Explain TWO ways in which the covid-19 pandemic has exposed the social injustices that mainly exist in the disadvantage communities in south Africa
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Answer:
COVID-19 has exposed fault lines in both rich and poor countries. From failing public healthcare systems to racial inequality, the pandemic has laid bare unjust and inequitable structures that are failing the most vulnerable and marginalised groups. Poverty levels are rising globally. Between 88 million and 115 million more people were pushed into poverty in 2020 because of the pandemic, according to the World Bank.
In South Africa, the pandemic exacerbated inequality levels. This was evident during the protests and looting of shops that took place in major South African cities, including Johannesburg and Durban, after the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. The riots left more than 200 people dead, and many political analysts claimed the riots were orchestrated by Zuma’s supporters who felt that he was being politically targeted. Even President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the riots were an “insurrection” aimed at destroying the country’s economy and infrastructure.
But the emerging consensus now about the true cause of the riots is South Africa’s deeply fractured society, which has not completely healed from the wounds of apartheid. Television footage showed looters stealing essential items like food and pampers, suggesting that much of the looting was spontaneous and opportunistic, rather than organised. The unrest revealed a county with a sizeable number of people dealing with poverty and hunger.