According to South Africa’s consumer goods council, protests across the country may cripple the economy if urgent steps are not taken by the government as businesses, especially manufacturers, shopping centres and service providers amongst others, have had to shutdown to prevent any form of damage.
Although, peaceful protests are a constitutional right in South Africa, the violence and destruction of property, which has accompanied recent protests, is a cause for worry.
South Africa has a unique diverse market that sees foreign businesses exploring investment opportunities. The service sector alone contributes about 48 percent to GDP.
On Thursday, service delivery protests flared up in various parts of South Africa, Alexandria, Gauteng, as well as Cape town as elections draw closer.