Durban, South Africa — The port city of Durban witnessed a wave of destruction following anti-foreigner protests, with several shops in the area ransacked and looted.
The unrest, which saw thousands of people march across the country, has left a trail of economic uncertainty and damage in its wake.
The protests, led by fringe groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June, have prompted fears of a repeat of the violence that five years ago left around 350 people dead. Amidst the chaos, police were out in force, announcing that around 900 people were arrested, some for looting.
In Clermont, a suburb outside Durban, local businesses reported significant losses. Mohamed Abdul, a 29-year-old shop owner from Somalia, expressed his fear and betrayal after his store was targeted. “We are not illegal in the country, but they just started looting, “Abdul. “.
I was scared and felt betrayed because we had 19 people employed here, but today they have no job. “.
The impact of the protests has been felt across various regions, including Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu — Natal. Some estimates suggest losses could run into millions of rand.
The local economy is under strain, with at least 100 Zambian truck drivers losing their jobs as cross-border transport companies suspended operations.
As the country grapples with the aftermath, the focus is shifting to recovery and rebuilding.
The KwaZulu — Natal government has declared a state of disaster to divert funds toward recovery efforts, with the Shoprite supermarket in Pennyville, Soweto being one of the first businesses to reopen following the unrest.
However, the extent of the damage is evident, with broken shelves and tills, and the marks of looting, vandalism, and arson still visible. Business owners like Sam Mampane, who reported significant losses, are frustrated with the slow recovery process and the potential for further violence.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
