Society

Surfing helps youth at risk

A non-profit organization is using surfing to promote emotional wellbeing and mental health amongst youths who live in unstable and violent communities. Twice a week, children and teenagers from Khayelitsha, Lavender Hill and Masiphumelele head down to Muizenberg beach to surf. In the ocean, they find a safe space to have fun while building their self-confidence.

Juliette Garms

News | 5 October 2015

The cost of death for the living

We, as a nation, are deeply in debt. And that is very worrying, with declining disposable incomes the rising costs of living and with another festive season fast approaching. Government admits that many households are drowning in debt”. So the plea is for citizens to save more and to retain pensions rather than cash in existing provisions.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 5 October 2015

Art in a Khayelitsha fruit & veg shack

Mpho Mathebula rents a small space in a fruit and vegetable shop in Khayelitsha to sell his paintings and beadwork.

Pharie Sefali

News | 25 September 2015

Teaching drama in Ndevana

Mbulelo Nkwali and Zolani Seyisi had one idea when they founded Suppermix in 2008 in King William’s Town’s Ndevana settlement: to take young people off the streets. Today the film and drama company performs at weddings, church events, and the Buffalo City carnival.

Siphesihle Matyila

News | 25 September 2015

Jet customer sold insurance he didn’t want

GroundUp photographer Masixole Feni tried to open an account at Jet stores last month - and found himself signed up for a handful of insurance policies he didn’t want.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 23 September 2015

‘One day, people will watch me dance’

“When I finish school, I want to be in a ballet skirt and do ballet for a big crowd,” says six-year-old Anathi Dakuse from Imizamo Yethu.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 23 September 2015

From Flavier to Flavina: a refugee’s story of courage and survival

When Flavina walks the streets of Delft, with her long earrings, nose piercing and colourful clothes, people turn around to stare. Tall, elegant and feminine, Flavina used to be Flavier. Born as a male in Burundi 33 years ago, she came to South Africa to live openly as a woman.

Juliette Garms

News | 22 September 2015

We’re all scared, say Blikkiesdorp residents

Blikkiesdorp residents are calling for better policing after a spike in crime in the area. Seven families have already been moved to Wolwerivier at their request by the City of Cape Town.

Barbara Maregele

News | 21 September 2015

Free pet sterilisation campaign in Khayelitsha

In the canine sterilisation ward of the South African Mass Sterilisation Trust (SA.MAST) in Khayelitsha, several dogs lie in cages, unconscious, with their tongues out. Others are brought in on stretchers, after being successfully sterilised.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 17 September 2015