the historic Soweto Uprising, 45 years later, will look strikingly different, as locals in the Gauteng township have initiated sordid plans to launch attacks on foreign-owned business on Youth Day.
Watch: Soweto Youth Day riots latest updates
Early signs of the scheme were witnessed on Tuesday, when a number of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals were looted in parts of Soweto.
At this time, it’s not known how many businesses were attacked but from the video clips you will see below, at least two shops fell victim to the violent looting.
Another attack… https://t.co/40Es460u9V pic.twitter.com/xayHfWHgnv
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 15, 2021
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 15, 2021
Thus far, no civic organisation has come out to claim responsibility for the looting. Therefore, it remains unclear what Soweto locals are disgruntled about.
However, from what we understand, the attacks on foreign-owned businesses are likely to escalate on Youth Day. Swisher Post News contacted Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele for a statement on the police’s plan — if any exists — to protect foreign nationals living in the township.
However, a response was not furnished by the time this article was published.
Latest activity reported at 11:52
Thus far, no violence had been witnessed in the protests. A large group of disgruntled residents were seen marching in the streets, singing struggle songs with South African flags fluttering at their grasp.
As far as we understand, public order police have maintained a heavy presence in the township. However, no reports of unrest have been reported as yet.
We are here to defend the township economy#Dudula2021 #OperationDudula pic.twitter.com/45DBCCv3HX
— Thato (@ThatoMoodley) June 16, 2021
Latest activity reported at 08:48
Rioters participating in the ambush met at the Diepkloof community hall at 08:00. From the details noted in the poster you will see below, foreign nationals have been ordered to “pack and leave before 16 June.”
The day has arrived. Let’s meet in soweto!
— OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF: PUT SA CITIZENS FIRST (@AccountCitizens) June 16, 2021
We are taking back our County!#Dudula2021#YouthDay2021#PutSouthAfricaFirst pic.twitter.com/WPYI8apjby
EFF condemns Soweto xenophobic attacks
The EFF is the only political organisation that has spoken out against the violence that’s broken out in Soweto. In a statement, the opposition party condemned the targeted attack on foreign-owned shops, calling it a misguided move that “only seeks to embolden large-scale entities of capital.”
“To chase away foreign nationals is to fight over crumbs,” the EFF added.
The party warned that if any of its members are caught actively participating in the looting of foreign-owned shops, they would have “taken a position against the revolution and essentially resigned from the EFF.”
