One of the world’s oldest toys is a township craze
Spinning tops have been around for years and this is one of the toys that has been keeping township kids busy for decades, especially during school holidays.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
Brief | 1 July 2015
Cape Town’s Congolese shun independence celebrations
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks 55 years of independence today but many Congolese who fled to Cape Town say there’s nothing to celebrate since the country is at war and the government does not reflect the will of the people.
Bernard Chiguvare
Brief | 30 June 2015
There’s no excuse, Minister: Here’s the proof
There are massive medicine stockouts in the public health system. These are mainly due to failures within the state system, not external problems such as global supply shortages that Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has claimed are primarily responsible. Here’s the proof.
Ashleigh FurlongNathan Geffen
News | 30 June 2015
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