News

Lwandle one year later: still no resolution

On 2 and 3 June a year ago the residents of Lwandle Strand were evicted from the SANRAL-owned land that they were occupying. Besides losing their homes, many also lost their belongings. Yesterday, the evicted residents of Lwandle protested despite heavy rains, demanding to be listened to about their problems.

Pharie Sefali

News | 3 June 2015

Artist Zwelethu Mthethwa up for murder: trial begins

On Tuesday, the murder trial of artist Zwelethu Mthethwa finally began after numerous postponements. Mthethwa is accused of killing Nokuphila Kumalo, a sex worker, and kicking her with his booted feet. Mthethwa is pleading not guilty to the charge which has a minimum sentence of 15 years.

Ashleigh Furlong

News | 3 June 2015

Mfuleni school kids taught in a shack

As Cape Town weather gets worse, some Grade R learners from Mfuleni are being taught in a cold leaking shack with just one toilet, because there is insufficient space for them in a proper school.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 3 June 2015

Imizamo Yethu residents brace for cold winds and heavy rains

Richard Ngcongolo is one of thousands of informal settlement residents across Cape Town whose homes are left waterlogged by heavy rainfall during the winter months. Ngcongolo, a resident of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, huddles around a small paraffin heater while three large plastic buckets fill with water dripping through the roof of his two-room shack.

Barbara Maregele

News | 3 June 2015

Battling to be accepted in South Africa

Being accepted in South Africa is hard for foreigners, say Ethiopians living in Cape Town.

Christine Ayela

News | 2 June 2015

Philippi: What’s behind the violence?

Philippi has been struck by violence this past week. At least three people have died, including 68-year-old Karel Dilgee who was struck by a stone while driving. There have also been five attempted murders and two houses destroyed by fire. Several cars and at least one Golden Arrow bus have been set alight. Ten people have been arrested, charged with public violence. Residents from neighbouring areas, Marikana and Lower Crossroads, have been fighting with each other. What is causing the violence between these communities?

Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik and GroundUp Staff

News | 1 June 2015

Activists to Mthethwa: “Who gave you the right to kill a sex worker?”

On Monday the murder trial of renowned artist Zwelethu Mthethwa was postponed again in the Western Cape High Court. Mthethwa is accused of murdering Nokuphila Kumalo, 23, who was a sex worker in Woodstock, on 14 April 2013.

Ashleigh Furlong

News | 1 June 2015

Residents clash in Philippi

Violence has erupted between residents of Lower Crossroads and the Marikana settlement in Philippi East. Today police shot rubber bullets and stun grenades at a group of protesters from Lower Crossroads apparently to prevent them attacking Marikana.

Nombulelo Damba

News | 29 May 2015

Marikana: Commuter killed and councillor’s house burnt down

Protests over service delivery for the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East have turned violent. An ANC ward councillor’s house was set alight earlier today, allegedly by protesters from Marikana. Police have also opened a case of murder after a man died on the way to hospital after his car was stoned.

Nombulelo Damba

News | 28 May 2015

Blikkiesdorp residents accuse ACSA and City of deciding their future without them

It has taken eight months for the residents of Blikkiesdorp to be given access to an agreement between the City of Cape Town and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The agreement outlines ACSA’s plans to purchase the land on which the Blikkiesdorp residents are currently residing and rehouse them.

Ashleigh Furlong

News | 28 May 2015

Start HIV treatment sooner, study shows

It’s important to start treating people with HIV sooner rather than later, according to the findings of a large clinical study which could change treatment in many countries including South Africa.

Nathan Geffen

News | 27 May 2015

We have failed my community, says Masiphumelele leader

The government has failed to support the integration of foreigners into the Masiphumelele community, says local leader Mzuvukile Nikelo.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 27 May 2015

Meet the Nyanga youths who are dancing away from crime

Some high school students in Nyanga are working hard to eliminate the stigma that Nyanga is most known for: its high crime rate. They are investing their free time in dancing.

Pharie Sefali

News | 27 May 2015

Parents of pregnant students forced to spend the day at school gates

Parents of pregnant students at Fundokuhle Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg are spending the day at the school gates, on orders from the principal.

Ntombi Mbomvu

News | 27 May 2015

Fatal shack fire shatters a Khayelitsha family

Four young cousins died in a shack fire in Golishe Crescent, U-Section, Site B, Khayelitsha on Monday night.

Nombulelo Damba

News | 26 May 2015