The dark and dangerous road to school rural children face
About 200 pupils from farm schools in Wolseley, Stellenbosch, Wellington and Grabouw handed a memorandum to the Western Cape Education Department on Monday. The demonstration was organised by Women on Farms Project.
Bernard Chiguvare
News | 29 June 2015
Steel giant’s environmental records exposed
Earlier this week, the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance formally released the long-sought Environmental Master Plan for the Vanderbijlpark Steel Works owned by international steel giant ArcelorMittal (AMSA). AMSA only handed over this Master Plan, a series of expert reports on the environmental and health impacts of the steel works compiled in 2003, in December 2014, after being ordered to do so by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Melissa Fourie, Robyn Hugo and Nicole Löser
Opinion | 29 June 2015
Why trade unions are even more relevant today
Trade unions — as democratic organisations of the sellers of labour — are probably more relevant now than they have ever been. Especially for anyone who feels that democracy is an important concept. Unfortunately, however, most of the unions remain narrowly focussed in a manner better suited to fighting the battles of an earlier era.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 29 June 2015
Marikana Commission dodges compensation issue
What compensation should there be for the victims of the Marikana massacre? The answer given in Judge Ian Farlam's final report released by President Zuma on Thursday night differs substantially from the recommendations given by the Marikana Commission's evidence leaders.
Ashleigh Furlong and GroundUp staff
News | 26 June 2015
Counselling on wheels to come to Khayelitsha
“It will be like an emotional ambulance.” This is the vision of 28-year-old Banetsi Mphunga: a mobile psychology clinic in Khayelitsha which will see kids in the township receive free help dealing with psychological trauma.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 26 June 2015
Homeless people living near Biscuit Mill displaced
On Monday 15 June, contractors hired by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), began demolishing a building located on Railway Street across the train tracks from The Biscuit Mill. The building in question was a three-story building that was deemed “obsolete” by Henry Masimla, the PRASA real estate manager.
Jess Holdengarde and Shadi Garman
News | 26 June 2015
“We work in love without discrimination” — How immigrant women are making successful businesses
Fatima Mahomed Abukar immigrated to South Africa from war-torn Somalia. She together with a group of Somalis, Burundians, Senegalese and Malawians sell belts, socks and bags in Stellenbosch. Their business now runs smoothly, but they had to fight to get it that way.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 25 June 2015
Law enforcement shatters homeless man’s dreams
Law enforcement is removing homeless people who have been living alongside the Liesbeek River below Valkenberg. The homeless claim they are being harassed and their belongings are taken and destroyed by officers of the law. Many have already left the area and others say they are planning to leave.
Pharie Sefali
News | 25 June 2015