News

Malawian man paralysed after brutal assault

A Malawian man, Simon Phiri, 44, was attacked by three robbers in Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek in April 2013, on his way home from the shopping mall. The robbers searched his pockets, took his phone and money, then struck him with a golf stick on the head.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 13 August 2013

Khayelitsha residents march in support of police inquiry, as court hears case

On Tuesday judgement for the O’Regan/Pikoli Commission of Inquiry (COI) into policing in Khayelitsha was reserved by the Constitutional Court. A full bench of 11 justices heard the case.

Mary-anne Gontsana

News | 8 August 2013

Autistic child still has to be tied to couch

Three months ago we told the story of Patricia who raises her autistic son, Teko, in a shack in Khayelitsha. Patricia sometimes ties Teko to a couch for his own safety to prevent him wandering off. We followed up to see if life has become easier for them. [Patricia’s and Teko’s names have been changed.]

Nwabisa Pondoyi

News | 7 August 2013

I’m flying

News | 7 August 2013

What now for Zimbabweans?

89-year-old President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980, is set to lead the country for yet another five years.

Tariro Washinyira, Mpho Mabhena and GroundUp Staff

News | 6 August 2013

“The police & I”: a sex worker’s story

Richard is a 38-year-old, gay male sex worker. He was born in East London and has been based in Cape Town since 1999. He has been in “the business” (the sex work industry) for over 20 years.

Jonathan Dockney

News | 6 August 2013

Fire detectors can help to prevent shack fires

Shack fires are an unremitting scourge facing urban townships. In South Africa, between 2000 and 2010, over 230 000 people were made homeless by fires. Growing urban populations together with inadequate services, in particular electricity and water, means urban shack fires will continue to take their toll. There is an urgent need for effective solutions to address the major causes.

Fergus Turner

News | 5 August 2013

Living on the street

News | 31 July 2013

Will there be justice for Athenkosi’s killers?

“I am scared. The criminal who murdered my brother is still roaming the streets,” Nonkosi Nteyi told GroundUp, obviously distressed. “Worse, he is asking people for descriptions of each of my family members. Does he want to kill us as well?”

Tariro Washinyira

News | 31 July 2013

Tension between homeless and residents in City’s southern suburbs

At every railway bridge from Observatory to Rondebosch there are homeless people who occupy the subways. They come from different backgrounds and have different reasons for why they do not have homes.

Pharie Sefali

News | 31 July 2013

Do 80% of South Africans regularly use traditional healers?

Do 80% of South Africans regularly consult traditional healers? Do most black South Africans choose traditional healers over medical doctors and primary healthcare facilities? The claims are false. And as we discovered, with a little sleuthing, they stem from a book published thirty years ago.

Kate Wilkinson for Africa Check

News | 31 July 2013

Zimbabwean injured in work accident receives no compensation

Jabulani Murire is a 38-year-old, married Zimbabwean man with three children. His family is struggling to survive after he became bedridden following a car accident while on duty.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 30 July 2013

City installation displaces street people

Amelia Earnest met people who live on the streets of Cape Town. Some of them have been living outside since they were children. The City recently made it harder for them. Read the full story below the photographs.

Amelia Earnest

News | 30 July 2013

Constitutional Court to hear if Khayelitsha police inquiry should proceed

Next month, the Constitutional Court will hear the appeal by Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa after his application for an interdict to stop the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into policing in Khayelitsha was unsuccessful.The case is set for 6 August.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 30 July 2013