When people think of gangs in the townships of Cape Town, they mostly picture young boys and men -- the Vato, Vura, Hardlivings, Palestinians and such. But there are also female gangs, rarely noticed, because they act differently from the male gangs. GroundUp went to talk to some of the “babes”.
Pharie Sefali
News | 18 September 2014
As we celebrate the second Global Female Condom Day on 16 September 2014, I join the celebrations with a wide smile and confidence, writes Nokhwezi Hoboyi.
Nokhwezi Hoboyi
News | 16 September 2014
This week in activism we cover the symposium on torture hosted by the Wits Justice Project, the march by Equal Education for better sanitation for schools in Gauteng, and the ‘What if Women’ challenge by WHEAT.
Thembela Ntongana
News | 11 September 2014
This week in political activism we look at calls for help from Grahamstown, the plight of coal communities, a symposium on gender equality, and documenting the struggles of four informal settlements in South Africa.
Thembela Ntongana
News | 27 August 2014
72-year-old Nomzamo Mbete is determined to do her bit to help young township girls through dance.
Pharie Sefali
News | 21 August 2014
Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) has staged a photo exhibition at its head office in Observatory, Cape Town, aimed at the ignorance and prejudice that comes with being labelled a sex worker.
Simbonile Mkwambi
News | 20 August 2014
A gay man from the DRC claims the Congolese community in South Africa will not rest until they kill him. Junior Miteo Kalonji, 34, wept hard as he talked about his life. GroundUp had to stop the interview three times when he broke down.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 19 August 2014
Lydia Ntonga, 25, will not allow the loss of her eyesight to hold her back. With courage and help from Cape Town Society for the Blind and The League of Friends of the Blind she is determined to get what she wants from life.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 19 August 2014
As homophobic discrimination continues to sweep across the African continent, we should be acutely mindful of the diverse ways it harms societies. While we are most aware of the direct effect homophobic physical violence has on sexual minority groups, it is also crucial that we be cognisant of the many insidious ways stigma and discrimination impact not only on sexual minorities but society at large.
Andrew Tucker
Opinion | 11 August 2014
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) this morning confirmed that it is investigating claims of police officers dragging a gay Congolese man to a back room of Claremont police station and beating him with metal poles.
Daneel Knoetze
News | 28 July 2014
For many South Africans, the practice of traditional circumcision is vital for males if they wish their community to regard them as men and no longer boys. For most it is a significant experience, but for some it can be unbearable.
Pharie Sefali
News | 23 July 2014
This week we explore local protests against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, a human rights awareness clinic, and a month-long campaign to expose rape culture.
Michelle Korte
News | 17 July 2014
South Africa needs greater public participation in the appointment of judges, say members of the Judges Matter coalition formed last month.
Michelle Korte
News | 16 July 2014
Twenty-two civil society organisations have launched a coalition to lobby for transformation in the judiciary.
Michelle Korte
News | 15 July 2014
Junior Nsamia Mayema, 25, of Democratic Republic of Congo and Flavirina Naze, 32, from Burundi are refugees and activists. They have endured both xenophobia and homophobia. It has also been challenging for them to integrate with the South African lesbian and gay community.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 27 June 2014
Too few gay men engage in gay issues, gay activist Sibusiso Nquqeka of Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Project told the audience at a memorial service this week for two murdered women.
Pharie Sefali
News | 25 June 2014