The week in political activism
This week, we cover the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry, what’s happening in education and the patent wars.
Brent Meersman and GroundUp Staff
News | 22 January 2014
Penumbra: an extract from Songeziwe Mahlangu’s debut novel
Penumbra arose out of Songeziwe Mahlangu’s MA in Creative Writing at Rhodes University. Set in Cape Town, it is the story of a restless young graduate, Mangaliso Zolo, working at an alienating office job for a large corporate insurance company. He suffers from mental illness, most probably schizophrenia, and the reader follows him on the chaotic journey of his mind for several days through the university southern suburbs.
Songeziwe Mahlangu
News | 22 January 2014
Khayelitsha refuse collectors angry at working conditions
Since starting in November, some Khayelitsha refuse collectors say they still haven’t received uniforms or protective gear to wear while doing their jobs. Their employer says it is all lies.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 22 January 2014
SASSA fails to pay grants on time in Gugulethu and Mitchell’s Plain
There is a large backlog in social grant payments at South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) branches in Gugulethu and Mitchell's Plain. Beneficiaries who have not received their grants in months are accusing the state agency of incompetence.
Pharie Sefali
News | 22 January 2014
Home Affairs violates court order - man arrested despite effort to be lawful
A 21-year-old Somali man, Ibrahim Abdulkhadir from Malmesbury, was turned away from the Cape Town Refugee Reception Offices (RRO) on 5 July 2012 and denied an opportunity to collect his asylum document and legalise his stay in the country.
Tariro Washinyira
Feature | 22 January 2014
Commission tours police stations and crime hotspot
It was a scorching hot day in Khayelitsha today, as the Commission of Inquiry into policing, led by Justice Kate O'Regan and Advocate Vusi Pikoli, got underway.
Adam Armstrong
Brief | 22 January 2014
Police detain Zimbabweans for over 15 days
Three Zimbabwean men were detained at Richmond Police Station for over 15 days for being in the country unlawfully. The police were apparently waiting upon Immigration Services of the Department of Home Affairs to deport the men.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 22 January 2014
Understanding the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry
The Commission of Inquiry into policing in Khayelitsha starts today. Here’s a quick and simple guide to it.
Adam Armstrong
News | 21 January 2014
Is SAPS intimidating the Social Justice Coalition?
Is the South African Police Service actively trying to intimidate those who campaigned for the Commission of Inquiry into Policing Khayelitsha? A few suspicious incidents suggest they are.
Adam Armstrong
News | 21 January 2014