Convoys bringing supplies of oxygen, medicines, and other vital goods to affected areas in KwaZulu-Natal today (July 16) are being escorted by police.

This week’s violent riots and lootings have hit KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng the hardest. Hundreds of residents in the province spent hours in queues on Thursday when shops reopened, following several days of violent riots and looting.

Major industrial complexes, many of which house distribution centres for food retailers, were targeted, as were shopping malls and other businesses.

On Thursday evening, Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in a statement government is concerned about the economic impact of the destruction of infrastructure.

“Over the past few days, the main routes have been blocked by protesters with stones and other dangerous items. Of key concern is the effect on the supply chain value-chain and movement of goods from Durban and Richards Bay ports to various destinations.”

She said members of the South African National Defence Force had been deployed specifically to protect national key points.

“Police will provide escorts for the transportation of the supplies of oxygen, medicines, and other key goods that have to reach all parts of the country.

“We wish to address those who are still undertaking the road blockage to desist from doing so because it is the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised who will suffer as a result of their actions.”

Ntshavheni said the impact of the looters’ actions will be felt more by the poor and middle class as many people stand a chance of losing their livelihoods.

“Ministers of the economic and infrastructure cluster have been working with industry to ensure the restoration of supply value chains, movement of goods and restoration of port operations.”

She said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is working tirelessly to ensure the reopening of the N2 and N3 to ensure the movement of goods.

“We would like to thank the community members who have started the clean-up operations in places that were destroyed and vandalised.

“We are also encouraged by community members volunteering to put their hands on deck to ensure that the country is back to normal and economic activity resumes as soon as possible.”