EPP2601
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 March 2026
QUESTION 1
INFORMATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL REPORT ON THE JULY 2021 UNREST IN SOUTH
AFRICA
1. Introduction
In July 2021 South Africa experienced one of the most severe periods of civil unrest since
the end of apartheid. The unrest took place between 9 and 17 July 2021 and mainly affected
KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng province. The events were characterised by
widespread protests, looting of businesses, destruction of infrastructure and disruption of
important economic activities. The unrest created major social and economic challenges for
the country and affected thousands of businesses and communities.
The protests were initially triggered by political tensions following the imprisonment of former
president Jacob Zuma. However, the unrest quickly developed into
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Case study: The 2021 July unrest saga
During the period 9 to 17 July 2021, South Africa experienced violent protests and
socio-political unrest which were characterised by widespread violent protests,
rioting and looting of shops and businesses, and destruction of public facilities and
private property in parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This unrest spread to parts of
Gauteng province during the same period. The protests resulted in extensive
damage to the economy and businesses, while threatening the lives and livelihoods
of people who were already struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The protests resulted in the loss of property, business stock, employment,
livelihoods, and essential services such as medical and pharmaceutical supplies in
hospitals and clinics. Farming, financial services facilities, telecommunications
infrastructure, food distribution centres and seaports were also affected. The unrest
also disrupted critical government programmes, including the Covid-19 vaccination
programme.
The looting, arson and destruction of business premises caused significant financial
and infrastructural losses. The South African Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA)
reported that approximately 3 000 stores were looted, and 1 199 retail stores were
damaged during the protests. These included large retail outlets and businesses. A
total of 161 malls were damaged countrywide, while 161 liquor outlets and
distributors, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged.
Banking services were also affected, as many banks in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
were forced to close their branches. In total, an estimated 40 000 businesses and 50
000 informal traders were affected by the unrest. Approximately 150 000 jobs were
put at risk, mainly due to business closures and delays in restocking and reopening.
On a national scale, SAPOA estimated that the total damage amounted to
approximately R50 billion. The KZN province alone suffered losses of about R20
billion, while businesses in Durban lost stock valued at about R1.5 billion.
Large supermarket chains and wholesalers were particularly targeted during the
unrest. For example, the Shoprite Group reported that out of its 1 189 supermarkets,
a total of 200 stores were looted, vandalised or burnt in KZN and Gauteng. These
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 March 2026
QUESTION 1
INFORMATIONAL AND ANALYTICAL REPORT ON THE JULY 2021 UNREST IN SOUTH
AFRICA
1. Introduction
In July 2021 South Africa experienced one of the most severe periods of civil unrest since
the end of apartheid. The unrest took place between 9 and 17 July 2021 and mainly affected
KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng province. The events were characterised by
widespread protests, looting of businesses, destruction of infrastructure and disruption of
important economic activities. The unrest created major social and economic challenges for
the country and affected thousands of businesses and communities.
The protests were initially triggered by political tensions following the imprisonment of former
president Jacob Zuma. However, the unrest quickly developed into
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Case study: The 2021 July unrest saga
During the period 9 to 17 July 2021, South Africa experienced violent protests and
socio-political unrest which were characterised by widespread violent protests,
rioting and looting of shops and businesses, and destruction of public facilities and
private property in parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This unrest spread to parts of
Gauteng province during the same period. The protests resulted in extensive
damage to the economy and businesses, while threatening the lives and livelihoods
of people who were already struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The protests resulted in the loss of property, business stock, employment,
livelihoods, and essential services such as medical and pharmaceutical supplies in
hospitals and clinics. Farming, financial services facilities, telecommunications
infrastructure, food distribution centres and seaports were also affected. The unrest
also disrupted critical government programmes, including the Covid-19 vaccination
programme.
The looting, arson and destruction of business premises caused significant financial
and infrastructural losses. The South African Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA)
reported that approximately 3 000 stores were looted, and 1 199 retail stores were
damaged during the protests. These included large retail outlets and businesses. A
total of 161 malls were damaged countrywide, while 161 liquor outlets and
distributors, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged.
Banking services were also affected, as many banks in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
were forced to close their branches. In total, an estimated 40 000 businesses and 50
000 informal traders were affected by the unrest. Approximately 150 000 jobs were
put at risk, mainly due to business closures and delays in restocking and reopening.
On a national scale, SAPOA estimated that the total damage amounted to
approximately R50 billion. The KZN province alone suffered losses of about R20
billion, while businesses in Durban lost stock valued at about R1.5 billion.
Large supermarket chains and wholesalers were particularly targeted during the
unrest. For example, the Shoprite Group reported that out of its 1 189 supermarkets,
a total of 200 stores were looted, vandalised or burnt in KZN and Gauteng. These
