Opinion
Do companies have the right to own your genes?
Patenting of genes incentivises research and the discovery of new treatments, tests and drugs. But does the exclusive ownership of biological material stop the sharing of information and prevent treatment getting to the people that need it?
Kerry Gordon
Opinion | 12 August 2013
Are we ready for universal breastfeeding in South Africa? A response to Vuyiseka Dubula
Vuyiseka Dubula’s opinion piece published in GroundUp raises some important issues concerning the promotion of breastfeeding in South Africa. Vuyiseka is correct: breastfeeding is much safer than formula feeding.
David Sanders, Tanya Doherty, Debra Jackson, Ameena Goga
Opinion | 12 August 2013
How to reduce the fuel price and grow the economy
Today the fuel price goes up 32 cents per litre. This means diesel, which drives our big trucks that distribute food and other goods across the country, will be over R13 a litre. Commuter transport will become more expensive as will the price of paraffin used by by the poor for cooking and lighting.
Jack Lewis
Opinion | 7 August 2013
Dying with dignity
Nelson Mandela may not be aware of it but he has got us talking about death; something we have never had the courage to do before. This is certainly a discussion he wanted us to have. As President of the country he appointed the South African Law Commission to write a report on end-of life issues, and it was Nelson Mandela himself who tabled this in parliament.
Sean Davison
Opinion | 6 August 2013
The Kurdish Question: Is a political solution possible?
A process has begun in Turkey which has the potential to find solutions to the Kurdish question.
Mansoor Jaffer
Opinion | 5 August 2013
Labour backs child beating ban
Sex scandals, amid accusations of conspiracy, strikes and ongoing fears of violence have dominated the news about trade unions over the past week and more. And the spectre of Wonderkop and the dead and crippled miners, both pre and post Marikana has continued to loom large.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 5 August 2013
World Cup or not, Brazilian protesters have had enough
South Africa and Brazil have quite a few things in common. Both are economic powerhouses and members of BRICS. They both play an important role in regional and global affairs acting as political advisors to their nearby countries.
Fabio da Graca
Opinion | 5 August 2013
Don’t be fooled: Zimbabwe’s land reform is no success
It is election day in Zimbabwe. This is a good day to reconsider the Zimbabwean land reform experience and what to make of it, especially as we consider what should be done about land reform in South Africa.
Jack Lewis
Opinion | 31 July 2013
Are we ready for universal breastfeeding in South Africa?
The government is discontinuing the provision of free formula milk at public health facilities. This policy is intended to promote exclusive breastfeeding for all mothers, including those living with HIV.
Vuyiseka Dubula
Opinion | 30 July 2013