On Friday 27 February GroundUp published a whistleblowers' account of the state of the Free State health system. Before publishing GroundUp sent a list of questions to the Free State Department of Health and the office of Premier Ace Magashule. Here is a response written by Mondli Mvambi of the health department and Makalo Mohale of the premier's office.
Mondli Mvambi and Makalo Mohale for the Free State government
Opinion | 28 February 2015
For 21 years, the Minister of Finance has tabled budgets announcing that large amounts of money will go to social services that are meant to improve the lives of the poor. But, even the staunchest government supporter would agree that the country has not derived full benefit from this money. Year after year the Auditor General, Public Protector and others report on inefficiency, poor accounting and corruption in all categories of public spending.
Albert van Zyl
Analysis | 27 February 2015
While community leaders in Philippi East's Marikana informal settlement quibble over the cause of Wednesday's attacks on foreign business owners, the victims testify to long-standing xenophobic undercurrents in the community.
Daneel Knoetze
News | 26 February 2015
A violent rain storm that hit Kimberley on Tuesday has set flooded residents on a collision course with the local authorities.
Douglas Mthukwane
News | 26 February 2015
With a firm belief that some of the greatest music talent in our country lies within the townships, Rabs Vhafuwi has made it his mission to tap into that market. Seemingly, whatever he touches turns to gold. GroundUp interviewed the producer on his inspirations, how he got into music and how he is changing the game.
Zethu Gqola
News | 26 February 2015
On 17 February Equal Education hosted a talk by Benny Wenda of the Free West Papua Campaign at the Wits School of Education. He is in South Africa to spread awareness about the West Papuan fight against Indonesian colonialism and gross human rights abuses of the West Papuan people. He said he was also here to "learn how [South African] leaders fought against apartheid, for justice and against [racial] discrimination."
Joshua Maserow
Opinion | 25 February 2015
Siqalo residents have welcomed the City of Cape Townās quick action to remove rubbish dumps that have spiraled out of control in recent weeks.
Daneel Knoetze
Brief | 25 February 2015
Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene will present the budget speech to Parliament today. GroundUp spoke to several social movements and leading civil society organisations to find out what they would like him to address.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 25 February 2015
A last minute intervention by community leaders from Siqalo settlement, in Mitchells Plain, has prevented an accused child rapist from being released without charge.
Daneel Knoetze
Feature | 24 February 2015
Consumers who are struggling to repay their loans should take the first step and ask for help, advocate Piet Louw SC told the court on Monday.
Barbara Maregele
News | 24 February 2015
Bongani Peterson Fani says he only knows one thing that he does very well and that is delivering newspapers. Now that he is suddenly out of a job, he doesn't know where to begin looking for work.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
Feature | 24 February 2015
Metrorail security guards have been holding passengers found without tickets. For example, on Steenberg station, commuters are ushered into a cage on the platform and told they will be held until they pay.
GroundUp Staff
News | 23 February 2015
Out of 50 performers, 15 managed to sail through the first stage of āMake you a starā music auditions held at Mzolis, Gugulethu.
Bernard Chiguvare
News | 23 February 2015
Sandisile 'Skillz' Ntleki noSilindokuhle 'Slie' Baka benza iqembu le-rap ebizwa Xhosa Tribe. Lamachule engoma wakwaLanga naseLwandle ngentlonipho nabo banomhluzi womelana no-iFani, bangenza kwano Khuli Chana atsho ukubila.
Zethu Gqola
News | 23 February 2015
Although there is speculation that the spectre of the R12,500 a month minimum wage demand is stalking the gold mines, no mandates have yet been received by the unions involved. This pay demand came to prominence at Lonminās Marikana platinum mine in August 2012. It has now developed something of an iconic status among mine workers.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 23 February 2015
I am writing in response to Nick Fabre's opinion piece, South African law is failing gig workers, aā¦ Read more
To the Minister of Home Affairs: I'm a South African citizen, and this is surprising to me. Usuaā¦ Read more
What fantastic news it was reading the incredible work done by GroundUp and the freezing of the estā¦ Read more
It's quite disheartening to find myself here. I started my claiming process in March, at the Malborā¦ Read more
The plight of informal traders in Kopaneng is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in oā¦ Read more