In the opinion pages today, News24’s reporters reflect on the July 2021 riots that left over 300 people dead while Justice Malala says Cyril Ramaphosa can learn from Boris Johnson’s downfall in the UK.
FRIDAY BRIEFING | July looting: One year later and there are more questions than answers – News24
One year after the looting and rioting that rocked parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng we are no closer to getting answers as to who exactly orchestrated the violence while there have been no prosecutions either.
The unrest broke out following former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest after he was found in contempt of court for not appearing before the Zondo Commission.
News24 has gathered its reporters, who have put together a collection of articles around the gravity of the violence that unfolded in two of the country’s economic hubs, how it marked a turning point in our democracy, how a few KZN communities have prepared themselves should another insurrection happen, and whether the police have learnt from their massive mistakes. Read more here.
JUSTICE MALALA: London lesson for Cyril to step aside – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Political commentator Justice Malala argues that there is much for President Cyril Ramaphosa to learn from his British counterpart Boris Johnson, who resigned his premiership on Thursday.
Malala writes that Johnson’s downfall came about because of his denials in various scandals, the circling of the wagon from members of his own party and the public’s refusal to accept his version of events or his lack of providing any clarity for any of the mountain heap of scandals he has been embroiled in.
Malala argues that Ramaphosa would do well to heed what has happened with Johnson and realise that the same outcome awaits him if he does not deal with the allegations made against him by former spy boss Arthur Fraser regarding the alleged theft of millions of dollars from the Phala Phala farm. Read more here.
Here’s what else we’re reading today:
EDITORIAL: Johnson finally agrees to depart as British prime minister – Business Day (for subscribers)
MARTIN IVENS: Boris Johnson’s successor is guaranteed a bumpy ride – BusinessLIVE/Bloomberg
HILARY JOFFE: Turf wars sabotage Eskom – Business Day (for subscribers)
NPA is finally reaching solid ground to deliver justice – Daily Maverick
KZN a mess while provincial ANC leadership focused on internal power struggles – Daily Maverick
Cele using his credentials to avoid accountability is an embarrassment – The Citizen (for subscribers)
(Photo by Gallo Images/City Press/Tebogo Letsie)
