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2021 july riotslatest news & developments
Justice delayed: Police detain suspected looters in Soweto in July 2021. Bail for the 61 people linked to violence and arson has been extended until May this year. Photo: James Oatway/Getty Images

The anarchy of July 2021 could recur

A 2018 state security report, the Zondo commission report and a 2015 report on social cohesion in KwaZulu-Natal warned of problems

The 2021 July riots were the most widespread, coordinated, and visible instance of looting in South Africa.

Looting and violence wasn’t only in July 2021, it’s a fact of daily life

Government officials should do their work as if they are implementing policies as though they are doing so for themselves

‘Mistake’: Former security minister Ayanda Dlodlo. Photo: Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images

How spies shape South Africa’s political path

From Mbeki to Zuma to Ramaphosa, the facts and fictions of the intelligence networks have shadowed political players and settled power struggles

Some of the conditions in which the July unrest occurred have abated but others, such as the spiralling cost of living, have worsened

A year after the riots, South Africa is a tinderbox waiting to be lit

Some of the conditions in which the July unrest occurred have abated but others, such as the spiralling cost of living, have worsened

Survival: Jabulani Mall in Soweto was hit hard by the unrest. (James Puttick)

Hawkers struggle after Soweto mall looted, vandalised

Informal traders selling their wares outside Jabulani Mall are worried about further unrest as unemployment and the rising cost of living fuel public anger

Polarisation: During the riots in KwaZulu-Natal last July, 36 people were killed when armed community members patrolled the streets in Phoenix. (Guillem Sartorio/AFP)

Phoenix murder trials still to start

Three separate murder cases involving alleged racial killings have reached the high court

Mooit River’s shops were looted in the riots last July. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Uneasy peace in Mooi River after riots brought town to its knees

The KwaZulu-Natal town’s strategic location on the N3 corridor brings with it the danger of renewed unrest

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Pravin Gordhan. (Halden Krog/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Editorial: A political solution from Ramaphosa or Gordhan will not solve the Eskom load-shedding crisis

After more than 10 years of meddling and the countless executive game of musical chairs, please leave political actors out of Eskom problem-solving. This is a problem to be…