July 2021 unrest has cost the economy R50 billion: Commission

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities has marked the fourth anniversary of the July 2021 unrest and looting by saying the unrest cost the economy an estimated R50 billion.

Thousands of people looted and burned shops mainly in KwaZulu-Natal. The riots, which began in KwaZulu-Natal and spread to Gauteng, claimed more than 350 lives.

Thousands of jobs were lost after the widespread looting and arson that followed former President Jacob Zuma’s arrest for contempt of court. Thousands of people were arrested.

The Commission’s Dr Rajendran Govender says the impact of the unrest was great and many that got affected are still trying to recover.

“The impact was great, the communities out there, are seeking assistance from government for repatriating the souls, according to African culture and tradition, where you repatriate the souls and take them to the home to that the ancestors will be happy. So, talks are under way with the provincial government and other entities to ensure that the needs to these people are satisfied.”