First Take SA

A political analyst from the North West University, Dr. Thandolwethu Nomarwayi believes the unrest in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal is a manifestation of racial tensions between Black Africans and the Indian community. Dr. Nomarwayi adds that this is particularly true amongst those who are in business in the province. This comes at the back of the announcement by Police Minister, Bheki Cele, confirming that at least 20 people have been killed in Phoenix alone this week with the number expected to increase as many people are still reported missing. Dr. Nomarwayi gives us his analysis of the week's events...

The King of Eswatini, Mswati the 3rd,  is today (Friday) scheduled to hold talks following last month's deadly pro-democracy protests. All citizens of the kingdom have been invited to the forum known as 'iSibaya' at the Ludzidzini Royal Palace. This is the first time the king will address the unrest in which at least 50 people died.  Activists and opposition groups have however vowed not to attend the meeting. Lucky Lukhele, spokesperson for Swaziland Solidarity Network tells us why they will not attend...

Some residents from Soweto in Johannesburg have taken it upon themselves to start a clean-up campaign in all their areas which saw looting and destruction in recent days. Various malls and small businesses have been looted with many properties set alight. Pimville and Klipspruit residents have since called on all men and young people to come out and shield Maponya Mall from being looted and destroyed. The mall remains one of the few that has been spared from the looting spree. Leader of the community and member of the Soweto Parliament, Nhlanhla Lux, says local economies in all townships need to be protected...

Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says a total of 5000 members of the SANDF and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed in different provinces across the country. David Ansara, Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Risk Analysis shares the risks of the current violent and politically charged environment and the trends likely to come...

Claims by the police and state security ministers that the current wave of looting and violence gripping parts of the country could have been worse have been met with skepticism. During government's security cluster briefing, Police minister Bheki Cele and State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo commended law enforcement, saying a lot more damage was averted. This despite lawlessness and mayhem continuing in many parts of KZN and Gauteng.  Dlodlo also said intelligence agents were investigating information that former state security officials linked to former President Jacob Zuma were instigating violence in the two provinces. To interrogate the security cluster claims here is Dr Hendrik Lochner, an independent police practise researcher...