One of the major medical advances of the last few decades has been the two-dose vaccine for children against measles. A responsible doctor or public health expert would not do anything to jeopardise public confidence in the vaccine. Yet this is exactly what UCT's Professor Tim Noakes did this past weekend, writes Nathan Geffen.
Nathan Geffen
Opinion | 27 August 2014
In an unequal society, and especially one suffering an economic crisis, the sellers of labour will always be disadvantaged. That is the simple reality of the system in which we live.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 25 August 2014
From Miami’s supercharged Ultra Music festival to Rocking the Daisies, Cape Town has become home to some of the highest grossing music festivals in the country. Our music journalist, Zethu Gqola, takes a look at how, if at all, four of the biggest festivals have benefitted struggling communities in and around Cape Town.
Zethu Gqola
Opinion | 20 August 2014
All who sell their labour in order to survive are workers. And all workers are, to one or other degree, exploited in that they are paid less than the final value of the work they do. Within a profit-driven system it could hardly be otherwise.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 18 August 2014
When the Anti-Land Invasion Unity (ALIU) descended on 40-year-old Sophie Nqiba's shack they destroyed only half of it. Presumably, if the City of Cape Town's own criteria for the demolitions are used, it was the half which was “uncompleted” or “vacant”. For Nqiba, her partner and their five children it is a surreal and meaningless explanation.
Daneel Knoetze
Opinion | 15 August 2014
An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind, the Mahatma famously said.
Brent Meersman
Opinion | 14 August 2014
“A scab’s charter.” This was one published description of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) when it came into being 19 years ago. Because, although the bulk of the Act was warmly accepted by the labour movement, it contained a clause that seemed to undermine its basic precept.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 12 August 2014
As homophobic discrimination continues to sweep across the African continent, we should be acutely mindful of the diverse ways it harms societies. While we are most aware of the direct effect homophobic physical violence has on sexual minority groups, it is also crucial that we be cognisant of the many insidious ways stigma and discrimination impact not only on sexual minorities but society at large.
Andrew Tucker
Opinion | 11 August 2014
“A scab’s charter.” This was one published description of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) when it came into being 19 years ago. Because, although the bulk of the Act was warmly accepted by the labour movement, it contained a clause that seemed to undermine its basic precept.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 5 August 2014
Nationalise the mines. That is a demand taken up loudly in recent months by the Economic Freedom Fighters. It is a demand long made by many in the labour movement and it has been given added impetus with the Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) deision to dispose of, or close down, some of its older underground mines.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 1 August 2014
Gilad Isaacs makes valid criticisms of Mike Schussler’s arguments on inequality, but he makes a number of mistakes of his own, writes Jeremy Seekings.
Jeremy Seekings
Opinion | 30 July 2014
Ambition without education is like a boat on dry land. Many young learners in Nqutu, KwaZulu Natal know this well. To make sure they realize their dreams everyday they walk for hours to receive an education that may help them have a brighter future.
Sandile Ndlovu
Opinion | 29 July 2014
Popular economist Mike Schussler’s recently published article distorts the available statistical evidence to buttress a bizarre argument.
Gilad Isaacs
Opinion | 22 July 2014
A growing number of people, including some surprising names, such as Max du Preez, and others more predictable, such as FW de Klerk, seem to believe that Eugene De Kock, head of the Vlakplaas torture camp and death squad, should be released from prison. Here is why I disagree.
Brent Meersman
Opinion | 22 July 2014
This week thousands of activists, scientists and government officials will troop to Melbourne, Australia, to participate in the 20th International AIDS Conference.
Mark Heywood
Opinion | 21 July 2014
On 10 July 2014 the Minister of Justice, Michael Masutha, conveyed his decision to refuse Eugene de Kock’s application for parole to the public. His decision, although unsurprising, is unusual for having gone against the respective recommendations of the National Council for Correctional Services and the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, who, in November 2013, recommended that de Dock be released on parole.
Clare Ballard
Opinion | 21 July 2014