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SA Government failed us on all fronts – expert panel

by Luqmaan Rawat

Johannesburg – July 2021 will forever be etched into the memory of all South Africans, especially the residents of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). Following Jacob Zuma’s arrest, KZN and Gauteng were struck by violent unrest, looting and destruction and terror. More than 340 people lost their lives, and the damage exceeded R50 billion.

Seven months have passed and the twelve people who were identified as the instigators by police have still not been brought to book.

Investigative journalist at News24 and Co-Author of Eight days in July, Jeff Wicks, said from their examinations in their book, and now confirmed by the panel’s report, the twelve instigators that were identified by the Minister of Police was “an abstract number and that it would appear from the people who have been arrested thus far that the police are no closer to unmasking the people who caused this damage.”

The report delved a lot into how intelligence was gathered and the level of its quality. Wicks was thus shocked that intelligence wasn’t declassified so the panel could assess it.

“This panel was unable to assess any of the intelligence actually produced because they would not be declassified despite them requesting this. It’s a very difficult task and an invidious task for the panel to assess the quality of intelligence product without being able to see it.”

The July Unrest was created because of “poor governance”. The blame cannot solely be placed on the shoulders of the poor, Wicks explained. The damage that was caused indicates those in poverty were used to create maximum damage.

“We saw from attacks on malls, distribution centres and businesses, it wasn’t simply looting. People would begin looting and then they would set fire to the building. Setting fire to the building serves the looter no purpose. That has to tell us that the ultimate goal was maximum destruction and damage.”

Many have criticised the SANDF for how things were managed and believe “they are just draining the coffers”, but Wicks disagrees with that notion entirely.

“I think the SANDF is perilously underfunded. They’ve faced back-to-back budget cuts… and if we really examine critically what happened in July, the SANDF was something of a Godsend… We could only see the tide changing when [the] SANDF arrived.”

Wicks acknowledged the SANDF was slow in their response, as stated by the report, but that this ties directly to those who orchestrated the attacks. “They were fully aware of police tactics and their shortfall and exploited them brilliantly but when the SANDF entered the fray, calm was restored within a matter of days.”

Wicks believes the time for action is now, and President Ramaphosa needs to shed his “slow and diplomatic” approach and take decisive action if he hopes to get re-elected.

To listen to the interview, click here:

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