After a week of public violence that shocked the world, South Africa is beginning to reflect on the cause. 

Mass looting and destruction of property followed the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma for contempt of court after he refused to testify at an inquiry into corruption alleged to have happened when he led South Africa between 2009 and 2018. 

The violence left more than 337 people dead and hundreds injured, with damage to the economy estimated at billions of dollars. The unrest was only quelled by the deployment of 25,000 soldiers, who are still patrolling parts of the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

The African National Congress, or ANC, government has been widely criticized for its handling of the crisis. Speaking to the nation this past weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the riots were “orchestrated” to cause social instability and “severely weaken, even dislodge,” his administration. 

The South African Bishops, in a statement, "condemn in strong terms the glaring criminal elements that are taking advantage of this situation". "We - the prelates write - call upon individuals who are involved in vandalism and thuggery to give a thought to the livelihood of many people that they are jeopardising by destroying their places of employment. We must also remember that we are in the height of Covid-19 pandemic that thrives in the conditions of disorder that we see, and that the longer these conditions prevail, the more we put ourselves and others in danger of infection that will be difficult to deal with".  

Invoking the path of dialogue, the Bishops denounce the fact that "our society has normalized the use of violence and vandalism to get the government to listen and be serious in addressing economic concerns of the poor". "We need a shift in mind-set, a collective conversion of heart and mind, which affirms that violent protests and destruction of property can never be a just response to the current economic hardships and economic injustice. We reiterate Pope Francis’ call in Fratelli Tutti, reminding all that: in face of political and economic problems there is always a possibility of choosing constructive engagement over violence". 

This month's riots across South Africa have also underscored concerns about inequality and stability after nearly three decades of democracy. In Soweto, owners of pillaged shops accuse the government of failing them 

Violence left more than 337 people dead and hundreds injured, with damage to economy estimated at billions of dollars.  Experts say the riots were an eruption of frustrations that have long been simmering among South Africans.  Extreme inequality has persisted since the ruling party -- the African National Congress -- was first elected in 1994.  Nelson Mandela University's Hlingwe Ndlovu says although it brought freedom to the nation, the ANC has since failed to deliver for the poorest. 

"We're seeing now post 1994, we have a different governance with a different face, but the conditions pretty much are more or less the same... People are angry, people are hungry and they want to take out this frustration," Ndvolu said. 

South African Parliament on Friday said a joint meeting by its several committees resolved to refer a request to establish an inquiry into the recent violence in the country that killed at least 337 people. 

The request will be sent to Parliament’s Presiding Officers for further consideration and decision, the parliament said in a statement issued here, adding that the meeting was of the view that the establishment of this inquiry is important in light of the violence, impact of the looting on the economy and loss of life caused by the unrest. 

Sources / More:: Voice of America, Agenzia Fides 

Pray with us that peace will prevail, so that its citizens can begin the hard work of rebuilding all that has been lost. 

Pray with us for a spirit of reconciliation that the nation can stand against violence and despair (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) 

Click Here to access the prayer pointers for Africa that were shared at the 1^st Friday GO PRAY on Friday 6^th August.

Our friends at Global Voice of Prayer are partnered with many South African ministries in a ‘Heal our Land’ – ‘Hope for Revival’ initiative during August.  Please lets be in prayer with them for a healing of the land and a revival across South Africa.