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The #FreeZuma riots have spat on the rule of law, but without knowing, have pushed Newcastillians together across the province, standing side by side against the nonsensical terrorism.
However, days into the anarchy, various stores and petrol stations could be running into challenges concerning stock levels. On Tuesday, 13 July 2021, SAPREF issued a notice of Force Majeure, stating that due to the civil unrest in the country and disruption of supply routes in and out of Kwazulu-Natal, suppliers of materials critical to SAPREF operations communicated the suspension of deliveries to the refinery.
Being a joint venture between Shell Refining SA and BP Southern Africa—SAPREF is the largest crude oil refinery in the country, boasting 35% of South Africa’s refining capacity.
Moreover, the suspension of deliveries is due to safety concerns for their staff and damages to their vehicles on the roads. “Without the said critical materials and with no clarity as to how long the unrest will last and normal supply resume, SAPREF is unable to sustain refinery operations.”
With this said, SAPREF states it has been obliged to make the difficult decision to shut down the refinery. “As a result of the aforegoing, SAPREF hereby declares the occurrence of an event of force majeure, excusing SAPREF from performing under the agreement.”
With this creating a sense of uncertainty regarding the possibility of food shortages, another major cause for concern looms in the wings.
AgriSA is currently appealing to the presidency to declare a national state of emergency to bring an end to the wave of criminality that has taken root in South Africa.
Executive Director of AgriSA, Christo Rheede, explains, “The looting of shops, stoning of cars, blocking of roads, burning of trucks and crops as well as theft of livestock are posing a serious threat to food security in the country.” In addition, he stresses that South Africa runs the risk of people not being able to buy or access food. “This will lead to hunger and starvation on a national scale, which in turn will fuel even more social unrest and mayhem.”
Adding to this, AgriSA has also received reports that sugarcane fields and other crops have been set alight in KwaZulu-Natal.
Moreover, Pick n Pay and Woolworths have also noted disruptions in some of their stores, leaving them no alternative but to temporarily close several stores in the affected areas for the safety of their customers and staff. In addition to this, Pick n Pay also suffered disruptions to deliveries in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. However, the group is working on the issue of restocking their stores, as soon as the situation calms and the safety of people can be assured.
With the above in mind, it is time to turn to each other. Support your local stores, show courage in your communities and keep safe.
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