Opinion and Analysis

What the UK could learn from Cape Town’s civil society

Before I came to South Africa, I was warned how dangerous the place was. I was asked, ''Why do you think so many South Africans are emigrating to Australia'' and, ''Are you sure you really want to go there?'' I'm relieved this negativity didn't stop me. If you don't come to South Africa because of fear, you are missing out.

Tessa Gooding

Opinion | 19 December 2012

An alternative to more chaos and destruction?

The promises and the policies, the personalities elected, even the potential political
punch-ups at Mangaung are basically irrelevant.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 19 December 2012

A tribute to Arthur Chaskalson

This is a tribute by Advocate Geoff Budlender to the late Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson at a memorial service in Johannesburg City Hall on 5 December.

Geoff Budlender

Opinion | 18 December 2012

Holocaust denial is hateful, immoral and factually wrong

Holocaust denialism is hateful, immoral and factually wrong. It legitimises the taking of measures by individuals, organisations and governments that lead to the destruction of human dignity and life. This destruction of dignity and life is based on ideologies of hate and profit.

Zackie Achmat

Opinion | 14 December 2012

Nelson Mandela is going to die - it’s sad, but it’s ok

Madiba is in hospital. Spokespeople assure us he is doing well. That he is old, sick and likely to die soon are avoided or dealt with euphemistically.

Nathan Geffen, Editor GroundUp

Opinion | 12 December 2012

Residents of Khayelitsha stand behind Commission of Inquiry

As a 21-year-old member of the Khayelitsha community, I firmly support the Commission of Inquiry into the Police in Khayelitsha.

Sifiso Zitwana

Opinion | 12 December 2012

Desperate cry for victim counselling in Khayelitsha

It is well-known that those who report crimes to the police stations in Khayelitsha are not likely to receive a great deal of help. This leads to a situation where many victims of crime simply do not come forward to open a case.

Andiswa Hala

Opinion | 12 December 2012

Time to find a new way forward

The Bill of Rights is rightly hailed throughout the labour movement and beyond as
perhaps the finest exposition of the desire of the bulk of humanity for a world that
guarantees the maximum level of dignity, equality and freedom for all.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 12 December 2012

What should the state do now that it has lost the Dudley Lee case?

The Constitutional Court gave judgment in the matter between Dudley Lee and the Minister of Correctional Services on 11 December 2012. The court ruled in favour of Lee. Thus, yesterday almost marked the end of Mr Lee’s seven-year journey through three courts; the Cape High Court will still have to determine the amount the state must pay him.

John Stephens

Opinion | 12 December 2012