Civil Society

Young man behind Limpopo computer training centre

William Makgaba is an example of a young South African who is actively involved in developing his community.

Koketso Moeti

News | 7 February 2014

The week in political activism

This week we have reports from Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), SECTION27, Medecins Sans Frontieres, SERI, the residents of Slovo Park, Lawyers for Human Rights, Wits Justice Project and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Compiled by Brent Meersman

News | 6 February 2014

Less than 2km of Upington street paved after a year

An expanded public works project in Upington to pave three streets of 1.8km is incomplete a year later and no account can be given of the project by the Department of Public Works, the local municipality, or the responsible councillor.

Selby Nomnganga

News | 5 February 2014

Vavi attends Commission - will submit affidavit

Zwelinzima Vavi, the suspended General Secretary of COSATU, was present at the Khayelitsha Commission today. He will submit an affidavit to the Commission.

Adam Armstrong

Brief | 3 February 2014

Can Khayelitsha be policed?

The Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry has entered its third week. Its aim is to investigate the allegations that SAPS have been inefficient in their policing of Khayelitsha and that there has been a breakdown in police-community relations.

Adam Armstrong

Opinion | 3 February 2014

When a police van hit and killed our child

This is a shortened transcript of a witness testimony given at the Khayelitsha Commission last week.

Transcript from Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry

News | 3 February 2014

The week in political activism

This week we cover Corruption Watch, the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry and protests over the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Brent Meersman

News | 29 January 2014

Lawyer to Home Affairs: treatment of asylum seekers is irresponsible, hard-hearted, incompetent

Hundreds of asylum seekers who have been living in Cape Town for more than five years and have renewed their documents more than twelve times are now undocumented. They may lose their work. They no longer have access to health, education, and bank accounts. And they are vulnerable to arrest, detention and deportation.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 29 January 2014

Pharma plot has consequences for the blind

If a secret plot by foreign pharmaceutical companies and their local subsidiaries to delay South Africa's IP policy process until after the elections succeeds, non-pharmaceutical sectors will also be affected.

Marcus Low

Opinion | 29 January 2014

Commissioner klaps SAPS for inefficiency

At the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry, the morning got off to a rocky start for the SAPS legal counsel with Chairperson Justice Kate O’Regan again verbally reprimanding them.

Adam Armstrong

News | 27 January 2014

Most of Khayelitsha is policeable

At the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry, Phumeza Mlungwana has given evidence.

Adam Armstrong

News | 27 January 2014

Activists protest in solidarity with Dasnois

About 40 protesters gathered outside the Cape Town CCMA offices this morning in solidarity with Alide Dasnois, former Cape Times editor.

Sibusiso Tshabalala

News | 24 January 2014

Harrowing testimony about vigilante killing

This morning the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry heard disturbing accounts of vigilante justice.

Adam Armstrong

News | 24 January 2014

SAPS accused of being disrespectful to Commission

Hearings and submissions of oral evidence started at the Commission of Inquiry in Khayelitsha today. The hall at Lookout Hill was packed with member of the Social Justice Coalition, residents of Khayelitsha, academics and journalists.

Adam Armstrong

News | 23 January 2014

Opening statement on behalf of the complainant organisations at the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry

Opening statement on behalf of the complainant organisations at the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry into allegations of police inefficiency in Khayelitsha and a breakdown in relations between the community and police in Khayelitsha.

Peter Hathorn, Ncumisa Mayosi, Michael Bishop

Opinion | 23 January 2014

Will the cars be safe here?

It was another sweltering hot day as the Commission of Inquiry continued its inspections around Khayelitsha. Crime hotspots and locations for community courts were visited. These include Nkanini, Harare Park and Ilitha Park.

Adam Armstrong

News | 23 January 2014