News

Lwandle’s forgotten evictees

Last year, the eviction of hundreds of shack dwellers from Lwandle, Strand on the eve of a winter storm sparked a national outcry. Seven months later, construction of alternative accommodation has ceased, and yet dozens of evictees remain homeless - holed up in a temporary relief shelter at a nearby community hall. They have been all but forgotten.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 16 January 2015

“We’re not going anywhere until we’re heard” - Mfuleni tent dwellers

A group of about 100 Mfuleni backyarders who raised eyebrows in the community after erecting and moving into a tent in an open space, more than five months ago, say they are not going anywhere until they are heard.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 16 January 2015

Returning Zimbabweans battle with bureaucracy

Zimbabweans who travelled to Zimbabwe before their Special Dispensation Permits were issued have complained of problems on their return to South Africa after the holidays.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 15 January 2015

Plasma TV rumour surfaces again

New rumours of a “plasma gang” stealing TVs in order to retrieve a powder have surfaced in Cape Town, but police and scientists are unconvinced.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 14 January 2015

Khayelitsha netball star to play in UK

A Khayelitsha woman has been spotted by English netball talent scouts and will play in the United Kingdom (UK) league on a four months contract.

Michael Nkalane

News | 14 January 2015

Hope Street carpenter evicted, again

Hope Street’s pavement carpenter Mark Philander again had his material confiscated by officers from the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement this morning. Now, a local councillor has committed to linking Philander to the City’s informal traders unit in an attempt to find a public space for him to work legally and unhindered.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 13 January 2015

From hiking to praying: Deer Park’s diversity in photos

Deer Park, which slopes its way from Table Mountain into the City Bowl, provides a fascinating view of Cape Town's diverse cultures. Besides being popular for picnics, cycling and hiking, it is also a source of water for some and where others perform religious activities.

Photos by Masixole Feni. Text by Kevin Elliott.

News | 12 January 2015

Meet the first Mitchell’s Plain school with a 100% matric pass rate

It has taken almost 50 years for a school in Mitchell's Plain to achieve a 100% matric pass rate. Not since the community’s inception in the 1970s has a school in the area managed to ensure that each of its pupils not only made the grade but also excelled at maths and science.

A’Eysha Kassiem

News | 12 January 2015

New Monwabisi Beach upgrade promised

Plans for the upgrade of Monwabisi Beach will be finalised early this year, says the City of Cape Town.

Mary-Anne Gontsana and Johnnie Isaac

News | 9 January 2015

Striking farm workers reinstated

The eleven workers who were dismissed from Steytler Boerdery outside Robertson for taking part in strikes in January 2013 have reached a settlement with their employer and have been reinstated.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 9 January 2015

Going to bed hungry on a fruit farm

The minimum wage for farm workers is due to increase at the end of February. But seasonal worker Mercia Plaatjies doesn’t expect the increase to make much difference to her life.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 8 January 2015

Hangberg shackdweller appeals her conviction

The Wynberg Magistrate’s Court “unconstitutionally” ordered Hangberg resident Janina Samuels to choose between homelessness and imprisonment, the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) has argued in appealing her 2013 conviction for contempt of court.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 8 January 2015

“Silence must not be allowed to win”

Today GroundUp publishes this image in solidarity with journalists all over the world following the attack in Paris on ​the staff of ​Charlie Hebdo, in which ten journalists and two police officers were killed.

GroundUp Staff

News | 7 January 2015

No benefit for taxi commuters as petrol price plunges

The petrol price drops today by R1.27 a litre and the diesel price by R1.05 - but this will not mean lower fares for Cape Town’s taxi and bus passengers.

Zintle Tia Swana

News | 7 January 2015

Mfuleni youth question Ramaphosa

Lack of jobs for black graduates was among concerns raised by young people in a meeting with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa in Mfuleni yesterday.

Johnnie Isaac

News | 7 January 2015

SJC to move after latest burglary

Social Justice Coalition (SJC) members returned to work today after the holidays to find their offices trashed.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 5 January 2015