I’m a lesbian sangoma from Nyanga

I was raised in a township that is known for its murders, rapes, hate crimes and robberies. Nyanga molded me with a strong personality, but has left me with challenges that will forever be rubbed in my face by those who see my sexuality as satanic.

Pharie Sefali

Opinion | 9 July 2015

Why selection of next Concourt judge is a big deal

The Judicial Service Commission is interviewing four candidates for the Constitutional Court today and tomorrow (9 and 10 July). Alison Tilley of the Open Democracy Advice Centre explains why this week's process matters so much.

Alison Tilley

Opinion | 9 July 2015

Bellville traders divided over City’s actions

Attempts by the City to crack down on informal traders at the Bellville taxi rank who don’t have permits have been welcomed by those who do.

Siphesihle Matyila

News | 9 July 2015

Victory for consumers as court rules against salary deductions

Single mother and sole breadwinner Lisinda Bailey became tearful in court after Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai declared the deductions which had been made from her salary were “invalid and unlawful.”

Barbara Maregele

News | 8 July 2015

Outrage as rape accused gets bail

Residents of Mpophomeni in Howick are up in arms after a man accused of the rape of two seven year old girls was granted bail.

Ntombi Ngubane

News | 8 July 2015

Ambitious plans for Philippi

Starting in September, the Philippi Economic Development Initiative has plans to turn the Philippi area into a “vibrant urban hub”.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 8 July 2015

Is Operation Fiela to be extended?

Operation Fiela was instituted in May for two months in response to xenophobic violence in Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) carry out its raids.

Mariska Morris

News | 7 July 2015

“I chose to stay when most people are leaving, but someone has to stay behind to fight” - Zimbabwean student activist

Passmore Nyakureba is the national chair of ZimRights in Zimbabwe. He spoke at Equal Education’s second congress on Monday (6 July) about the dire conditions thousands of Zimbabweans face daily.

Barbara Maregele and GroundUp Staff

News | 7 July 2015

Union goes to highest court in fight for survival

The Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural & Allied Workers Union (CSAAWU) has approached the Constitutional Court to overturn decisions by the Labour Court ordering the union to pay legal fees amounting to R600,000.

Mariska Morris

News | 7 July 2015

Close down deadly tavern, demand protesters

Over 200 young people in Khayelitsha marched to Harare Police at 11am today (6 July 2015) to demand the closure of Osi’s Place, a local tavern.

Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik

News | 6 July 2015

Novels by South Africa’s Dickens given new life

“Alex La Guma has come home.” With those words, a visibly emotional Blanche La Guma last weekend received the first book, “hot off the presses” containing three of her late husband’s best-known novels, all of them banned in the apartheid era. The occasion was the initial launch of Alex La Guma - a colossus revisited at the literary festival in the small Western Cape resort town of Montagu.

Terry Bell

News | 6 July 2015

Ambitious student documentary explores apartheid murder

On 3 July 1985 Johannes “Papi” Spogter, who was only 15, was dragged out of his home in the middle of the night by police. Earlier that day he had taken part in a UDF demonstration against the murder of the Cradock four. Shortly after the demonstration Spogter witnessed the police shoot dead 19-year-old Mzwandile “Zed” Miggels, who organised the march and was a leader in the UDF.

Shadi Garman

News | 6 July 2015

Mining - coming to a protected area near you

On 28 May 2015 the Traditional Healers Organisation laid criminal charges against mining company Aquila Steel SA (Pty) Ltd and three of its directors for illegally causing extensive damage to one of South Africa’s most sacred cultural sites.

Tracey Davies

Opinion | 6 July 2015

“Teachers suffer as we suffer. But we need to hold them accountable,, Dwane tells education activists

Equal Education members from across the country gathered at the opening ceremony for the organisation's second triennial National Congress on Saturday. The main theme of the four-day event underway at the University of the Western Cape in Bellville is "Building our democratic movement for education justice and equality."

Barbara Maragele and GroundUp Staff

News | 6 July 2015