Government

Lessons from the student protests of the 1980s

Activist Mandy Sanger, who was part of student-led opposition to apartheid through the Committee of 81 in Cape Town, delivered the annual Ashley Kriel memorial lecture sponsored by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the University of the Western Cape last night. Here is a brief extract from her speech.

Mandy Sanger

Opinion | 23 October 2015

Lawyers in black and white: Spoor vs Boqwana

The recent furore over the lawyers in the huge silicosis court case focused on race, but the real issue is how lawyers advance the cause of justice, argue Pasika Nontshiza and John Clarke.

Pasika Nontshiza and John GI Clarke

Opinion | 23 October 2015

Statement in solidarity with South African student protesters

Over 800 students and student groups from 200 international institutions have signed a statement of support for the #FeesMustFall protesters.

Over 800 signatories

Opinion | 23 October 2015

“I am inspired by students’ spirit and discipline,” says Kathrada

Hundreds of Wits university students took to the floor of Senate House, dubbed Solomon Mahlangu House, singing loudly upon the arrival of anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Kathrada earlier today.

GroundUp staff

News | 22 October 2015

The day the students stormed Parliament

Students pushed their way through the gates of Parliament today as universities across the country closed down in the face of nationwide protests against proposed fee increases.

Ashleigh Furlong, Tariro Washinyira andPasqua Heard

News | 21 October 2015

Eastern Cape building workers left high and dry

Some 20,000 building workers in the Eastern Cape are not covered by any minimum wage agreement.

Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik and GroundUp staff

News | 21 October 2015

UCT students defy court order

Students at UCT, protesting at a planned 10.3% fee hike, marched on the university residences today and then on Rondebosch police station to demand the release of students arrested this morning.

Ashleigh Furlong

News | 20 October 2015

Philippi livestock farmer can’t find land

A Philippi family is desperately looking for somewhere to keep their goats and sheep after being told they can no longer keep them in the area they have farmed for ten years.

Siyavuya Khaya

News | 20 October 2015

Masiphumelele residents march for peace

Over 500 residents marched and sang through the streets of Masiphumelele on Sunday in a march for peace organised by the Masiphumelele Youth Development Forum (MYDF). The march comes after weeks of violence, including murders and rapes, incidents of mob justice, a march for more policing that turned violent, and after residents held a prayer service on Thursday for a better community.

Thembela Ntongana

News | 20 October 2015