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IOL News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Reflecting on South Africa's July 2021 Unrest: Lessons Learned and Future Implications
Dr Jonathan Annipen is an IFP Councillor in the eThekwini Municipality and serves as a finance committee whip. Image: Supplied July 2025 marks four years since one of South Africa's darkest modern moments—the unprecedented unrest that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng in the wake of former President Jacob Zuma's incarceration. What began ostensibly as protests against the arrest of a former head of state quickly devolved into a full-scale attempted insurrection, revealing the deeper, festering wounds of a society teetering on the edge of collapse. While the political trigger was clear, it was merely a spark to a powder keg long in the making: mass unemployment, entrenched poverty, a failing state, and the devastating socio-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not just a protest—it was a desperate cry from a people disillusioned with their government and abandoned by the promise of democracy. The community of Phoenix, where I proudly serve, became the unfortunate epicentre of the storm. When looters and violent instigators advanced toward homes, businesses, and places of worship, residents stood up. Men and women, young and old, took up the mantle of self-defence—not out of hate, but out of fear. They did what the state failed to do: they protected lives, livelihoods, and the very fabric of their communities. But amid that defensive stance, a terrible tragedy unfolded. A few individuals—acting outside the bounds of law and without the mandate of any community—targeted people based not on behavior, but on skin colour. I nnocent lives were lost. Families were shattered. Children were orphaned. The names of Delani Hadebe, Mondli Majola, and others—black and Indian—echo as chilling reminders that hatred and racial profiling have no place in a democratic society. Let us be clear: these individuals who committed racialised violence do not represent Phoenix. They do not represent the Indian community, nor any other community. Their actions tarnished a town that was, for the most part, standing for what was right. And even now, four years later, Phoenix still carries a stigma that it does not deserve—a burden placed on the shoulders of people who had nothing to do with those isolated acts of hatred. The unrest deepened the racial divide, especially between black and Indian communities. Opportunists and unscrupulous individuals, some with political motives, exploited the violence to pit South Africans against one another. They used social media to inflame tensions and spread misinformation. It became easier to blame a race than to blame the real culprits—the masterminds, the failed state security apparatus, and the rotten political elite. But amid that darkness, there were lights of hope. Few leaders rose to the occasion in the way the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi did. As former Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch and President Emeritus of the IFP, he carried moral authority across racial, ethnic, and political lines. In the days and weeks following the unrest, he made tireless efforts to calm tensions, traveling to communities on both sides of the divide, encouraging dialogue, compassion, and unity. It was Prince Buthelezi who reminded us of our shared destiny, of the legacy of struggle that both Indians and black South Africans had jointly inherited from history. It was he who said, "We are not enemies—we are neighbors, friends, family." His efforts brokered peace when government officials were nowhere to be seen. Today, more than ever, we miss his leadership—his voice of reason, his moral compass, his quiet but unwavering courage. Perhaps the most damning indictment of that period was the sheer failure of the state to anticipate, contain, or prevent the unrest. South Africa's intelligence agencies failed to detect the planning. The Minister of Defence at the time flatly denied any signs of an insurrection, even as cities burned. The President's response was slow and unconvincing. Worse still, the very architects of the chaos—the so-called "commanders" of the uprising—have evaded justice. The silence of law enforcement and the inaction of the prosecuting authority make a mockery of justice. It is a betrayal to the people who died, to the families who mourn, and to the country that still suffers. Economically, thousands of small businesses never reopened. Jobs were lost, and informal traders were devastated. Socially, trauma still lives in the eyes of our elders, in the anxiety of our children, and in the conversations we whisper at dinner tables. Politically, the unrest laid bare the true fragility of our state and the recklessness of those in power. Today, in 2025, there are rumblings once again. A statement by KwaZulu-Natal's Police Commissioner has implicated Minister Senzo Mchunu and associates in conversations that could hint at fresh unrest. One can only hope this time, government will act swiftly and decisively. We cannot afford another July 2021. The cost would be too great. We owe a great debt to the many brave South Africans who defended our communities—not with hatred, but with heart. People of all races formed human chains to protect shopping malls, food depots, and homes. They guarded one another, treated the wounded, comforted the grieving, and fed the hungry. We remember those who died at the hands of criminals—not just as statistics, but as sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. People like Majola, whose bravery was evident in his final moments. People like Hadebe, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are not forgotten. They never will be. As we reflect on the past four years, let us commit to truth, justice, and healing. Let us reject the politics of division and the lies of opportunists. Let us defend our democracy—not only from those who seek to destroy it with fire and bullets—but from those who poison it with silence, denial, and impunity. South Africa is wounded, yes—but not broken. We have been betrayed, yes—but we are not without hope. If we are to rise from these ashes, we must do it together. In unity. In peace. And with courage. *The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
28-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Durban school receives vital support from business and community for water pipe repair
