Human Rights

Defence asks for discharge in Peter trial

The State has not proved “beyond reasonable doubt” that Social Justice Coalition activist Angy Peter and her co-accused are responsible for the assault and murder of Rowan Du Preez, the defence argued in the Cape High court yesterday.

Barbara Maregele

News | 10 June 2014

Miserable day for people who lost homes, but baby rumoured to be dead is alive

It’s cold and raining in Cape Town tonight. Ice particles formed on the ground outside the Nomzamo Community Hall in Strand where hundreds of residents, whose homes were demolished over the last two days, are sheltering.

Pharie Sefali and GroundUp staff

News | 4 June 2014

Videos from Strand demolitions

Here are two short video clips from the demolitions of people's homes that took place in Strand yesterday.

Adam Armstrong

News | 4 June 2014

Fix our healthcare system so that we may live!

Access to the Constitution and constitutional education in isiXhosa is not an an added extra—it is a constitutional right, argue Tim Hodgson and Mluleki Marongo.

Tim Hodgson and Mluleki Marongo

Opinion | 4 June 2014

Community desperate as their homes are demolished

Hundreds of people were left homeless at Nomzamo settlement in Strand on Tuesday. Shacks were smashed down while their owners watched.

Pharie Sefali and Adam Armstrong

News | 4 June 2014

Accusations fly as Strand homes demolished

“The law is the law” said a spokesman for the South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) yesterday as hundreds were left homeless in the rain after the demolition of their shacks on SANRAL-owned land near Strand.

Barbara Maregele and Adam Armstrong

Feature | 4 June 2014

Water

For many Cape Town residents, getting clean water is a daily effort. And in some parts of the city, polluted canals run alongside people's houses.

Masixole Feni

News | 3 June 2014

Water

For many Cape Town residents, getting clean water is a daily effort. And in some parts of the city, polluted canals run alongside people's houses.

Masixole Feni

News | 3 June 2014

An interesting life: a chat with World War II veteran Simmy Lewis

Simmy Lewis is 96 and a South African veteran of World War II. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, GroundUp spoke to Lewis about the war, his views on race and living with increasing frailty.

Introduction written by Nathan Geffen. Camera and video editing by Neo Sithole

News | 2 June 2014

City to fix filthy Khayelitsha toilets

The foul smell of stagnant sewage water and the sight of vandalised toilet seats covered in faeces are part of the daily lives of residents of PJS section in Khayelitsha who live close to the toilets.

Barbara Maregele

News | 30 May 2014

Angy Peter: Court hears closing arguments in trial-within-a-trial

The "dying declaration" allegedly made to police by Rowan du Preez, who was kidnapped and murdered, should be regarded as hearsay, the defence told the Cape High Court during closing arguments in the case against Angy Peter yesterday morning.

Barbara Maregele

News | 30 May 2014

As Khayelitsha inquiry closes, crucial police documents still not submitted

The police have been inefficient In Khayelitsha. This was the concession of police lawyers at the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry during its final public hearing yesterday.

Adam Armstrong

News | 30 May 2014

Sex workers’ advocacy group demands justice from leading art auction house

Stephan Welz of art auction house Strauss & Co has apologised for suggesting that murder charges against artist Zwelethu Mthethwa might boost sales of his work.

Joy Shan

News | 30 May 2014

Angy Peter trial: Court hears that evidence submitted by police was incorrect

The Angy Peter case resumed on Monday with a brief but significant submission from Nobuntu Sifuba, a member of the Street Committee in the area where Rowan Du Preez lived.

Adam Armstrong

News | 27 May 2014

City’s homeless brace for winter

It’s just before 7pm and the dining hall of the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point has filled with people--most waiting to get their first meal for the day.

Barbara Maregele

News | 27 May 2014

How South Africa is faring in the provision of free basic services

Many poor communities are still not getting adequate access to free basic services. This is despite the government’s set of policies aimed at helping municipalities to provide these services.

Koketso Moeti

News | 26 May 2014