UPSC Articles
Violence in South Africa
Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II – International relations
In news Recently, Riots and looting in South Africa have left more than 70 people dead, hurt thousands of businesses and damaged major infrastructure.
- It is the worst civil unrest since the end of white minority rule in 1994.
Reason for Recent Violence
- Protests began over calls for release of former president Jacob Zuma, who served the country from 2009-18 and is facing corruption charges.
- While the violence may have been spurred on by the imprisonment of Jacob Zuma, it’s being fanned by underlying problems of unemployment and poverty amid a raging pandemic and failing economy.
India- South Africa Relations
- India and South Africa have a long history of working together in institutions of global governance/multilateral fora such as BRICS, G20 , Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- India is South Africa’s fifth-largest export destination, fourth-largest import origin and second-largest trading partner in Asia.
- The Department of Science and Technology of both countries have collaborated, especially in the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project.
- With the help of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an intensive programme of cultural exchanges is organised throughout South Africa including scholarships for South African nationals.
- South Africa is home to the highest number of Indian Diaspora in the African continent, constituting 3% of South Africa’s total population.
News Source: IE
