South Africa witnessing worst violence, civil unrest since 1994?

I've visited the Republic of South Africa twice, both long-stay visits. A beautiful and diverse nation, with adorable people, she has a lot to offer.

As the events of violence, rioting, unrest, looting, and arson unfold, I've seen several glimpses online and heard reports of the mental and physical agony.

If I'd to go by recent reports, the death toll due to these riots neared 80 people, as violence continues across the country following the 15-month prison term and jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. An agonizing scene of a baby being thrown from a building (in Durban) set on fire, after ground-floor shops were looted, is also doing the rounds on social media. Other distressing video clips and chilling incidents, including usage of arms and petrol-bombs, are also broadcasted and circulated.

It's a given that such violence and civil unrest is unacceptable; however, is jailing of Zuma the burning issue or cause — behind such gross anti-social, criminal and heart-wrenching acts?

Even if Zuma’s prison term and arrest is the reason behind this severe unrest, how does it justify looting, arson, rioting, fires and other violent activities? How about considering unemployment and poverty arising due to COVID-19 induced lockdowns and restrictions? What about pre-COVID challenges South Africans were already facing?

Also, it's an established fact that only a marginal percentage of the population are culprits. The police informed that criminal gangs have taken advantage of the ongoing unrest. They are infiltrating among the protesters.

Statistics agency data show approximately half of the country's 35 million adults live below the poverty line and young people are disproportionately affected by unemployment. Unfortunately, continued hardships in spite of the end of apartheid is supposedly the major reason why hundreds of shops and dozens of malls have been targeted.

A report indicates that low income levels and unemployment — at a record high of around 33% among the workforce and even higher at about 47% among young people — are seen as the ticking bombs that have exploded.

Last year, South Africa witnessed its sharpest decline in annual GDP since 1946, with a contraction of 7% in the economy.

KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces remain the prime violence targets. Durban, the main city in KwaZulu-Natal, is the political heartland of Zuma. Businesses in almost every sector are looted, burnt and petrol-bombed in cities and towns across KwaZulu-Natal. Durban possibly has the highest concentration of Indians (of South African origin) outside India.

Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal’s capital, turned into a war zone, that's what a report says, and it sounds quite terrifying.

Warehouses, malls, supermarkets and shops are looted, vandalised, and some even set on fire. Food and water supplies are on the brink. There are establishments ransacked and destroyed, falling in the no-insurance category! Around 1,300 rioters and miscreants are arrested.

Items including broken glass, concrete bins, trolleys, burning tyres, and trash, can be seen scattered in several areas. Rioters blocked roads and highways.

Reports are pouring in of communities protecting themselves collectively, with guns and other types of weapons. Not only are they guarding their houses and businesses, but also power stations. 

The protests also reflect deep divisions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Experts opine that the ANC leadership could have averted the current crisis if it would've prevented Zuma's arrest.

Plans to deploy up to 25,000 soldiers in two provinces where security forces are struggling, may assist. President Cyril Ramaphosa had deployed a troop-force of 70,000 to enforce a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, last year.