GroundUp

The Tribute to the Human Spirit Exhibition outside Jagger Library. Photo supplied. After the flames that gutted the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on 18 April 2021 were finally extinguished, the archives were thought to be lost. The Reading Room, where researchers could study some of the rare African books available from the short-loans desk, had been … [Read more...] about Restoring UCT’s burnt archives will take years

Access gates installed by Siyangena at Cape Town Station never worked. Archive photo: Kim Reynolds Commuter activist organisation #UniteBehind is joining the SCA appeal between PRASA and Siyangena Technology after doubts were raised about PRASA’s commitment to the matter. Leaked minutes indicated that PRASA was quietly seeking a R3.1-billion settlement with Siyangena, despite … [Read more...] about Doubts over PRASA’s commitment to uphold High Court corruption judgment

Learners and Equal Education members picket outside the Eastern Cape Department of Education in Zwelitsha on Wednesday. They are opposing proposed amendments to the minimum norms and standards for public school infrastructure. Photo: Johnnie Isaac Scores of learners and Equal Education members donned their school uniforms on Wednesday and marched to the Eastern Cape Department … [Read more...] about Learners protest against “drastic and unacceptable” changes to school infrastructure law

Bayland informal settlement residents protest in Gqeberha on Wednesday afternoon, demanding electricity and other basic services. Photo: Mkhuseli Sizani About 500 Bayland informal settlement residents blocked the R75 Uitenhage Road in Gqeberha with branches, rocks, uprooted street lights and pipes late on Wednesday. They were demanding that the municipality install electricity … [Read more...] about “Our children play in fields full of poop and pee” says protester

The Crossroads taxi rank in Motherwell, Gqeberha, was operating as usual on Thursday despite an attempted shutdown. Photo: Joseph Chirume An attempt by taxi drivers to shut down parts of Gqeberha on Thursday morning was foiled by police. Taxi drivers, angry about petrol price hikes, burned tyres and used their taxis – about 20 vehicles – to block roads in the northern areas of … [Read more...] about Police foil taxi protest over price of fuel