Local government
Citizens unite against Eskom hike
In Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, a broad spectrum of residents, community organisations, students’ movements, religious groups, people with disability and members of the public embarked on a protest march against the 25.3% electricity tariff hike that has been proposed by Eskom. City mayor Chris Ndlela was asked to stand up for his constituents.
Ntombi Mbomvu
News | 24 June 2015
Ses’khona leaders rendered homeless
Three Ses’khona leaders from Mfuleni Garden City informal settlement were left homeless after residents demolished their shacks on Saturday, accusing them of “selling” open spaces.
Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik
News | 23 June 2015
Residents demand clarity on R60 million Langa Junction complex
Management of the R60 million Langa Junction complex has promised to make information available to angry residents who have complained about a lack of transparency in the building and leasing of the 5,000 square metre space.
Pharie Sefali and Nombulelo Damba
News | 14 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
Long wait for Motsepe money
Khayelitsha residents who applied for funds from the Khayelitsha Motsepe Foundation in 2013 might have to wait months for the money, says the head of the Motsepe Foundation in the Western Cape, Steve Mashalane.
Nombulelo Damba
Feature | 8 April 2015
We’re being targeted, say homeless
Homeless people in Observatory, Woodstock and Bellville have complained about a wave of law enforcement operations against them in the last two months.
Ian Broughton
Feature | 8 April 2015
“Now I have lunch in a clean canteen”
The contract workers who clean portable toilets all day at the Borcherd’s Quarry Depot now have a canteen and a place to change.
Zintle Swana
News | 10 March 2015
Good and bad approaches to upgrading informal settlements
In February the City of Cape Town’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit (ALIU) dismantled a family’s shack in Mfuleni. This acrimonious incident raises important questions about how informal settlements are to be upgraded.
Nathan Geffen
Opinion | 9 March 2015
Shack scam: Langa activist fears for her life
Langa residents are asking why a man accused of fraudulent plot sales to dozens of poor people has still not been arrested, while the activist who exposed him fears for her life.
Daneel Knoetze
Feature | 4 March 2015