South Africa: Over 550 Arrested During Anti-Govt Protests

MAR 20 2023·Updated MAR 21 2023

Story

Image credit: Reuters [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

More than 550 protestors have been arrested on charges of public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft, and attempted looting during an attempted national shutdown that occurred in South Africa on Monday.
IOL
Thousands of protesters marched through South Africa's cities after the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party called on Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa to resign over the unemployment and crippling power cuts.
Reuters
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure admitted the protest proceeded peacefully and orderly in the capital Pretoria; however, at least 24K tires that had been "strategically placed for acts of criminality" were seized in other parts of the country.
Devdiscourse
Meanwhile, after students in Braamfontein failed to obey orders to stand down, police used "minimum force" such as "stun grenades and not rubber bullets." A security officer was also reportedly injured.
IOL
On Sunday, the country's parliament said that the military would deploy 3,474 troops until April 17 to assist the police in combating potential unrest. Meanwhile, national authorities said law enforcement officers were on high alert and will continue to prevent and combat any acts of criminality.
Al Jazeera
In July 2021, protests turned into riots and rioting after former president Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court. At least 350 people were killed in the worst violence since the end of apartheid and the beginning of the nation's democracy in 1994.
Barrons

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Not only has he overseen South Africa's economic and infrastructural collapse, but Ramaphosa has also been found guilty under the Constitution and anti-corruption laws in his game farm dealings. It is in the best interest of the stability of the country and the government that Ramaphosa quits as he faces spiraling and devastating criminal trials and impeachment proceedings.

The Mail & Guardian

Narrative B

There is no need for Ramaphosa to resign before any official, legitimate indictments and convictions have been realized. Parliament's independent panel has led to allegations based mainly upon hearsay. To force the resignation of the nation's leader simply due to demonstrations and public demands and not through proper channels could mean South Africa's democracy is heading for a perilous backslide.