New wave of protests and violence in South Africa

A new wave of protests and violence is sweeping some South African provinces.

This comes a year after the country experienced horrific xenophobic violence which saw South African black people lynching, raping, burning, and killing over 60 legal and illegal immigrants from other African countries.

This time again, people are protesting against the lack of public services delivery in poor townships and informal settlements.

Hundreds have been arrested as protesters stoned vehicles, set fire to buildings, and looted shops.

In some areas, the protesters are again attacking the foreigners, blaming them for stealing jobs and houses for the poor.

The new South African president, Jacob Zuma, was elected only two months ago. During his election campaign, he promised to "crush poverty that millions of South Africans still endure 15 years after the end of apartheid."

Many protesters say they cannot wait any longer for service delivery, lacking jobs, houses, and basic services such as water and electricity.

More than one million South Africans still live in shacks and informal settlements, many without access to basic services.

Click here and here to see the living conditions in South African informal settlements.