Rebuilding from the unrest
Finweek English|22 October 2021
South Africa is exposed to an enormous economic security risk by concentrating most of its trade in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape offers an opportunity to deconcentrate trade.
Andile Ntingi
Rebuilding from the unrest

The N3 highway is arguably the most policed road in South Africa. I realised this when I recently travelled the 570km connecting Johannesburg, our country’s financial nerve centre, to Durban, the busiest port in Africa and one of the major trade gateways on the continent.

All along the highway, I saw many police cars stationed at intervals while known hotspots like the Mooi River toll plaza in KwaZulu-Natal were guarded by soldiers in armoured vehicles.

I also noticed that the N3 is littered with speed and surveillance cameras. I could not shake the feeling that I was being watched and tracked from Johannesburg to Durban.

Then, while I was pondering over the high level of security on the N3, I saw something peculiar – freight truck armadas of 10 to 15 trucks, some of which were escorted by men looking like mercenaries, who appeared ready to spring into action should the cargo they were protecting come under attack. I wondered if these men had been to conflict zones like Iraq or Afghanistan.

I also drove past the burnt ruins of the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg, a stark reminder of July’s civil unrest that resulted in shopping malls and businesses looted by rioters in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Evidence of the riots was also visible in the Durban CBD, where I saw closed shops with broken windows and a burnt-out warehouse.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FINWEEK ENGLISHView all
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
Finweek English

THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES

As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.

time-read
7 mins  |
5 November 2021
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
Finweek English

The effect of Gilbertson's departure

With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Making money from music
Finweek English

Making money from music

Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Conviction is key
Finweek English

Conviction is key

Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.

time-read
5 mins  |
5 November 2021
The post-pandemic toolkit
Finweek English

The post-pandemic toolkit

How CFOs can use technology to support growth.

time-read
4 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big city living exodus
Finweek English

Big city living exodus

Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big compact, big value
Finweek English

Big compact, big value

Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
On barriers to entry
Finweek English

On barriers to entry

There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.

time-read
2 mins  |
5 November 2021
Fear and greed in one index
Finweek English

Fear and greed in one index

To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Finweek English

Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon

Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021