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.
