Support local music: Get these excellent new albums

The past two weeks have been an exciting time for all music lovers, with album releases of many genres making their way onto local airwaves. You can support local artists and listen to their fresh new sounds by buying their work. Below are five exceptional albums you definitely need to get your hands on!

Zethu Gqola

News | 17 July 2014

Why the sun will continue to burn in Langa

Last Wednesday, Langa erupted into massive protest that locked down the area with no way in or out of the township. To many, it seemed like the anger came from nowhere – yet frustration has been simmering here for months if not years.

Jared Sacks

Opinion | 17 July 2014

Poo carriers found not guilty

Hundreds of Ses'khona members sang victory songs today as their leaders walked out of the Cape Town Magistrate court free.

Pharie Sefali

News | 16 July 2014

HRC: Cape Town’s chemical toilets violate human rights

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has found that the City of Cape Town's roll out of chemical toilets unfairly discriminates against “black African” people, and violates the rights to basic sanitation and dignity of informal settlement residents.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 16 July 2014

Judges Matter: the process is broken, so let’s fix it

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

Teachers, students and parents demand toilets and libraries for schools

“Our school has four pit-toilets, two for the boys and two for the girls”, Yonela Jumba says. “These toilets are also used by the teachers.”

Koketso Moeti

News | 16 July 2014

“Police were firing and I ran for cover”

An eye-witness to the eviction of hundreds of Nomzamo residents in June described the “chaotic” scene to the ministerial inquiry this morning.

Barbara Maregele

News | 15 July 2014

Will MyCiti change transport for Khayelitsha?

After the launch of the MyCiti bus route from Khayelitsha to the city centre last Saturday, GroundUp journalist Pharie Sefali took the bus in during morning and afternoon rush hours.

Pharie Sefali

News | 15 July 2014

Judges Matter: transforming the judiciary

Twenty-two civil society organisations have launched a coalition to lobby for transformation in the judiciary.

Michelle Korte

News | 15 July 2014

Do wage increases lead to greater inequality?

Recent articles in GroundUp by Gilad Isaacs on the conclusions to be drawn from the long platinum strike have prompted a vigorous debate about the nature of inequality in South Africa. Here economist Mike Schussler argues that demands for higher wages will lead to more inequality, not less.

Mike Schussler

Opinion | 15 July 2014

Death with dignity not only a debate for developed countries

Desmond Tutu's support for assisted dying made headlines across the world this week, and brought the debate into the mainstream in South Africa.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 15 July 2014

How a Steenberg woman is helping victims of domestic violence

For the past 17 years Moriedah Dien has been a volunteer at the Steenberg police station Victim Support Room, assisting anyone who has experienced crime. Now she wants to establish a proper safe house for women who are victims of domestic violence.

Yazeed Kamaldien

News | 15 July 2014

Growing vegetables in the oddest place

Thabani Marhanjana is growing a vegetable garden in an unusal place - on the roof of a two-story building in Makhaza, Khayelitsha.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 15 July 2014

Lwandle inquiry begins

The ministerial inquiry into the eviction of hundreds of informal settlement residents in Nomzamo near Lwandle Strand began today.

Barbara Maregele

News | 14 July 2014

COSATU says Metrorail blocked their members from travelling to protest

On Saturday, 12 July, COSATU held a demonstration at Cape Town Station to demand improved train service and that Metrorail lower fares to the same as before the recent ticket price increase.

Joy Shan

News | 14 July 2014

Over-population is not the problem

“The misery of people here is very great, with beggars innumerable and increasing every day....pigs and calves live better than they.” That rhyming comment could apply to the legions of the poor in many parts of the world today. And South Africa is no exception.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 14 July 2014