English, not Afrikaans, is the problem for today’s youth

As a young African and as a member of youth organisation Inkululeko in Mind, I hold 16 June as a day of honour for our heroes who gave their lives so that our generation would have better education. We have to defend and advance their legacy and pass it to generations to come.

Monde Kula

Opinion | 16 June 2014

Khayelitsha gets its first film festival

When Harare Square’s Hubspace first opened its doors to the Khayelitsha community in April 2013, it was touted as a unique space for entrepreneurs to gather, share ideas, and take initiative. As a World Design Capital-linked social enterprise, the office space has sought to foster a culture of conversation and creativity.

Katy Osborn

News | 13 June 2014

Rica in South Africa: How big is Big Brother?

How serious is state surveillance of telephone calls in South Africa? The problem is we don't know, writes Right2Know's Murray Hunter.

Murray Hunter

Analysis | 13 June 2014

“White foreigners”: The danger of history repeating itself

Gwede Mantashe, former chairman of the SA Communist Party, former general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and now the powerful secretary-general of the governing ANC, sounded furious this week. In what must qualify as the most ironic case of ā€œwe’ve heard all that beforeā€, he blamed the platinum belt strike and the consequent crisis on ā€œwhite foreignersā€.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 13 June 2014

Who are the real Invaders

News | 12 June 2014

Lwandle: too much acrimony, too little understanding

The house demolitions and evictions that took place in Strand last week highlighted the class and race fractures that run through our country.

Nathan Geffen

Opinion | 12 June 2014

Jozi: A Novel : a glimpse through a scratched looking glass

Jozi: a novel is the debut of Swaziland-born journalist, lecturer and editor, Perfect Hlongwane. It is a gut-wrenching tale of loss, anger, love and death in the new South Africa.

Joshua Maserow

News | 12 June 2014

Canoeing - the new sport in Khayelitsha

What used to be a mugging haven for Makhaza Khayelitsha thugs has had a facelift. Officially opened late last year, ā€˜the park’ as it is known by people in the area, now comprises an outdoor gym and a play park for children, and there are canoeists in the dam.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 12 June 2014

Bail for ten Nomzamo residents

The ten people arrested during violent clashes between police and Nomzamo (Lwandle) residents during the evictions last week were given a hero’s welcome from supporters when they were released on bail today.

Barbara Maregele

News | 11 June 2014

Renewable energy streetlights could change lives

Nikolas Jankovich is the entrepreneur behind a brand new off-the-grid streetlight developed at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The Twerly, he says, will change people’s lives.

Paul Kennedy

News | 11 June 2014

NUM and Nzimande defence of Zokwana raises questions about transparency for unions

The recent allegations of financial impropriety in the upper ranks of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union are only the latest in a string of similar scandals over the years. And it is little wonder that these have erupted, for many trade unions have transformed themselves into bureaucratic organisations with business links.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 11 June 2014

Unanswered questions about Strand evictions

Ten days after several hundred people were evicted from the Nomzamo (Lwandle) informal settlement near Strand, there is still no clarity about why they were removed.

GroundUp Staff

News | 11 June 2014

Pastor’s victims feared he had supernatural powers

The Khayelitsha pastor accused of rape preyed on needy and vulnerable members of his congregation, the court heard during the bail hearing of Pastor Themba Mathibela.

Johnnie Isaac

News | 10 June 2014

Why is there such great demand for illegal abortions?

Why are illegal abortions so widely advertised and used in South Africa? Ruth Atkinson has been investigating. She shares some of her insights here.

Ruth Atkinson

Analysis | 10 June 2014

Langa DJs for Glastonbury Festival

Two DJs from Cape Town’s Langa Township have been selected as part of the world famous Glastonbury Festival line-up for 2014. It is a great sign for aspiring musicians in townships across South Africa. DJ Fosta and Thibo Tazz discuss what is about to be the biggest moment of their music careers.

Zethu Gqola

News | 10 June 2014

Broken promises and climate of fear at Eastern Cape school

Back in 2012, learners at Moshesh Senior Secondary School, about 35km from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, contacted Equal Education (EE) about the abysmal conditions at their school. Last week, EE returned to Moshesh to see what had changed.

Olivia Murphy

Opinion | 10 June 2014