Articles for Nathan Geffen

Dali Mpofu’s “not inconsiderable fees”

I enjoy lawyer jokes, but in my time with the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) the lawyers I worked with didn't fit the stereotype. They often represented TAC pro bono or at reduced fees. They put money aside to fight for justice, especially for poor people. They were also modest. In our high profile cases, the TAC's lawyers were not the centre of attention. Nevertheless, TAC won most of its cases and all the key ones. We were very ably represented.

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 21 August 2013

The Opaque Prism Part Three: How can we make our online lives more secure?

This is the last in a three-part series on the United States government's PRISM programme.

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 18 June 2013

The Opaque Prism Part Two: What’s wrong with PRISM?

This is the second in a three-part series on the United States government's PRISM programme.

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 18 June 2013

The Opaque Prism Part One: Some Internet users aren’t American

This is the first in a three-part series on the United States government's PRISM programme.

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 18 June 2013

Responding to criticism

The Democratic Alliance markets itself as an efficient and un-corrupt alternative to the ANC. It never hesitates to point out serious service delivery failures by the ANC. So it is interesting to see its responses to the Social Justice Coalition's criticisms of the City of Cape Town's handling of a major toilet supply contract in Khayelitsha.

Nathan Geffen

News | 30 April 2013

Andile Mngxitama threatens violence against activist

"[W]henever we see that little white bastard called Jared Sacks we must beat the shit out of him ... " This was written by well-known journalist and black-consciousness writer, Andile Mngxitama, on his Facebook page.

Nathan Geffen

News | 25 March 2013

So you want a gun?

Do you want to buy a firearm for protection? Many people do because of the high rate of violent crime in South Africa. But is it sensible? Will a gun make you more secure or will it put you and your loved ones in greater danger?

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 27 February 2013

City turns Khayelitsha street lights on

Night-time and Khayelitsha looks a different place to a few weeks ago. The City has repaired most of the street lights in the township's major roads; it is noticeably brighter now. Last night Mayor Patricia De Lille joined a march organised by organisations who have been demanding that the lights be repaired.

Nokubonga Yawa and Nathan Geffen

News | 12 February 2013

Leaders AWOL after Khayelitsha fire

Charred ruins of beds, microwaves, washing machines, fridges, corrugated iron, asbestos and other shack building materials are strewn across the BM section of Khayelitsha.

Nathan Geffen

News | 3 January 2013