Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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834. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to political unrest in Durban, KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa; his views on this violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39832/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest that has taken place in South Africa, which has led to the deaths of at least 330 individuals and caused significant disruption to essential services and to the South African economy.

The extent of the damage caused is still emerging, but estimates indicate that the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces has left 150,000 jobs at risk and could cost the country R50 billion rand (almost €3 billion euro) in lost output. Key infrastructure, including schools and health centres, has been damaged and the severe disruption to supply chains has led to shortages of basic food supplies and fuel. The unrest has also impacted on the country’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout, which is of particular concern as South Africa continues to face a third wave of COVID-19 infection.

I am pleased to see that the unrest has subsided, and am encouraged to see the people of South Africa participating in clean-up efforts in recent days. South Africa faces complex social and economic challenges, and these displays of solidarity are important to build social cohesion and reduce tensions.

I welcome the efforts of the South African Government to provide relief and their efforts to reduce tensions and maintain security and the rule of law. I echo the calls from the United Nations and the European Union for all law enforcement agencies to act proportionately and to respect human rights while they tackle these complex incidents.

South Africa is a close friend of Ireland and home to over 35,000 Irish citizens. Our Embassy in South Africa will continue to monitor developments closely, and is in regular communication with EU partners in Pretoria, as well as with the South African authorities.