Why the school closures are wrong

This is an edited version of a speech that was delivered on 15 September at a march in Cape Town against the proposed closure of 27 schools.

Ntshadi Mofokeng

Opinion | 19 September 2012

Government’s fuel policy makes us all poorer

Expect another hike in the price of petrol, diesel and paraffin in October. This is because the price is staying above $110 a barrel and the rand is weakening.

Jack Lewis

Opinion | 19 September 2012

Gershin Kock on the pressure of being a goalkeeper: “Once you make a mistake it will always be remembered.”

Gershin Kock is only 19 years old, but he is already the goalkeeper for National First Division team, Vasco Da Gama.

Margo Fortune

News | 19 September 2012

Cape Town’s stray dog problem

He limps as he quickly crosses the busy road of NY 1 in Gugulethu, probably injured by another dog who is in the same position as he is. No home, no food, no care.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 19 September 2012

Cosatu Congress will paper over the cracks

Amid unprecedented media interest, Cosatu’s eleventh national congress gets underway in Midrand on Monday. Many of the nearly 300 journalists, photographers and members of camera crews accredited to attend the event are clearly expecting drama.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 19 September 2012

Another disappointing delivery failure by the education department

In 2011, a new Backlogs Grant was introduced. The National Treasury allocated R700 million to it. The grant's main purpose was to eradicate inappropriate structures and mud schools as well as the provision of basic services to schools such as water, electricity and toilets.

Yoliswa Dwane

Opinion | 18 September 2012

Tag rugby encouraged in township schools

South Africa's tag rugby team recently visited a township school, Masiphumelele primary school, in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. This was a very exciting visit for the learners of Masiphumelele, who only get to see the Bokke on television.

Nokubonga Yawa

Brief | 17 September 2012

Government formula milk sold for profit

Some spaza shop owners in Khayelitsha are selling Department of Health (DoH) formula milk that is marked "Not for resale". This milk is supposed to be given free to HIV-positive mothers to give to their babies instead of breast milk.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 12 September 2012

Switch on the lights

Providing working street lights is an important part of a city administration's duties. Street lights help people to walk or drive safely after dark. Last week it was reported that half the road deaths in the Western Cape are pedestrians. Lack of lighting as well as walkways across busy roads are likely among the causes of this.

GroundUp Editor

News | 12 September 2012

It’s still dark in Khayelitsha

Earlier this year, GroundUp published a story on the issue of street lights not working on Lansdowne Road in Khayelitsha.

Nokubonga Yawa

News | 12 September 2012

Chippa United star Diego Brown talks about a soccer player’s challenges

GroundUp interviewed Chippa United's 25-year mid-fielder and left back, Diego Brown.

Margo Fortune

News | 12 September 2012

Parents lead clean-up of toilets in Khayelitsha school

About 10 parents and Equal Education (EE) members donned their aprons and yellow gloves at Sakumlandela Primary School and started cleaning the toilets as part of a new project to keep schools in Khayelitsha clean.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 12 September 2012

Why fascism is a real danger

Last year Rhodes University academic Jane Duncan warned of "proto fascism" emerging in South Africa. At the same time, in an article for a local publication, I wrote that "the first loud, trumpet calls to fascism in modern South Africa have been sounded".

Terry Bell

Opinion | 12 September 2012

Picking up the pieces left by a corrupt councillor

Umrhabulo Triangle is the name of ward 96 in Makhaza Khayelitsha. Former ward councilor, Thabile Maxon Ludidi, had to step down when he faced corruption charges. Now 34-year old Councillor, Danile Khatshwa, is having to pick up the pieces.

Nokubonga Yawa

News | 12 September 2012

Phillipi man in wheelchair rescued from burning house

Sbongiseni Mveya narrowly escaped death when he found himself trapped inside a burning house in Phillipi due to a suspected electric malfunction.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 12 September 2012

Five years and still no street lights on N2 Gateway

Delft ward councillor Michael Sandile Toko is in charge of ward 20 which includes Voorbrug, Eindhoven and Delft South. His duties include bringing services and projects provided by the City of Cape Town to the people of these areas.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 12 September 2012