South Africa, a nation with a turbulent history, is once again facing brutal riots and widespread looting. The disorder resulted in the death of over 70 people, damaging thousands of businesses and leading to significant infrastructure loss. This unrest represents the worst civil mayhem the country has experienced since the termination of white minority administration in 1994.
The Roots of Recent Violence
The catalyst for the recent violence was the call for the release of the former president Jacob Zuma, who was in power from 2009-18. Zuma is currently entangled in an extensive web of corruption allegations. High-ranking officials, including ex-cabinet ministers and leaders of state-owned enterprises, have implicated him in various corrupt activities.
Successor President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership has been questioned, with critics arguing he failed to calm the public’s anger following Zuma’s incarceration or assure South Africans of their safety. The disturbances initiated by Zuma’s imprisonment are being further agitated by South Africa’s ongoing struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and a declining economy. In 2020, the country experienced its most significant annual Gross Domestic Product decline since 1946, and unemployment hit a record high of 32.6% during the initial months of 2021.
Government’s Measures to Quell the Unrest
The government condemned the chaos, declaring no justification for such violent acts. It argued that many criminals or opportunistic individuals were exploiting the situation for personal gain. To control the disorder, the government deployed the army to back the local police force. However, this intervention has not yet halted the looting or rioting.
India-South Africa Relations: A Historical Perspective
India’s relationship with South Africa dates back to the days of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. India was among the first nations to sever trade relations with the apartheid government in 1946. It also imposed a comprehensive diplomatic, commercial, cultural and sports embargo. After forty years, diplomatic and business ties were re-established in 1993, and diplomatic and consular relations were restored in November of the same year.
Political Relations
The rekindled political relationship between South Africa and India has seen significant milestones such as the Red Fort Declaration on Strategic Partnership in March 1997 and Tshwane Declaration in October 2006. India and South Africa coordinate their efforts in various global institutions to assert more autonomy and prioritize the ‘South’ agenda.
Economic Relations
As South Africa’s fifth-largest export destination and fourth-largest import origin, India plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy. Both countries have set their sights on boosting trade volumes in the future. The present bilateral trade volume stands at USD 10 billion.
Collaboration in Defence, Energy and Other Sectors
In 2016, both countries agreed to enhance collaboration in defence, energy, agro-processing, human resource development, and infrastructure development. With the ‘Make in India’ initiative, opportunities have opened up for South African private sector involvement.
Science & Technology and Cultural Connections
In science and technology, both countries have collaborated on projects like the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). Cultural exchanges are managed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), including providing scholarships for South African nationals. After all, South Africa is home to the highest number of Indian diaspora in Africa.
Way Forward for India-South-Africa Partnership
The partnership between India and South Africa is progressive and forward-looking. As South Africa seeks more partnerships in Asia, India is also keen on creating more ties in Africa. Yet, the bilateral relationship between India and South Africa remains a priority with untapped potential.
