News
Artist Zwelethu Mthethwa up for murder: trial begins
On Tuesday, the murder trial of artist Zwelethu Mthethwa finally began after numerous postponements. Mthethwa is accused of killing Nokuphila Kumalo, a sex worker, and kicking her with his booted feet. Mthethwa is pleading not guilty to the charge which has a minimum sentence of 15 years.
Ashleigh Furlong
News | 3 June 2015
Mfuleni school kids taught in a shack
As Cape Town weather gets worse, some Grade R learners from Mfuleni are being taught in a cold leaking shack with just one toilet, because there is insufficient space for them in a proper school.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 3 June 2015
Imizamo Yethu residents brace for cold winds and heavy rains
Richard Ngcongolo is one of thousands of informal settlement residents across Cape Town whose homes are left waterlogged by heavy rainfall during the winter months. Ngcongolo, a resident of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, huddles around a small paraffin heater while three large plastic buckets fill with water dripping through the roof of his two-room shack.
Barbara Maregele
News | 3 June 2015
Battling to be accepted in South Africa
Being accepted in South Africa is hard for foreigners, say Ethiopians living in Cape Town.
Christine Ayela
News | 2 June 2015
Philippi: What’s behind the violence?
Philippi has been struck by violence this past week. At least three people have died, including 68-year-old Karel Dilgee who was struck by a stone while driving. There have also been five attempted murders and two houses destroyed by fire. Several cars and at least one Golden Arrow bus have been set alight. Ten people have been arrested, charged with public violence. Residents from neighbouring areas, Marikana and Lower Crossroads, have been fighting with each other. What is causing the violence between these communities?
Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik and GroundUp Staff
News | 1 June 2015
Activists to Mthethwa: “Who gave you the right to kill a sex worker?”
On Monday the murder trial of renowned artist Zwelethu Mthethwa was postponed again in the Western Cape High Court. Mthethwa is accused of murdering Nokuphila Kumalo, 23, who was a sex worker in Woodstock, on 14 April 2013.
Ashleigh Furlong
News | 1 June 2015
Residents clash in Philippi
Violence has erupted between residents of Lower Crossroads and the Marikana settlement in Philippi East. Today police shot rubber bullets and stun grenades at a group of protesters from Lower Crossroads apparently to prevent them attacking Marikana.
Nombulelo Damba
News | 29 May 2015
Marikana: Commuter killed and councillor’s house burnt down
Protests over service delivery for the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East have turned violent. An ANC ward councillor’s house was set alight earlier today, allegedly by protesters from Marikana. Police have also opened a case of murder after a man died on the way to hospital after his car was stoned.
Nombulelo Damba
News | 28 May 2015