Ridiculous complexity of housing in South Africa

Millions of South Africans at the end of apartheid dreamed of living in a house one day. This was the hope offered by the Reconstruction and Development Programme. Eighteen years later there has been progress. The Department of Housing says that over 3 million houses have been built sheltering over 13 million people. But there is a terribly long way to go.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

Feature | 21 November 2012

De Doorns: an explosion waiting to happen…

There should have been no surprise or outrage expressed by mining companies,
agribusiness, and government officials about the recent explosion of strikes and
protests on mines and farms. And trade unionists across the board should not have
been caught flat-footed by the outbursts of anger that erupted in the North West,
Limpopo and now in the Western Cape.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 21 November 2012

The Commission of Inquiry into the Khayelitsha Police

The Commission of Inquiry into the allegations of police inefficiency in Khayelitsha is on hold pending the outcome of Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa's court action to stop the commission. But in his court papers Mthethwa has, perhaps unwittingly, included explosive documents which actually appear to strengthen the case for having a Commission of Inquiry.

GroundUp Editor

News | 14 November 2012

Dreaming of owning one of the cars he guards

Grejimo Gates is 22 year old. For him, being a car guard at Town Centre in Mitchell's Plain is his business.

Margo Fortune

Brief | 14 November 2012

Groot Constantia workers complain of unfair treatment

Its fine wines are known around the world and the City Sightseeing bus takes regular journeys through its beautiful grounds beneath Table Mountain. But the community who live and work at Groot Constantia estate say that the charitable trust that owns the farm pays female vineyard workers less than their male counterparts. They also accuse management of reducing their benefits.

Tessa Gooding

News | 14 November 2012

An interview with the founder of Indhi fashion design studio

GroundUp interviewed up-and-coming Cape Town fashion designer, Melissa Samuels.

Nokubonga Yawa

News | 14 November 2012

Khayelitsha chess stars selected to play for province

The future is looking bright for a group of Khayelitsha chess stars. They have been selected to play for the Western Province schools chess team.

Nokubonga Yawa

News | 14 November 2012

Turning our backs on girl learners

Last week, it was reported with a sense of accomplishment that 38 teachers have been struck off the roll since 2010 for sexual abuse of their learners. I am a lawyer currently working on six cases of sexual violence in schools in three provinces.

Nikki Stein

Opinion | 14 November 2012

Scuffles breaks out in Delft over SASSA meal vouchers

Hundreds of residents queued outside Delft library last week Wednesday in the hope of receiving one of 25 SASSA meal vouchers.

Mihle Pike

News | 14 November 2012

Understanding the two Commissions of Inquiry into the police

There are two Commissions of Inquiry underway in South Africa (SA) that involve the SA Police Service (SAPS), the Police Minister and Police Commissioner, that we should be interrogating, examining, monitoring, overseeing and following with equal vigour.

Fatima Hassan

Opinion | 14 November 2012

“People’s Commission” testimony exposes police failures

In December 2009 Thandokazi Njamela was smacked on the head with an unopened beer bottle by her friend's boyfriend. She lost consciousness and was taken to Khayelitsha's Site B Hospital.

GroundUp Staff

News | 14 November 2012

Threats against Somali businesses must not be tolerated

Our lead story today is that local business organisations are mobilising against Somali shops in Khayelitsha.

GroundUp Editor

News | 7 November 2012

Dance teacher gets three life sentences for rape

On 28 October the Khayelitsha Magistrates' Court handed spiritual dance teacher Mlulami Lawrence Gagu three life sentences for the rape of seven children over a period of two years.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 7 November 2012

Sunday Soul Sessions picnic at the Ruitersvlei wine farm

Metro FM held their latest Sunday Soul Sessions event at Ruitersvlei wine farm near Stellenbosch on 4 November.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

Brief | 7 November 2012

Showdown over police inquiry

On 22 August, in response to a call made in November 2011 from several social justice organisations, Premier Helen Zille established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged police inefficiency and a breakdown in relations between police and communities in Khayelitsha. The commission is being chaired by former Constitutional Court judge, Kate O'Regan and Advocate Vusi Pikoli.

Tessa Gooding

News | 7 November 2012

Zimbabwean musician calls Cape Town home

Zimbabwean Afro soul music artist Shamie Mabvudzi talks to GroundUp about the challenges he faces as an immigrant in South Africa. His third album African Dream is due out this month.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 7 November 2012