In July 2021, South Africa ruptured into acts of sabotage, insurrection, riots and looting in what would come to be known as “the July Unrest.”

We were confronted with the most emphatic indicator of social discontent in the post-democratic dispensation. Within a period of a little over a week starting on the 8th of July, about 350 persons lost their lives due to the riots. Many went missing with some still yet to be found, and thousands were injured. R50 billion was estimated to have been lost to the economy as a result of the Unrest.

The July's People documentary podcast is a compelling narrative on the history and lived realities of modern-day South Africa. Through accounts of experiences of the Unrest, analysis of what it symbolised and exploration of broader socioeconomic histories, it is a public resource for generative reflection and social action.

In it, you will hear from Professor Kopano Ratele, Land Activist Stha Yeni, Journalist Nomfundo Xolo, former Secretary-General of Abahlali Basemjondolo Thapelo Mohapi, Kwanele Twala, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, former President Frederik Willem de Klerk, political economist Moeletsi Mbeki, Commissioner Philile Ntuli of the South African Human Rights Commission, and poet Julie Nxadi.

The July’s People documentary podcast is brought to you by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission.

Production by Dan Corder

Original Underscore by Neo Muyanga

Original cover artwork by Thato Toeba

Direction and Editing by Kneo Mokgopa

Supported by the Ford Foundation.

In this prologue, we explore the first moments of the Unrest and listen to how different people responded. We also begin to tease out significant themes surrounding the relationship between people and the state and how the Unrest occurred within predefined ways that the state interacts with the people of South Africa.

We speak to Kwanele Thwala, an Uber fleet operator from Umlazi, Durban, as well as the Secretary-General of Abahlali BaseMjondolo, Thapelo Mohapi, about their experiences.