The past decade has shown a strong connection between political protests and the looting of foreign-owned shops in South Africa. Research shows that local leaders use protests to maintain their power.
Some of the factors behind the riots by ANC supporters in Tshwane are not new. They include gripes within the governing party about its process for choosing mayors and divisions over Jacob Zuma.
The increase in rioting ahead of municipal elections in South Africa, such as that in Pretoria, suggests that the country’s general election in 2019 could be more violent than previous elections.
A closer look at the recent local elections can help to shine a light on the future of the “Northern Powerhouse” and its impact on local democracy in the North of England.
Local elections are taking place across 124 councils in England and will probably have a big impact on the day-to-day issues that most people care about.