Phoenix Pioneer primary school Principal Neesha Chetty and Councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen. Image: Supplied A school in Phoenix which did not have a water supply for a week is grateful for the intervention of the community to repair the damaged pipeline. Neesha Chetty, the Phoenix Pioneer primary school Principal, said that they were informed by the eThekwini Municipality that the fault was on the school side and that the school would need to cover the R11,500 for the repair cost. Chetty said this disrupted learning and they were left in a state of helplessness. 'As a public school with limited financial resources, this amount was simply beyond our reach. For seven long days, we were without water, an essential resource for the well-being and safety of our learners and staff,' Chetty said. Councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen, who represents the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in eThekwini, said that this was his former school and that it serves hundreds of underprivileged learners in the Phoenix area. 'The crisis not only disrupted daily operations but also posed serious health and hygiene concerns for both learners and staff. Plumbers assessed the damage and quoted the school but as a public institution they could not afford it. With no funds readily available, the school was in a dire situation,' Annipen said. Moved by the plight of the school, Annipen said he understood first-hand the challenges that public schools face and acted swiftly to resolve the issue. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I could not sit back knowing that my alma mater was struggling to provide a basic necessity like water to its learners. This school is more than just bricks and mortar—it's a foundation for the future of our children, and I am committed to doing what I can to support it,' Annipen stated. Annipen stated that local businessman Marcel Choonilal undertook the repairs at the school. Chetty expressed heartfelt gratitude to both Choonilal and Annipen for their timely and generous intervention which saved the school a significant amount of money and ensured that the learning environment was restored. "Annipen's support has reminded us that leadership is not just about politics, but about service, compassion, and genuine care for community upliftment. He is a beacon of support for schools and communities in need," Chetty said. Michelle Lutchmen, eThekwini ward 48 councillor said municipal water tanker services filled up the Jojo Tanks at the school and that at least five plumbers had been dispatched to assist but the damage was not linked to the water meter and it became a private matter. "We had engaged with private plumbers to assist in the matter and according to the school, residents had assisted to sponsor a plumber. We had also engaged a private plumber to assist with opening the valve when water was restored," Lutchmen said.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality budget consultations: IFP demands policy reforms for residents
Dr Jonathan Annipen, an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor in eThekwini, has submitted a plethora of demands to the municipality revenue department's policy developers, calling for unprecedented policy reforms. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers While the eThekwini Municipality leaders crisscross the wards for the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultations, a local councillor is calling for policy reforms before the budget is passed. Dr Jonathan Annipen, an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor in eThekwini, has submitted a plethora of demands to the municipality revenue department's policy developers, calling for unprecedented policy reforms. These policies could be voted on with the budget at the next council meeting later this month. The deadline for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to submit their inputs into the Draft Budget and IDP, R64.2 billion operating budget, and R7.1 billion capital budget for the 2025/26 financial year is May 17, 2025. Annipen said residents will only be able to cope with the proposed tariff increases as spelt out in the 2025/26 budget if major changes are made to the city's budget-related policies. 'Central among them are the indigent support application and the credit control and debt recovery policies,' he said. Annipen said the city's social package in its current form simply exists to meet a legislative requirement and, by doing so, ticks the budgetary requirements set out by the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) and the National Treasury. 'These policies do not speak to the growing needs of the residents of eThekwini. Needless to say, substantial amendments need to be made to ensure these policies are adaptable to the people of the city in the context of some of the socio-economic challenges faced by our people,' he said. According to Annipen, residents are struggling to meet their financial commitments to the municipality, forcing them to live without basic services, such as water and electricity, or resort to illegal measures like tampering with the city's infrastructure to bypass their electricity and water metering systems. He stated that the proposals made by the IFP are practical and add significant value to the otherwise opaque, ambiguous, and outdated policies enforced by the municipality. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Annipen said this also strengthens the existing policy framework articulated in the existing standard operating procedures and terms of reference of eThekwini's budget-related policies, but primarily seeks to reduce some of the causes of unauthorised, irregular, wasteful, and fruitless expenditure while reducing debtors' book by unparalleled markers. He added that ultimately, the amendments they are suggesting will reduce the capital amounts written off by the city, dispose of historic debt, and secure a far higher revenue collection proportion than what is presently being illustrated by the city. 'Our recommendations have been formulated through personal interactions with residents and first-hand experiences lived out by the ordinary people of eThekwini. We call on residents, lobby groups, ratepayer bodies, and other civic society agencies to join us in this fight for policy change in order to provide relief to the marginalised masses within this metro.'
