Many partly blame government for recent violence in the country
JOHANNESBURG – The government has failed to give people of South Africa a better life.
Analysts have held government partly liable for the recent violence which ascended on Johannesburg and blown out to parts of the country and continent, citing economic and civil consequences as a result.
Various parts of Johannesburg and Gauteng have been engulfed by violence following attacks on foreign-owned businesses characterised by looting and damaging of the property since 1 September.
Economist and chief executive officer for Pan-African Investment and Research Services, Dr. Iraj Abedian said South Africa was losing its status as the champion for African integration and development on the international stage. Meanwhile, he said government institutions have proved incapable of dealing with technicalities to lead the progress and development of the African continent.
Abedian explained, “This problem has been going on since 10 years ago. The government must have systems in place to separate legal and illegal immigrants. Home Affairs cannot deal with human trafficking and the smuggling of drugs into the country. Government systems of immigration need to be efficient and reliable.
“The long wait for application of documents and corruption through bribing of officials must be rooted out in this era of 4th Industrial Revolution. The government must create a sustainable environment where the integration of Africa becomes a reality. Can the government get its act together?”
Abedian further said that the violent attacks were going to have a negative impact on the economy of the country and would affect most people in townships and remote areas. “Negative behaviour has negative impact, the question is, how long will it continue.
“It is not good for African tourism and our tourism increase has been from Africa. It’s revolting to think of going to a country where your brothers are attacked. Most people in townships and remote areas will feel the pinch as they would have to travel further to get basics like bread due to closed spaza shops.”
Political analyst and spiritualist, Aubrey Mashiqi said an African who is anywhere in Africa is at home and South Africans needed to think beyond borders. However, he said proper channels should be followed by those visiting another country by producing relevant documents and reasons for visiting the particular country.
“Africa is our common home. We have common ancestors. If you attack an African, you run the risk of attacking one of your own.
“The country is also running the risk of calling for misfortune. We must not be surprised when we do the things we do to each other when we kill our women and children. We have imposed misfortune onto ourselves.”
While President Cyril Ramaphosa was criticised for speaking out only on the third day after violence broke out, Mashiqi claimed Ramaphosa was only concerned about profit and not the lives of the people. “He has prioritised profit over people. What he is mostly concerned about is investors and policies that will keep investors happy. People were driven by the conditions they live under due to social and economic circumstances.
“The government has failed to give people of South Africa a better life. The ANC cannot speak with a sense of authority. This is a result of poor leadership and a failure of wisdom.”
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/312400/south-africans-call-national-shutdown-string-violent-incidences-week/
