Latest news with #JulyRiots
The South African
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
July riots 2.0? Duduzile threatens action over Mkhwanazi tell-all
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has pledged her allegiance to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi following his bombshell revelations about corruption within his department, particularly stemming from Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. The daughter of Jacob Zuma, who is also an MK Party MP, has also threatened to take action if the outspoken official was axed. In 2021, the 42-year-old was accused of inciting violence via her social media platforms during the infamous July Riots around the country. On her Instagram Story, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla vowed to take action against anyone who threatened Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. She defiantly posted: 'Let them touch you. We're ready for round two!'. In a post, she continued: 'We stand firmly with our commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkwananzi should be protected at all costs. South Africa is a rotten country. We shall fight this'. Like Duduzile, many other South Africans vowed to riot and loot if Mkhwanazi was removed from his position as KZN police commissioner. Here's what others had to say…. In 2021, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was accused of encouraging the July unrest, where properties and stores around the country were looted, vandalised, and torched. During the period, over 70 people are reported to have died in violent confrontations. The daughter of the former president retweeted several videos of the violence, which was a direct reaction to her father's incarceration on contempt-of-court charges shortly before. Duduzile is charged with contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence. She will appear in the Durban High Court again on 14 August. Meanwhile, several political parties have praised Nhlanla Mkhwanazi for his bravery in exposing a criminal syndicate within high-ranking positions of the police department. Many are calling for an inquiry into the bombshell comments, as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent action. Others, like the EFF and MK Party are demanding the arrest and suspension of Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and others affiliated with him. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
As B'desh marks one year of July protests, former PM Hasina's son says 'democracy under threat'
Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Tuesday, highlighted that 10 months after last year's violent July protests in the South Asian country, many people have begun to realise the gravity of their mistake "after being misled" into participating in the movement. Last year, starting July 1, Bangladesh witnessed a violent student movement demanding reforms of the quota system in government jobs, which led to the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Hasina. The unceremonious exit of Hasina last August following the violent student protests was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic set-up in the Muslim-majority nation of nearly 170 million people. Bangladesh is currently in a state of political limbo under the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus, until the promised general elections in 2026. Former Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Wazed, also asserted that the "independence of the nation, the safety of its people, and its democratic foundation are all under threat, in the hands of an authoritarian regime without any public mandate." "Recognising a mistake is not weakness -- it is the beginning of courage. Let us stand together for our country and its people. The July Riots of July–August 2024 mark one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh's recent history. Fueled by foreign funding and backed by extremist forces, that period of violence and unrest saw the involvement of many -- some knowingly, others misled and confused," Wazed said in a post on X. "Many members of the professional community -- people who had served the country for years -- fell into the trap of misinformation, rumours, and false promises and thus became part of that conspiracy. To those we see on social media, in the press, or in private expressing regret, disillusionment, and sorrow for having been misled -- we bear no resentment. We seek no vengeance," the post added. Emphasising that the Awami League does not believe in the politics of revenge, Wazed stated that, inspired by the ideals of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the party believes in "forgiveness, empathy, and always looking toward the future." The former Advisor called on the people to unite for the sake of "freedom, democracy, and the sovereignty of Bangladesh." "Let us forget divisions of party, opinion, profession, or past choices -- and act now to save Bangladesh from the grip of this authoritarian rule. Even if it is late, we thank you for your awakening. Now is the time to act for the country. Now is the time to stand with the people," Wazed stated. Meanwhile, last month, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) charged Hasina with crimes against humanity. It has set July 1 (Tuesday) as the date of the hearing of charges against the former Prime Minister and two others over crimes against humanity.
