SA businesses call for law and order amid violent incidents of looting

South Africa has been thrown into chaos as violent protests and looting have engulfed the trade hubs of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The unrest follows the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma for defying a constitutional court order. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called in the army to restore law and order in the affected areas. Gladwin Malishe, Deputy President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, spoke to CNBC Africa about the devastating impact of the violence on local businesses. Malishe painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground, describing how shopping centers have been looted, factories are at a standstill, and public transport has ground to a halt. The widespread chaos has left people confined to their homes, with looting running rampant not only in Durban but throughout KZN. Every small town is facing similar scenes of destruction and mayhem. Malishe highlighted the burning of trucks, which has severely disrupted logistics, resulting in a potential food security crisis if supply chains are not restored in the next 72 hours. In Johannesburg, the violence appears to be concentrated in specific parts of the city, such as Soweto and Jeppestown. Malishe noted that while affluent urban areas in KZN have tighter security measures in place, the townships, inner city, and CBD have been hit hard. Empty shops and frantic residents searching for goods are reminiscent of the scenes playing out in Johannesburg. When questioned about the police response to the violence, Malishe expressed concern that law enforcement was overstretched, leading to delays in addressing the unrest. The Chamber of Commerce has called for military intervention to bolster security and protect businesses from further harm. Malishe emphasized that the ongoing violence not only threatens lives and livelihoods but also jeopardizes investment in the region. The uncertainty created by the unrest may drive investors away, undermining efforts to position KZN as a key trade hub in the future. Despite the challenges faced by businesses, Malishe remains resolute in his commitment to supporting all members, ranging from formal businesses to the vast informal sector. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a critical role in economic development and stands ready to assist businesses in navigating these turbulent times.