Zikalala: KZN's economy on road to recovery

"The following key trends are indicative of an economy that is rising from the ashes: Our GDP grew by 1.9% in the first quarter of 2022, although output is still lower than the pre-Covid levels," says Premier Sihle Zikalala.

"Our unemployment rate marginally declined in the 1st Quarter of 2022 from 35% to 34.5%. Major investments have come through to our shores, indicating the confidence that investors still have in our economy."

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Zikalala says the retail sector was among the hardest hit.

"The retail industry disproportionately bore the majority of the impact, with over 200 shopping malls targeted and 1 787 retail stores looted and damaged."

Meanwhile, a security cluster briefing on Friday revealed that 8 000 crimes were committed during the unrest.

"At least 5 000 people were arrested. Cases under investigation include: incitement to commit public violence, murder, attempted murder, arson, malicious damage to property, possession of suspected stolen property, damage to infrastructure, and culpable homicide," says Defence Minister Thandi Modise.

"More than 3 300 cases have thus far been finalised through non-prosecution, with some being withdrawn in or before court."

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Modise says some of the cases were opened in Phoenix, north of Durban.

It's where 35 people were killed in incidents that were allegedly racially motivated.

"In the township of Phoenix outside Durban, 164 cases were investigated, 120 are still under investigation with a total arrest of 69 suspects who were arrested for various crimes. Thirty-six of these suspects were arrested for their alleged respective roles in the murder of 35 people, while 31 people have been arrested for attempted murder," says Modise.