Human Rights
Dali Mpofu’s “not inconsiderable fees”
I enjoy lawyer jokes, but in my time with the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) the lawyers I worked with didn't fit the stereotype. They often represented TAC pro bono or at reduced fees. They put money aside to fight for justice, especially for poor people. They were also modest. In our high profile cases, the TAC's lawyers were not the centre of attention. Nevertheless, TAC won most of its cases and all the key ones. We were very ably represented.
Nathan Geffen
Opinion | 21 August 2013
Pregnant girls have a right to be in school
Teenage pregnancy and the stigmatisation that accompanies it continue to expose deep seated prejudices that exist in our society. Given the prevailing attitude of vilifying pregnant girls it should come with little surprise that many schools opt for a punitive response by banishing pregnant girls from school.
Lisa Andrews and Lisa Draga
Opinion | 14 August 2013
Autistic child still has to be tied to couch
Three months ago we told the story of Patricia who raises her autistic son, Teko, in a shack in Khayelitsha. Patricia sometimes ties Teko to a couch for his own safety to prevent him wandering off. We followed up to see if life has become easier for them. [Patricia’s and Teko’s names have been changed.]
Nwabisa Pondoyi
News | 7 August 2013
What now for Zimbabweans?
89-year-old President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980, is set to lead the country for yet another five years.
Tariro Washinyira, Mpho Mabhena and GroundUp Staff
News | 6 August 2013
Dying with dignity
Nelson Mandela may not be aware of it but he has got us talking about death; something we have never had the courage to do before. This is certainly a discussion he wanted us to have. As President of the country he appointed the South African Law Commission to write a report on end-of life issues, and it was Nelson Mandela himself who tabled this in parliament.
Sean Davison
Opinion | 6 August 2013
The Kurdish Question: Is a political solution possible?
A process has begun in Turkey which has the potential to find solutions to the Kurdish question.
Mansoor Jaffer
Opinion | 5 August 2013
World Cup or not, Brazilian protesters have had enough
South Africa and Brazil have quite a few things in common. Both are economic powerhouses and members of BRICS. They both play an important role in regional and global affairs acting as political advisors to their nearby countries.
Fabio da Graca
Opinion | 5 August 2013
Don’t be fooled: Zimbabwe’s land reform is no success
It is election day in Zimbabwe. This is a good day to reconsider the Zimbabwean land reform experience and what to make of it, especially as we consider what should be done about land reform in South Africa.
Jack Lewis
Opinion | 31 July 2013
Free and Fair elections
Five years after violence marred the last elections, Zimbabweans are to take to the polls on the 31 July. The question is: will it be a free and fair election?
Nwabisa Pondoyi
Brief | 31 July 2013