Looters can be seen running from police in Alexandria township during the day's protests and unrest across Gauteng on 12 July 2021. Picture: Jacques Nelles
What started out as protests reportedly against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma has evolved into a state of unrest.
As violence and criminal activity flares up in more and more areas across South Africa, we take a look at all the services that have been affected by the unrest.
On Monday, Dis-Chem sent out a push notification on its app asking customers to bear with them as some deliveries may be delayed due to disruptions in traffic as a result of the unrest.
The retail chain also sent an alert it would would be closing some stores – which also double as vaccination and Covid testing sites – due to the looting.
At the time of writing, Mr Delivery (Mr D Food) and Uber Eats had not yet issued any notices regarding disruption in service as a result of the unrest.
After witnessing looting at malls such as Maponya Mall, Alex Mall and Jabulani Mall, Sandton City mall decided to close early as a precautionary measure.
Westgate mall, Cresta, Hyde Park Corner, Mall of Africa and Eastgate shopping mall all indicated on their social media pages on Monday that stores would close at 5pm as a safety precaution.
Reports indicate the Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg and Southgate mall are still no-go areas.
As of Tuesday, all Makro stores will be closed from 1pm until further notice due to protest action. According to a statement issued by the retail giant, this is “for the safety of our customers and teams.”
Makro also issued an alert that online orders may also be delayed due to couriers not being able to access major roads.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to keep you updated regarding further developments. We offer our compassion and concern to all South Africans affected by the unrest.”
Rea Vaya, Metro Rail and Gautrain have all suspended services due to the unrest.
Gautrain has specifically closed its Park Station station and ceased bus services in and around the area.
According to a statement by the Gauteng provincial government, a number of unnamed vaccination sites have had to close.
Much like unnamed vaccination sites around Gauteng, Emergency Services have been unable to make their way into certain areas due to the chaos to provide residents much needed medical attention and transport.
Grant recipients await revised payment dates after the payment of Sassa grants was suspended on Monday.
Certain post office branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Northwest were also cvlosed to ensure safety and remain closed as the unrest continues.
The post office advised calling before visiting a branch to make sure it is open
“We expect to return to normality later in the week,” added the post office.
Additionally, the cash in transit industry advised Sassa that it would not be providing any cash delivery services to Sassa cash pay points until further notice to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries.
City Power withdrew its field workers on Monday and has yet to redeploy them, given the continued volatility. There has therefore been a delay in the restoration of service in certain areas.
Banks have also had to closed some branches in certain areas in addition to losing infrastructure, which means residents in different areas will not be able to do their banking in person.
FNB and Capitec are among the banks that have temporarily shut down operations in certain areas.
Updates to follow throughout the day as more information is made available.
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