Looking at the news, it seems we're in restless times.

Lots of strikes and threats of strikes. And perhaps more disturbing - service delivery "protests."

I don't know about you, but I think the term "protest" seems a bit light looking at the footage. How far away is it from what used to be called riots? The sight of people throwing stones, burning tyres and police firing rubber bullets looks somewhat similar to events now revered in public holidays.

So what's going on?

Are the unions just trying to bring pressure to bear on JZ?
Are the people expecting too much too soon, or is it a reaction to their "representatives" driving past in flash cars and living in fancy houses?
Is there a connection between the strikes and the "protests?"
How much of this is due to corruption?
Is this the ANC harvest finally arrived?

How serious is this?

I'd love to hear your views.