World – No one across the globe could have expected 2022 to go the way it has. From international events to national events, 2022 has shocked and surprised many. As the year comes to an end, it is time to look back at some of those that raised an eyebrow and shocked the country and the world.
Very few could have predicted how this year would start off. While everyone was certainly hoping for a peaceful and happy start to the year, Russia had other plans. On the morning of 24 February 2022, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” aiming for the “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine. During the first strike Russia managed to capture many territories, however, between 29 August till today much of those have been reclaimed.
The Russia-Ukraine war also shed light on how racism is still very much prevalent. Many expressed how harshly they were treated at the borders and by Ukrainian soldiers simply because of their skin colour. The war has had a severe impact on countries across the globe. Lives have been lost and unfortunately there does not seem to be an end in sight.
The wounded being evacuated Photo Twitter/@Olgatokariuk
Hello Darlings
Back in March South Africans woke up to a harsh reality. Those who had booked holidays with the company Hello Darlings had lost everything. It is alleged that CEO, Tasneem Moosa, made off with the money. Despite her protestations of innocence over 200 cases were registered against her. While the matter has not been solved, victims are still expecting to get their money back.
The assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh
On May 11 Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli forces while covering an Israeli military raid on a refugee camp in Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank. The 51-year-old Jerusalem native and US citizen was a household name and loved by all Palestinians. She was their voice. Although the United Nations’ investigation found that Abu Akleeh was killed by Israeli gunfire, Israel has refused to cooperate or even question their Israeli Defence Force soldiers. Her family and Al Jazeera Media Network have submitted a formal request to the International Crime Court. It is their hope the court will see it fit to investigate the murder and bring those responsible to justice.
The Durban floods and the damage that followed
Last year Durban was heavily damaged during the July riots. As citizens began to rebuild their lives, parts of Durban and Isipingo were submerged under water due to heavy rainfall in April. Virginia Airport recorded 351mm of rainfall over twenty-four hours, which was more than double the previous rainfall record of 165mm in April 2019 during the Easter floods. More than 300 people were killed during the floods. Countless homes were destroyed as well as vital infrastructure. The Durban port was heavily impacted as well. The devastation of the flood is ongoing. Sewage plants and their infrastructure were damaged which has directly led to sewage flowing into the oceans increasing the E. coli levels. This has led to many of the beaches in Durban being closed to the public.
Nadima trying to create a better future for Afghanistan
Nadima Noor, Dream Voice Act founder, has been doing exceptional work in Afghanistan. She has been trying to create a better future for the women of Afghanistan. In September she came to South Africa for two weeks to talk about the work she has been doing in Afghanistan. It has been a year since the US left and the country has been struggling to recover after being placed under many sanctions. Nadima has dedicated her life to helping young women and women who have businesses. She has helped countless women and has provided aid relief to many more. She intends to carry on helping the people of Afghanistan and will continue to raise awareness about the situation.
Eskom and its crisis
Eskom has undoubtedly had its worst year. With record high levels of loadshedding and the price of diesel going up (since the Russia-Ukraine war) this has not been a stellar year for them. South Africans have been consistently left in the dark. While some blame the failures of Eskom on saboteurs, others blame its management. With Andre de Ruyter resigning as the CEO, it seems Eskom’s troubles might get worse before they get better. Researchers estimate that loadshedding has cost the country between R5 billion to R1 trillion. The economy has not been able to recover after the pandemic because of the failures of Eskom. De Ruyter will stay in charge till next March but after that, the fate of Eskom is unknown.
