Expats in South Africa, even those who live far from major cities, are quite terrified but also in doubt following the recent riots. The arrest of former President Jacob Zuma resulted in several days of violence and nearly two hundred deaths. South Africa is stuck between the pandemic and the social crisis.
"It's been a couple of years since I moved here with my family, but I've seen such violence and hatred for the first time," says Amelia, a young British expat in Johannesburg. Although the riots that started in Durban and Kwazulu-Natal had ended at the end of last week, terror seems to be omnipresent in South Africa. “What we saw on TV looked like an action movie, with fires, looting, deaths. But all this was really happening here, and it was scary”. When Amelia chose to relocate to South Africa, she was very well aware of country's history. “My family and friends almost had a shock when I told them that I was moving to South Africa, and they told me to think twice. At that time, I was pretty convinced I was making the right choice, but not anymore, ”she says.
Today, Amelia doesn't want her children to grow up in fear following the recent riots, not to mention the spreading of COVID-19 variants throughout the country. “My husband and I have been discussing this lately. I don't feel we'll be moving anytime soon, especially with the kids, with all the travel restrictions. But I think we will return to England at some point and then see what's next". Amelia isn't the only expat who's feeling insecure at the moment.
For Elodie, a French expat who relocated from South Africa to Australia a few years ago, peace and political and social stability are crucial for expat families with children like hers. “Since the end of apartheid, the situation has improved a lot in South Africa. We stayed in Durban for many years, and we've never had any issues there. Some places are safer than others, for sure, but it's like everywhere else. However, I rarely ventured outside the expat bubble as most of my friends were expats too". Elodie believes that leaving South Africa was the right choice since she wouldn't want her children to grow up with fear".
Since last week, terrifying photos and videos are being shared through the media. There's not only violence but also a shocking scene, like that of a mom who was compelled to throw her child to strangers in the street from a building that was on fire. “Things have calmed down since Thursday, but I was pretty worried about my friends who are still there. I called them over the weekend to ensure that they were fine. But I believe that this is not yet over”.
There are many reasons for these riots, according to international media reports. The arrest of former President Jacob Zuma last week was crucial. Following a court ruling on June 28, Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail. When he was arrested, however, he gave threats of violence, and soon things got beyond control. The riots resulted in at least 200 deaths and many more injured. Besides, 1,234 people were arrested over the weekend. But it's clear for expats that Zuma's arrest wasn't the only reason behind the riots.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in an unprecedented social crisis. “Currently, the South African economy is at its worst. Rising unemployment is another serious issue. I think people were just fed up and the arrest of Jacob Zuma was just an excuse. He has never been a favourite for anyone, ”says Jacob, a South African who now lives in the UK. It's worth noting that violence began on July 9 in Kwazulu-Natal, where Jacob Zuma was born, before spreading elsewhere.
The trial of former President Jacob Zuma resumed Monday. He is accused of state corruption and money laundering during his mandates from 2009 to 2018. Although things have calmed down since the end of last week, expats and South Africans are living in fear. In recent days, many of them were calling for peace and harmony via social media.
