I don't have the pessimistic view other people have of South Africa. Still the best country in the world to live in. Except for the politicians.
The violence was cause by faction politics in the ruling party, which still calls itself a movement. Of course, many other contributing factors, which I view as minor to the political one.
Be aware that the media portrays the worst scenes as that is what sells. While not knowing the security situation in East London, I wouldn't hesitate to go there to work or on business. But that is just me.