News

Khayelitsha’s stinkiest home finally gets cleaned up

A house in Khayelitsha stank so badly, even the neighbours complained about it. Thankfully, the City of Cape Town has unblocked the sewage drain of Mluleki Gantso’s house.

Johnnie Isaac

News | 22 July 2014

Premier called “racist girl” as tensions flare at Lwandle inquiry

Tensions flared during the second half of the Lwandle inquiry yesterday after Ses’khona leader Loyiso Nkohla referred to Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as a “racist girl”. The remark prompted an infuriated DA staffer, Jamie Turkington, to interject during Nkohla’s presentation.

Barbara Maregele

News | 22 July 2014

Ward councilor sheds light on the history of evicted Nomazo residents

A Nomzamo ward councillor told the ministerial inquiry into the Lwandle evictions how he cautioned a group of backyarders, who were tired of “unfulfilled promises” by the City of Cape Town, against settling on land owned by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

Barbara Maregele

News | 22 July 2014

Shacks in Masiphumelele wetland area drenched

The Masiphumele informal settlement in Fish Hoek was flooded on Thursday by heavy rains.

Zintle Swana

News | 21 July 2014

City in the hot seat over toilet audit

Over a quarter of the flush toilets inspected during the Social Justice Coalition’s (SJC) social audit did not work.

Barbara Maregele

News | 21 July 2014

Flush toilet audit begins in Khayelitsha

This week the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) began a second social audit of janitorial services in Khayelitsha. This time the organisation is looking at flush toilets.

Thembela Ntongana and Zintle Swana

News | 18 July 2014

Khayelitsha youths punching above their weight

In a sandy part of Khayelitsha called Enkanini, it is a big surprise to find between the shacks one with blue paint on its outside declaring: African Youth Boxing Club.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 18 July 2014

Refugees lose security jobs

Over 100 refugees and asylum seekers have lost their jobs in Cape Town’s security industry, following enforcement of a 2002 regulation.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 18 July 2014

De Lille lashes out at HRC and SJC over sanitation report

Today, Mayor Patricia De Lille responded in a special edition of Cape Town This Week to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) report on sanitation provision in Khayelitsha that was published yesterday.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

The week in political activism

This week we explore local protests against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, a human rights awareness clinic, and a month-long campaign to expose rape culture.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

Ses’khona and ANC councillor accused of hijacking City disaster relief

Some Lwandle residents have accused Ses’khona and ANC city councillor JJ Maxheke of keeping food and other disaster relief material supplied by the City of Cape Town for Ses’khona members.

Pharie Sefali and Alide Dasnois

News | 17 July 2014

GroundUp team expands

New appointments have been made at GroundUp.

GroundUp

News | 17 July 2014

Support local music: Get these excellent new albums

The past two weeks have been an exciting time for all music lovers, with album releases of many genres making their way onto local airwaves. You can support local artists and listen to their fresh new sounds by buying their work. Below are five exceptional albums you definitely need to get your hands on!

Zethu Gqola

News | 17 July 2014

Poo carriers found not guilty

Hundreds of Ses'khona members sang victory songs today as their leaders walked out of the Cape Town Magistrate court free.

Pharie Sefali

News | 16 July 2014

HRC: Cape Town’s chemical toilets violate human rights

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has found that the City of Cape Town's roll out of chemical toilets unfairly discriminates against “black African” people, and violates the rights to basic sanitation and dignity of informal settlement residents.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 16 July 2014

Judges Matter: the process is broken, so let’s fix it

South Africa needs greater public participation in the appointment of judges, say members of the Judges Matter coalition formed last month.

Michelle Korte

News | 16 July 2014