KZN riots: ‘64% of rural towns already experiencing severe food shortages’

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Sihle Zikalala says research done by the KZN Agricultural Union (KWANALU) indicates that 64% of rural towns are already experiencing severe food shortages as a result of the recent riots and unrest.

Zikalala held a briefing to update the people of the province and South Africa on the obtaining situation on the ground and the programme to rebuild KZN province again

IMPACT OF RIOTS IN KZN

During the briefing Zikalala said in the latest assessments eThekwini Metro and Umsunduzi municipalities remain the hardest hit. They estimate that the unrest will affect eThekwini in the following manner:

• Loss of stock of more than R1.5 billion;

• Damage to property and equipment of more than R15 billion;

• Over 50 000 Informal Traders affected;

• Over 40 000 businesses affected;

• More than 150 000 jobs are now at risk.

• Preliminary estimates suggest that the impact on the eThekwini GDP will be about R20 billion.

“Towns such as far apart as KZN’s capital city Pietermaritzburg, Nongoma, eShowe, Boston and Umzimkhulu were also hard hit by the wave of looting and the destruction of property. We are very mindful of the impact of the unrest on our rural towns. Other small towns affected by the unrest include Richmond, Greytown, Umzinto and many others,” Zikalala said.

A survey by the KZN Agricultural Union (KWANALU) estimates that the unrest demolished 55% of economic activities in rural towns.

The survey shows that:

• 64% of rural towns are already experiencing severe food shortages;

• 32% moderate food shortages; and,

• only 4% report a relatively secure food supply.

UPDATE ON PHOENIX

Zikalala said as the provincial government they are satisfied with the progress of the investigations.

“However, we want to see the arrests of all those suspects linked to these senseless murders of civilians many who were travelling on the main roads. We have started a process towards engaging communities and have developed an intense Social Cohesion Programme that will promote unity among Africans and Indians to ensure peace and harmony,” he said.

• In total at least 251 people are reported to have died and the police will continue to investigate circumstances surrounding their deaths;

• The SAPS are investigating 163 cases for murder and 87 inquests dockets have been opened and 20 arrests related to the cases of murder related to the unrest;

• The highest recorded number of deaths during the unrest were in eThekwini Metro, which recorded 110 murders, and this was followed by Umgungundlovu District (Pietermaritzburg), where 20 murders were reported.

“The majority who died during the unrest had gunshot wounds and stab wounds while others were badly assaulted. Some people died from smoke inhalation and severe burn wounds because some warehouses that were looted were subsequently set alight while people were inside. Others died during stampedes as they fought each other over stolen goods,” Zikalala said.

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