The terrible scenes of violence that have erupted throughout South Africa over the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma illustrate that, 27 years after the end of apartheid, anger at the widespread levels of inequality and poverty that continue to affect large swathes of the country has not abated.
In what threatens to become the worst crisis the country has experienced since the end of the apartheid era in 1994, scores of people have been killed, dozens of businesses burnt to the ground and roads closed in the cacophony of violence that has taken place since Mr Zuma was jailed for contempt of court.
In one of the worst incidents, ten people were reported to have been killed in a stampede at a shopping mall in Soweto as soldiers and police sought to quell widespread looting.
The rioting has had a devastating impact on South Africa’s already struggling economy. Johannesburg, for example, is almost completely shut down, with shops either closed or empty and residents struggling to find basic goods such as gas for cooking and heating in the middle of a bitterly cold winter.
One of the more striking images of the unrest was a mother throwing her two-year-old girl to safety from a burning tower block to a waiting crowd below in the city of Durban. The mother, 26-year-old Naledi Manyoni, said she had been on the 16th floor when the fire started and, having run down the stairs, threw her child to safety. Thankfully the girl survived.
The outbreak of violence, in which supermarkets and businesses have been deliberately targeted by what the authorities have condemned as “criminal gangs”, reveals a side of South African society rarely seen by the outside world.
For, far from fulfilling Nelson Mandela’s ambition of becoming a “rainbow nation”, where the bitter divisions between whites and blacks caused by the apartheid era were to be set aside, modern-day South Africa remains, as demonstrated by the latest unrest, as divided as ever.
The violence reveals a side of South African society rarely seen
And much of the blame for this terrible state of affairs must rest with the ruling African National Congress, which has run South Africa almost like a one-party state ever since gaining power in the historic 1994 general election that resulted in Mr Mandela’s election as the country’s first black president.
As a journalist covering that historic election, I was struck by how much genuine adulation the legendary anti-apartheid campaigner attracted from both the white and black supporters who thronged his rallies. The magic of Mandela’s appeal, though, did not last long beyond the veteran freedom-fighter securing victory and the ANC being installed in power.
Instead of building on the firm and prosperous economic foundations bequeathed to the ANC by the previous apartheid era, the party has spent much of the past three decades involved in bitter internal infighting, with accusations of widespread corruption rife.
While the initial protests were more political in nature, and directed at Mr Zuma’s imprisonment last week over his refusal to co-operate with the court over fraud allegations, the widespread looting and attacks on prosperous businesses that have followed point to the simmering tensions caused by the failure of the ANC’s economic programme, a situation that has been made immeasurably worse by the heavy-handed government restrictions that have been imposed to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.
Harsh measures such as a lockdowns, curfews and bans on the sale of goods such as cigarettes have increased the anger felt towards the government, which was already deeply unpopular because of its woeful mismanagement of the economy, with unemployment standing at a record 32.6 per cent in the first three months of 2021. The jailing of Mr Zuma, therefore, has simply acted as a catalyst for the widespread discontent felt throughout the country, while at the same time fuelling tensions between key tribal leaders.
The anti-government violence has been particularly prominent in Mr Zuma’s fiefdom of KwaZulu-Natal in the east of the country, where anger among the Zulu population has evoked memories of the bloody racial violence that preceded the 1994 election, and at one point threatened to tip the country into all-out civil war.
At the heart of the current unrest lies the bitter rivalry between Mr Zuma and his successor as president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Tensions between the two men have been simmering ever since Mr Zuma was forced to resign in 2018 over allegations that he was involved in widespread fraud, claims that ultimately resulted in him being put on trial.
Mr Ramaphosa’s appointment as his successor as president was broadly welcomed because the new leader was seen as someone who had a better understanding of South Africa’s business community, and who would work with them to rebuild the economy for the benefit of all South Africans. But Mr Ramaphosa’s support for South African industrialists led to accusations from Mr Zuma’s left-wing supporters that their new president was little more than an apologist for the white-run economy, an argument that, as the unemployment rate among young blacks continued to grow, simply fuelled the growth in anti-government sentiment.
Consequently, the protests that are currently sweeping the country are as much directed at South Africa’s business community as they are an attempt to highlight what many of Mr Zuma’s supporters believe are trumped-up charges against the former South African president.
To his credit, Mr Ramaphosa is certainly not underestimating the challenge that now faces his country. In an address to the nation on Monday, he acknowledged the violence “has thrown into stark relief what we already know – that levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality in our society are unsustainable".
This is not the vision for South Africa that Mr Mandela set out when he first became president. Unless the ANC under Mr Ramaphosa’s leadership can arrest the country’s alarming decline, South Africa’s future looks increasingly bleak.
Con Coughlin is a defence and foreign affairs columnist for The National
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
By Sean Penn
Simon & Schuster
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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RESULTS
Bantamweight:
Zia Mashwani (PAK) bt Chris Corton (PHI)
Super lightweight:
Flavio Serafin (BRA) bt Mohammad Al Khatib (JOR)
Super lightweight:
Dwight Brooks (USA) bt Alex Nacfur (BRA)
Bantamweight:
Tariq Ismail (CAN) bt Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Featherweight:
Abdullatip Magomedov (RUS) bt Sulaiman Al Modhyan (KUW)
Middleweight:
Mohammad Fakhreddine (LEB) bt Christofer Silva (BRA)
Middleweight:
Rustam Chsiev (RUS) bt Tarek Suleiman (SYR)
Welterweight:
Khamzat Chimaev (SWE) bt Mzwandile Hlongwa (RSA)
Lightweight:
Alex Martinez (CAN) bt Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR)
Welterweight:
Jarrah Al Selawi (JOR) bt Abdoul Abdouraguimov (FRA)
FIXTURES (all times UAE)
Sunday
Brescia v Lazio (3.30pm)
SPAL v Verona (6pm)
Genoa v Sassuolo (9pm)
AS Roma v Torino (11.45pm)
Monday
Bologna v Fiorentina (3.30pm)
AC Milan v Sampdoria (6pm)
Juventus v Cagliari (6pm)
Atalanta v Parma (6pm)
Lecce v Udinese (9pm)
Napoli v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
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MATCH INFO
Leeds United 0
Brighton 1 (Maupay 17')
Man of the match: Ben White (Brighton)
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Honeymoonish
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
When is VAR used?
• Goals
• Penalty decisions
• Direct red-card incidents
• Mistaken identity
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
ARSENAL IN 1977
Feb 05 Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Feb 12 Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Feb 15 Middlesbrough 3-0 Arsenal
Feb 19 Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
Feb 26 Middlesbrough 4-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Mar 01 Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 05 Arsenal 1-4 ipswich
March 08 Arsenal 1-2 West Brom
Mar 12 QPR 2-1 Arsenal
Mar 23 Stoke 1-1 Arsenal
Apr 02 Arsenal 3-0 Leicester
