Following the announcement of the 2024 general election results by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal finds itself bracing for possible unrest. Former President Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkontho weSizwe Party (MKP), has raised objections to the election results, citing allegations of vote-rigging and demanding a recount. This development comes amid concerns of a repeat of the July 2021 riots which had profound impacts on the region.
Rapid Police and Community Mobilization
In anticipation of potential disturbances, police forces have been strategically deployed to various hotspots across KwaZulu-Natal. The Public Order Police unit and Tactical Response Team were positioned in these areas from early Sunday evening to maintain order and prevent any outbreak of violence. Residents’ organizations and community policing forums are also on high alert, preparing to defend their communities against a repeat of the 2021 unrest.
An informed source within the Durban Crime Intelligence unit disclosed that the police had increased patrols and surveillance, particularly around key areas like the Cato Ridge vicinity near Pietermaritzburg. These measures reflect a proactive approach to security, aiming to preempt any incidents before they escalate.
Community Responses and Safety Initiatives
Local communities, still bearing the scars from the previous unrest, are not taking any chances. Community leaders and policing forums have enacted comprehensive safety measures, including around-the-clock patrols and strategic planning meetings to discuss and implement defense tactics. Xolo Hlatshwayo, chairperson of the KwaMashu community policing forum, emphasized the community’s determination to avoid past mistakes, stating, “We are afraid of something like the July unrest occurring again. We cannot go back there. Our people lost a lot during that time.”
Moreover, community forums have reported on the readiness and resolve of local residents to stay vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement to safeguard their neighborhoods. According to Nazir Sadack, spokesperson for the Community Emergency Response Team in the north of eThekwini, the community is prepared but remains calm, “We sent out messages for the community to remain calm. We do not want to panic. There are, however, precautionary measures in place. We don’t want to get caught out like we did in 2021.”
Political Implications and Regional Impact
The electoral success of Zuma’s MK Party, which garnered 45% of the votes in KwaZulu-Natal, reflects a significant political shift and illustrates the dissatisfaction with the ANC’s performance in the region. The MKP’s strong showing and the ensuing tensions underscore the volatile political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal, further compounded by fears of unrest similar to those witnessed in July 2021. During that period, the province experienced devastating losses both in human lives and economic terms, with the riots causing extensive damage to infrastructure and businesses, and profoundly impacting South Africa’s economy.
As the situation unfolds, both police and communities remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments and ready to respond to any disturbances. The hope is to maintain peace and stability in the face of challenging and potentially volatile circumstances.
Source: New Zimbabwe
