If you want to see a woman forced to throw her baby out of a building that is about to go up in smoke, then here’s a clip from the BBC, posted three hours ago.
There is nothing I can add to what has already been said and written by seasoned local and international political commentators, but if anyone thinks that the consequences of the looting and violence and destruction (which are currently limited to two of our nine provinces) won’t affect the rest of South Africa, then they are shortsighted.
So much for “democracy” and the rule of law. So much tragedy and suffering still to come.
Nice piece of work
Nice piece of work 
So so sad and horrified about what is happening in my beloved country.
I know. Heartbreaking.
I want to use the “like” but I can’t – this is soul destroying – and yes the economic and democratic situation has already taken a battering from covid – this will not help one iota. Gentle hugs from me to you and your family/friends…
Battering is the word.
Just gone to the BBC to read the details. So sad to hear of what is happening. Life in you part of the world seem so tough at present. Much sympathy and I do so hope you are wrong about it spreading.
I think the spread will be controlled, but it is yet another severe blow to add to the heap of what we’re battling with at the moment. What is almost worse (and I read a spectrum of the British and US news reports as well as local) is that the media is distorting many of the reasons why this is happening in the first place – or else they ignore them altogether, as if things are happening in a vacuum. The British press in particular seems to be good at this, and it’s even more shocking when one is reading something published by a newspaper that claims to tell things as they really are.
Very sad to see this happening, I left SA 20 years ago for economic reasons, and still miss it every single day.
I’ve lived here for 50 years so I consider myself South African. There is too much I would miss if I went back to the UK now and of course it isn’t always bad news from here, there are a lot of good things happening as well. There are still a lot of good people genuinely trying to do good work. But I understand why you left, and realise that it must have been a very hard decision to make.
Oh yes, SA is full of wonderful people, unfortunately, poverty turns many into crime. I belong to an expat SA group on FB, and I´m actually amazed at the amount of South Africans who are moving to Portugal and they don´t even speak the language but are simply tired of the crime. Anyway, this will pass soon and South Africans will be out cleaning and rebuilding :)
I hope you are right, Alice, but I think it’s finally too late. We have become what is known as a “failed state”, and it’s only the private business sector and community groups holding things together.
I am so sorry to read of yet more things to worry you about your country. I know that there will be many positive things happening too – they are often quiet slow things so not seen as newsworthy. All I can do is send hugs to you and hope that the good things keep your spirits up.
It didn’t have to be this way. I know there are tragedies and travesties around the world, but everyone was once filled with so much hope. Not much left.
Just saddened to read this. Hugs and hope for better times.
I am so sorry to see that happening in your country too. I had to quit watching the news here because it was exacerbating the problem. It’s like everyone has gone mad at the same time. There seems to be no safe place to go anymore. We rarely go anywhere because we don’t know where the next outbreak of insanity will take place. My heart goes out to you.
This is just so sad, Jill. Love and Hugs sent your way. XOXO Tamara
So sad, I hope you’re safe. Hope things improve very very soon
This makes my heart hurt.
“Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.” This, only substitute greed, or anger, or disenfranchisement, or any of the evils you see around you.
God defend South Africa. Because her politicians won’t.
I have been trying not to think of Alan Paton for many days and months and years now… as have so many other South Africans. I haven’t started looking at today’s news yet, I thought two cups of coffee would be necessary first (and it’s only just turned 5.00am)!!!
Sometimes, we need a little time and breathing space to work up the courage to just keep on engaging with the hard stuff. Sip that coffee, and don’t be in a rush to turn on the news.