Arts and culture

Township residents complain about festive season noise

Some townships residents are fed up with the noise from parties and street bashes that escalate at this time of the year.

Pharie Sefali

News | 19 December 2014

Problems and prejudice face Nigerians in Cape Town

After two months in Cape Town, Oscar (name changed), 40, has decided to go back to Nigeria. Like many of his compatriots, he is tired of the work permit problems and the way Nigerians are treated in South Africa.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 18 December 2014

Teaching Khayelitsha children to swim

Nondumiso Marman used to fear water but now she teaches Khayelitsha children how to swim.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 3 December 2014

Gugulethu showcase of talent

Gugulethu was at a standstill on the weekend when dancers and artists showed their talents at the Community Creative District launch. Houses were turned into art galleries, streets into stages, putting everyone in a jovial mood to see art in their area.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 2 December 2014

Running a vegetable shop from a wheelchair

Lulamile Witbooi lost his legs in a train accident in 1991. Today he runs the “Corner Market”, a thriving fruit and vegetable shop in Zwezwe, Khayelitsha.

Joyce Xi

News | 26 November 2014

Abuse allegations against Philippi farmer

Thirteen workers from a farm in Philippi have accused their employer of contract breaches, unfair dismissal and abuse. But farm owner Edgar Meyer denies the allegations, and says that the proper dismissal process was followed.

Thembela Ntongana

News | 24 November 2014

Urban initiates: are the teachings still relevant?

In many African cultures, boys from age 14 must go through the process of initiation, where they are circumcised in order to be recognized as men by the community. But how relevant is the ceremony for today’s urban youth and are the traditions being upheld in the cities?

Pharie Sefali

News | 20 November 2014

Dancing to a better future

Dance is fast becoming a tool used for building confidence and self-expression among kids. Zethu Gqola looks at some of the top township-based dance schools that have for years provided a supportive space for children.

Zethu Gqola

News | 20 November 2014

We know how to bear hardships, says Chinese trader in Khayelitsha

Next to a small fruit stand and across the street from a hodgepodge of street vendors, Cuiyi Lin sits in front of her furniture store every day waiting for customers. She is the only non-African in the area.

Joyce Xi

Feature | 19 November 2014

Making a go of graphics in Gugulethu

Bheki Kunene started his own business, Mind Trix Media, in 2009 with just R600 and a computer. Today he has eight employees and clients across the globe.

Siyabonga Kalipa

News | 18 November 2014

Tokolos collective graffiti bomb Sea Point Ray-Bans

Guerrilla graffiti artist group Tokolos Stencil Collective struck again on Monday night, this time targeting Michael Elion’s controversial giant Ray-Ban sunglasses on Sea Point promenade.

Brent Meersman

Brief | 18 November 2014

Games that township kids play

Three cans, an old pantihose or rope and a handful of stones. These are the ingredients you need to have a whole day of outdoor fun, no matter what age.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 14 November 2014

Real art makes the privileged uncomfortable

Several Cape Town landmarks have been defaced in recent weeks. Here members of The Tokolos Stencil Collective explain why they have done this.

Members of the Tokolos Stencil Collective

Opinion | 13 November 2014

Who is behind Confessions of a Bisexual Chick?

A year ago, Ntombikayise Matyumza of Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape started a Facebook page aimed at gay and lesbian youth. Today she has more than 14,000 followers across the country.

Pharie Sefali

News | 12 November 2014

Tokolosies graffitti bomb Brundyn+ gallery

On Thursday, staff at the Brundyn+ gallery in Buitengracht found that their building had been graffiti bombed by one of the art collectives, tokolos-stencils, invited to exhibit work at the gallery this month.

GroundUp Staff

News | 6 November 2014

Township based bands are music to the ears of youth

Zethu Gqola looks at four bands from the townships that have gone overseas, released high-selling albums and have come back to inspire their communities, mentoring the youth and getting children back in school.

Zethu Gqola

News | 6 November 2014