The rate of protests escalating since 2004 has made South Africa the protest capital of the world. Since 2008 it is estimated that over 2 million people have taken part in protests around the country every year.
It was during the first eight months of 2012 that protests began to take on the form a civil war, when demonstrators would take to the streets, protesting about everything from service deliveries, to free housing.
It was reported that 540 protests occurred in the province of Gauteng during the period April 1, 2013, until May 10, 2013. Probably a dramatic turning point for South Africa and the amount of protests escalating since that period.
The spiraling number of protests continued into the 2014 year, and there were reports that nearly 3000 protests occurred in the last three months of the year. These protests were more than 30 a day and involved over a million people.
The most common reasons for protests are the grievances around urban land and housing, followed by service delivery protests, and education institutions targeted in the last year and the demand for free education.
Informal settlements are at the forefront of the provision of services protests as residents demand essential services such as running water, sewage, and electricity. Another aspect is housing needs, which shack dwellers want and insist that the African National Congress (ANC) government have not delivered on their promises.
2016 has been a dramatic time for South Africans as protests sweep across the country almost every day. Some of the protests have been extremely violent, and people have been killed during these demonstrations. Worst of all is the amount of damage caused by the rioters who burn buildings, schools, historical monuments, motor vehicles and buses.
The local elections are nearing, and the people will have the opportunity to cast a vote for change, however, over the eight years, the people have continued to vote for the ANC and ignored the power to choose good governance. Once again, the people will vote for the ANC and after the election will go back to the street and burn properties, throw people’s cars with stones, while the ANC leaders relax under the protection of bodyguards.
This map is composed of only confirmed protests around South Africa. Provided by Die Suidlanders.
Confirmed protest map of South Africa.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
