CAROL PATON: A thin veneer of law and order in a violent and angry society
A weak government and underfunded police have their hands full containing chaos and looting amid deep social tension and frustrations
Over the past few days our vulnerabilities came to bear all at once: a country with only a thin veneer of law and order; a rejection of the socio-economic status quo by the marginalised; intolerable and rising inequality and poverty; a police force weakened by budget cuts and austerity; and a weak and fractured governing party whose internal battles are profoundly destabilising.
This is the cocktail of elements that gave rise to the chaos that has gripped the country since former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest last Wednesday. The protests and looting are not the manifestation of a popular uprising to support Zuma, but the outcome of what happens when deep social tension and frustrations, kept (mostly) in check in daily life, are emboldened to confront what is in fact a weak state, run by a weak governing party...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.