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
Tsunami residents demand new land
More than 100 residents of Tsunami informal settlement in Delft marched to the offices of MEC of Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela demanding to be moved to new land with services.
Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik
News | 24 June 2015
We are wrong to celebrate CEOs for pretending to be poor for 12 hours
We're a generation of clicktivists, incessantly raising awareness for a wide assortment of causes and social justice issues. But we rarely follow through with any tangible action or put our money where our ‘shares’ are. So, logically, we should be lauding those attempting to deliver actual change by attempting to physically address societal problems.
Natasha Skoryk and Caitlin Spring
Opinion | 24 June 2015
Joe Slovo residents queue for water
The City of Cape Town and residents of the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa will meet this week to discuss the installation of additional taps in the area.
Barbara Maregele
News | 24 June 2015