Local government

Playing politics while the Boland burns

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille is correct in claiming that there is
political interference in the strikes and recurrent violence in the Boland. And the
DA is as responsible as any other political grouping for being involved in — or
“interfering” — in the ongoing upheaval.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 23 January 2013

BM fire victims to be moved to Mfuleni

Fire left about 800 households destitute on new years day in BM Section, Khayelitsha. Many of these families are sheltering at the O.R Tambo hall a short distance from the scene of the fire.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 23 January 2013

Premier’s excuses leave the lights off

Last week GroundUp and the Cape Times published Doron Isaacs's detailed account of his repeated but unsuccessful attempts to have authorities repair dysfunctional streetlights in Khayelitsha.

Gavin Silber

Opinion | 23 January 2013

The DA is more efficient at Twitter spin than at delivering basic services to Khayelitsha

I work every day in Khayelitsha. From time to time I am there at night, usually to drop somebody at home after a meeting or social event. In the daytime I am as good as any taxi driver at avoiding the potholes that litter the streets. At nights it’s not so simple.

Doron Isaacs

Opinion | 16 January 2013

Councillor spends nine days in prison for “doing his job”

Anele Yawa is a proportional representative councillor in Uitenhage. In August he spent nine days in prison. He alleges his only crime was to do his job.

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 5 December 2012

Delft clinic and community members caught in SANCO squabble

An internal squabble in the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) in Delft spilled over into the streets earlier this month.

Mihle Pike

News | 28 November 2012

Poor versus business in Somerset West

A soup kitchen serving poor people in Somerset West struggles to stay open following pressure for it to relocate from the ward councillor and a business woman.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 17 October 2012

Has the City’s janitorial service been flushed?

“I have seen no one fixing any toilet. They are blocked right now as we speak.” These are the words of 29-year-old Zoliswa Mampofu, a Khayelitsha resident and mother of two.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 2 October 2012

Cape Town’s stray dog problem

He limps as he quickly crosses the busy road of NY 1 in Gugulethu, probably injured by another dog who is in the same position as he is. No home, no food, no care.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 19 September 2012