Photo by LUCA SOLA/AFP via Getty Images)
ZUMAUNREST

Citizens must remain calm and avoid flocking to shops, state says, hinting at ‘economic sabotage’

Arrests have risen to nearly 3 000 as looting and violence continue in two provinces in South Africa

  • Eunice Masson
3 min read
CLASS SOLIDARITY
Video

Eusebius McKaiser: A letter to us people who live in the suburbs

The Covid-19 lockdown means wealthy citizens must take a long-overdue look at our privilege. Now is the time for cross-class solidarity

  • Eusebius McKaiser
7 min read
Although the government has made provision for food-assistance packages for the most vulnerable, some people say it’s those who fall just outside of the qualification (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
CORONAVIRUS SOUTH AFRICA

Paddy Harper: What’s with whities and bog roll?

Covid-19 is playing havoc with my life and mind — no hanging out in the pub and the genetically determined run on white gold

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
(John McCann/M&G)
BASIC NECESSITIES

South Africa, you really don’t need to stockpile groceries

Experts emphasise that South Africa is a net exporter and there is enough food for us all

  • Tshegofatso Mathe
5 min read