The number of so-called service-delivery protests in South Africa — demonstrations over the failure of municipalities to provide services such as electricity and water — may reach a new annual record.

The country is suffering its worst-ever electricity blackouts and patience is fraying over the deterioration of municipal services, leading to 122 protests in the first six months of the year. At that rate, this year may overtake the 237 incidents of 2018, dwarfing the lull during the pandemic years.

“Over the last 10 years, protests have become increasingly violent and lawless,” according to Kevin Allan, the managing director of Municipal IQ, which tracks the performance of South Africa’s municipalities.