Human Rights

Looting in Khayelitsha: EFF blamed but denies involvement

There was chaos in Khayelitsha on Wednesday with battles between police and residents occupying land, and shops being looted. Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Khayelitsha have distanced themselves from the looting, but residents say it was led by people wearing EFF T-shirts and berets.

Text by Nombulelo Damba. Photos by Masixole Feni.

Feature | 9 April 2015

Sanitation: SJC’s analysis is faulty

The Social Justice Coalition (SJC) has asked the Mayor for a plan to deal with sanitation in informal settlements. We have a plan – one that has already been and continues to be implemented as part of this administration’s commitment to making this a city that delivers services to all our residents. Perhaps that is why so many people flock here from other parts of the country every year. After all, no one packs up their family and leaves their hometown for a worse life!

Ian Neilson

Opinion | 8 April 2015

Khayelitsha residents occupy children’s playgrounds

Anger and frustration was written on the faces of All Stars football players when a group of TR Informal Settlement residents allegedly led by Economic Freedom Fighters took over their playgrounds on Tuesday morning.

Nombulelo Damba

News | 7 April 2015

Sex at the specs: Sex workers protest in Sea Point

On 2 April activists and sex workers held a protest at the Perceiving Freedom sculpture in Seapoint to commemorate the 2003 Sizzlers Massacre and raise awareness of the need to decriminalise sex work.

Abigail McDougall

News | 7 April 2015

Free State health workers on trial for protesting dismissals

There are protests outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court this morning, as a trial of health workers resumes amidst widespread dissatisfaction with the Free State health system and MEC Benny Malakoane.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 30 March 2015

Angolan reporter who exposed torture hauled into court

The defamation trial of Angolan journalist Rafael Marques de Morais, accused of libelling seven of the country’s military generals in a book he wrote, kicked off in Luanda on Tuesday. The generals are suing him for defamation – which could cost him $1.2-million in damages and nine years in prison -- after he had asked for them to be investigated for human rights abuses he first exposed in a book.

Pharie Sefali

News | 27 March 2015

By ignoring petitions, government encourages violent protest

The Eastern Cape government has failed to even acknowledge a petition from a group of housing project beneficiaries. What options does this leave aggrieved citizens, asks Mimosa Delgaro?

Mimosa Delgaro

Opinion | 20 March 2015

Robertson abattoir workers have their day in court

After a four year delay, the hearing in the case of 39 workers dismissed from Robertson Abattoir started in the Cape Town Labour Court this week.

Daneel Knoetze

Brief | 18 March 2015

A stealthy attempt at censorship

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right recognised in our constitution. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to allow that speech anywhere you want to make it.

Kevin Charleston

Opinion | 18 March 2015