Society

Prejudice is one of the biggest obstacles for township wheelchair users

Left disabled by a gunshot wound in 2011, Anda Mthulu from Taiwan in Khayelitsha faces much hardship in his township, through both physical and social obstacles.

Text by Kevin Elliott. Photos by Masixole Feni.

Feature | 12 February 2015

Pumping iron in Alexandra

Setting up a public gym can be an expensive business, but chance and hard work conspired to create two bustling fitness outlets in Alexandra near Sandton. And these gyms are not just about looking good: a big part of iKasi Gym’s focus is building strength of character.

Jon Pienaar

Feature | 23 January 2015

Kraaifontein gets its first spray park

Residents of Kraaifontein can now cool off at a spray park opened by mayor Patricia de Lille on Wednesday.

Michael Nkalane

News | 16 January 2015

From hiking to praying: Deer Park’s diversity in photos

Deer Park, which slopes its way from Table Mountain into the City Bowl, provides a fascinating view of Cape Town's diverse cultures. Besides being popular for picnics, cycling and hiking, it is also a source of water for some and where others perform religious activities.

Photos by Masixole Feni. Text by Kevin Elliott.

News | 12 January 2015

New Monwabisi Beach upgrade promised

Plans for the upgrade of Monwabisi Beach will be finalised early this year, says the City of Cape Town.

Mary-Anne Gontsana and Johnnie Isaac

News | 9 January 2015

Ebola, Lwandle and large fish: 2014 in photos

This was the year after Madiba died. We reported many tragic stories and breaches of human rights. But we also showed moments of happiness, beauty and dignity. Here is some of the best GroundUp photography and reporting of 2014.

GroundUp Staff

News | 22 December 2014

Township residents complain about festive season noise

Some townships residents are fed up with the noise from parties and street bashes that escalate at this time of the year.

Pharie Sefali

News | 19 December 2014

Farewell to a lovable revolutionary

Sadie Forman (1929-2014) one of the most unconventional, interesting and lovable fighters in the South African anti-apartheid movement, died on the morning of 11 December, aged 85. She spent the last years of her life with her daughter, Sara, in Lewes, in the East Sussex county of England. Her funeral will be held on 23 December.

Terry Bell

News | 19 December 2014

Problems and prejudice face Nigerians in Cape Town

After two months in Cape Town, Oscar (name changed), 40, has decided to go back to Nigeria. Like many of his compatriots, he is tired of the work permit problems and the way Nigerians are treated in South Africa.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 18 December 2014

Donors respond generously to GroundUp article on sanitary pads

In November, GroundUp published an article on learners using socks and all manner of items as sanitary pads. Donations have been streaming in to the GroundUp offices ever since. These will be distributed to schools.

GroundUp staff

Brief | 2 December 2014

Khayelitsha police, community and activists find ways to tackle crime

The police, civil society and Khayelitsha community activists are beginning to work together to give effect to the commission of inquiry into policing's recommendations. Here's an update on progress so far, and plans for next year.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 28 November 2014

Amidst acrimony, Somerset West soup kitchen to be replaced by transport hub

The Helderberg Street People’s Centre (HSPC), a soup kitchen for the poor in Somerset West, has been given notice by the City to quit its premises by 31 January 2015.

Katy Scott

News | 24 November 2014

We know how to bear hardships, says Chinese trader in Khayelitsha

Next to a small fruit stand and across the street from a hodgepodge of street vendors, Cuiyi Lin sits in front of her furniture store every day waiting for customers. She is the only non-African in the area.

Joyce Xi

Feature | 19 November 2014

Small Claims court opens its doors in Khayelitsha

The Khayelitsha Community has been urged to use the small claims court to resolve financial disputes for amounts of up to R15,000. The court was relaunched on Friday. It was established in 2010, but never functioned.

Johnnie Isaac

News | 17 November 2014

Who is behind Confessions of a Bisexual Chick?

A year ago, Ntombikayise Matyumza of Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape started a Facebook page aimed at gay and lesbian youth. Today she has more than 14,000 followers across the country.

Pharie Sefali

News | 12 November 2014

I use a sock as a sanitary pad, says Langa learner

Akhona is in grade eight. Like many of her classmates, she often misses school when she has her periods because her family cannot afford sanitary pads. When she has to write a test, she uses a sock, she says.

Pharie Sefali

News | 6 November 2014