No one should have to bump into De Kock in the supermarket

A growing number of people, including some surprising names, such as Max du Preez, and others more predictable, such as FW de Klerk, seem to believe that Eugene De Kock, head of the Vlakplaas torture camp and death squad, should be released from prison. Here is why I disagree.

Brent Meersman

Opinion | 22 July 2014

Shacks in Masiphumelele wetland area drenched

The Masiphumele informal settlement in Fish Hoek was flooded on Thursday by heavy rains.

Zintle Swana

News | 21 July 2014

Does anybody remember AIDS?

This week thousands of activists, scientists and government officials will troop to Melbourne, Australia, to participate in the 20th International AIDS Conference.

Mark Heywood

Opinion | 21 July 2014

City in the hot seat over toilet audit

Over a quarter of the flush toilets inspected during the Social Justice Coalition’s (SJC) social audit did not work.

Barbara Maregele

News | 21 July 2014

The Difficulty with De Kock

On 10 July 2014 the Minister of Justice, Michael Masutha, conveyed his decision to refuse Eugene de Kock’s application for parole to the public. His decision, although unsurprising, is unusual for having gone against the respective recommendations of the National Council for Correctional Services and the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, who, in November 2013, recommended that de Dock be released on parole.

Clare Ballard

Opinion | 21 July 2014

A suggestion for how unions can help alleviate household debt

Official statistics note that South African household borrowings have declined slightly. However, we remain a nation wallowing in debt. And this applies from the government down to the humblest of families.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 21 July 2014

Flush toilet audit begins in Khayelitsha

This week the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) began a second social audit of janitorial services in Khayelitsha. This time the organisation is looking at flush toilets.

Thembela Ntongana and Zintle Swana

News | 18 July 2014

Khayelitsha youths punching above their weight

In a sandy part of Khayelitsha called Enkanini, it is a big surprise to find between the shacks one with blue paint on its outside declaring: African Youth Boxing Club.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 18 July 2014

Refugees lose security jobs

Over 100 refugees and asylum seekers have lost their jobs in Cape Town’s security industry, following enforcement of a 2002 regulation.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 18 July 2014

How the Seriti Commission is failing

The Seriti Commission's approach is undermining the public's right to know, explains Kholiswa Tyiki, a journalist and researcher with Right2Know.

Kholiswa Tyiki

Opinion | 18 July 2014

De Lille lashes out at HRC and SJC over sanitation report

Today, Mayor Patricia De Lille responded in a special edition of Cape Town This Week to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) report on sanitation provision in Khayelitsha that was published yesterday.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

The week in political activism

This week we explore local protests against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, a human rights awareness clinic, and a month-long campaign to expose rape culture.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

Ses’khona and ANC councillor accused of hijacking City disaster relief

Some Lwandle residents have accused Ses’khona and ANC city councillor JJ Maxheke of keeping food and other disaster relief material supplied by the City of Cape Town for Ses’khona members.

Pharie Sefali and Alide Dasnois

News | 17 July 2014

GroundUp team expands

New appointments have been made at GroundUp.

GroundUp

News | 17 July 2014

Support local music: Get these excellent new albums

The past two weeks have been an exciting time for all music lovers, with album releases of many genres making their way onto local airwaves. You can support local artists and listen to their fresh new sounds by buying their work. Below are five exceptional albums you definitely need to get your hands on!

Zethu Gqola

News | 17 July 2014

Why the sun will continue to burn in Langa

Last Wednesday, Langa erupted into massive protest that locked down the area with no way in or out of the township. To many, it seemed like the anger came from nowhere – yet frustration has been simmering here for months if not years.

Jared Sacks

Opinion | 17 July 2014