President of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Jacob Zuma addresses an election rally in Nongoma, north of the coastal city of Durban, February 1, 2009. Photograph by: Rogan Ward, ReutersSouth Africa's Outraged Poor Threaten President -- Time Magazine
South African President Jacob Zuma has a problem: the very underclass that swept him into office last April on his promise to deliver them a better life have run out of patience, and they're venting their outrage on the streets. Little more than a year after the country's impoverished black townships erupted in a wave of violence directed at migrants from neighboring African countries, tires are once again burning on the streets as crowds protesting the lack of resources in their communities clash with police in images sometimes reminiscent of the apartheid era. Recent weeks have seen a wave of angry and at times violent protests and strikes break out across the country. First, construction workers building stadiums for next year's FIFA Soccer World Cup — the world's most popular sporting event — walked off the job demanding higher wages. This week, it was the turn of those with no jobs, as unemployed people living in squatter camps went on a rampage, stoning vehicles, destroying buildings and looting stores to vent their anger over lack of jobs, houses and basic services like sanitation and electricity.
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More News On South Africa
Zuma vows help for SA townships -- BBC
South Africa citizens riot over poor living conditions. -- Vancouver Sun
S.Africa Threatens Clampdown on Violent Protests -- New York Times
South Africa's Zuma Warns Police Will Crack Down on Protesters -- Voice of America
As Social Unrest Simmers in South Africa, Some Again Target Immigrants -- Voice of America
ANALYSIS-S.Africa riots press Zuma to live up to promises -- Reuters
Q+A-What lies behind South African protests? -- Reuters
The ANC: Fifteen wasted years -- Paul Trewhela, Politics Web opinion
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