Gangsterism out of hand in Khayelitsha

Between Premier Helen Zille calling for the deployment of an army and some Cape Town gangs deciding to end the violence, Khayelitsha is singing a different tune with teenage gangsters taking the violence to a new level.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 1 August 2012

Cape High Court rules closure of refugee centre was unreasonable and irrational

On Wednesday 25 July, Judge Dennis Davis of the Cape High Court ruled in favour of continued access to the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office (CTRRO) for new asylum applicants.

Veronica Washaya

Brief | 1 August 2012

Zimbabweans work together to repatriate the dead

There is a large Zimbabwean community in Cape Town. When members die, their friends and family usually want them to be buried back home in Zimbabwe.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 1 August 2012

Helping Khayelitsha’s children escape gang violence

The youth of Khayelitsha have been infected with a terrible "disease of gang violence"--as ‘Big Guy’, a radio presenter from Radio Zibonele called it--that is destroying tomorrow’s leaders. It is not hardened gangsters who are involved but children, some as young as 13.

Axolile Notywala

Opinion | 1 August 2012

My Vote Counts campaign launched

This past Saturday, 28 July, saw the launch of the ‘My Vote Counts’ campaign. The event took place at the District Six Museum in Cape Town and was attended by more than 40 social activists, all of whom participated in their personal capacities. The occasion was marked by speeches from veteran activist Zackie Achmat, director of Cape Town-based social justice organisation Ndifuna Ukwazi, and well-known cartoonist Jonathan ‘Zapiro’ Shapiro.

Fritz Schoon

Opinion | 1 August 2012

Interview with Zimbabwean Olympian who ran against Usain Bolt

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games opened in London on 27 July 2012. GroundUp interviewed Brian Dzingai who raced against Usain Bolt in the 200 metres at the Beijing Olympics. Dzingai is fom Zimbabwe, but is currently located in Paris.

Veronica Washaya

News | 1 August 2012

Cape Town’s determined small business owners

Most young people living in Cape Town's townships are unemployed and have little chance of getting a job.

GroundUp Editor

News | 25 July 2012

Immigrants at work: IT repair shop in Gardens

Admire Siya is just 25-years old and from Zimbabwe. He has set up an IT shop in his home in Gardens.

Veronica Washaya

News | 25 July 2012

“I don’t do this for fun” - Road-side window cleaner

Many drivers get irritated with the youths who, without asking for permission first, wash their windscreens at traffic lights.

Nokubonga Yawa

News | 25 July 2012

A spaza shop “just to keep busy”

For most people, opening a spaza shop is a small business venture to earn an income. For Richard Handel, it is just to keep busy.

Mary-Anne Gontsana

News | 25 July 2012

Immigrants at work: Hair salon and cosmetics shop in Parow

Prince Ikenna came to South Africa from Nigeria in 2010 and has set up a successful salon and cosmetics business.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 25 July 2012

Immigrants at work: Making ends meet as a cab driver

Tinashe Nhidza is a 35-year-old Zimbabwean taxi cab driver operating in Cape Town.

Veronica Washaya

News | 25 July 2012

Site B’s vetkoek hub

Makazi’s take away is a busy shack that constantly has a line of customers waiting outside to be served their vetkoek (fat cakes).

Mary-Jane Matsolo

News | 25 July 2012

Immigrants at work: The Parow flea market

Cameroon-born Desmond Chia is a stall owner at the Parow flea market. The harsh weather Cape Town has recently seen makes it hard for him to run his business.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 25 July 2012

“We’ll come back to Cape Town” - Manchester United players

On Saturday, Manchester United played Ajax in Cape Town as one of their pre-season training friendly matches.

Margo Fortune

News | 25 July 2012

Selling building material

Lucas Manya works at a stand selling building material in Makhaza, Khayelitsha.

Nokubonga Yawa

Brief | 25 July 2012