Donal Lenihan: Dreams of a Rainbow Nation are more distant than ever

Even here in Cape Town, which has always been the most cosmopolitan of South Africa’s cities, a turf war is raging between different taxi groups. Police say at least seven people were dead after a recent shooting spree in what’s suspected to be the latest flare-up in the deadly taxi turf war.

South African Police Services members arrest a looter at the Gold Spot Shopping Centre in Vosloorus, south-east of Johannesburg, last month. Picture: Guillem Sartorio

The stunning beauty of this conflicted country serves to camouflage a nation on the brink of anarchy. It is winter here in Cape Town but temperatures hit 24C last week.

With the cool Atlantic breeze blowing, the beautiful walk from the waterfront to Mouille Point was awash with activity. It is all very idyllic until you see the number of people sleeping rough on the beachfront and scattered around the many parks and playgrounds that adorn Green Point.