GroundUp

The judgment in the case brought by Eric Lolo (above) against the Drakenstein Municipality over emergency housing has been outstanding for 16 months now. Archive photo: Barbara Maregele It’s been 16 months since Acting Judge Bernard Martin reserved judgment in the matter over emergency housing for many destitute families facing evictions in the Drakenstein … [Read more...] about Crucial housing judgment still outstanding after 16 months. Judiciary has failed to explain why

The Constitution says that every accused person has a right to “have their trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay”. Illustration: Lisa Nelson A lack of access to justice is a reality for many people in South Africa, felt most acutely by poor people. Top of the list of problems is endless postponements of cases resulting in lengthy delays, especially in criminal … [Read more...] about Endless court postponements deny justice to poor people

The Constitutional Court has given legal recognition to Muslim women married in terms of Sharia law, and also their children. Archive photo: Ashraf Hendricks The Constitutional Court has the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling that the Marriage Act and the Divorce Act are unconstitutional for failing to recognise Muslim marriages. The Women’s Legal Centre Trust and Muslim … [Read more...] about Marriages under Islamic law given legal status

Residents of Kuyga township in Gqeberha have been protesting because sewage has been overflowing into homes. Photos: Mkhuseli Sizani Hundreds of residents in Kuyga township in Gqeberha have been protesting for three days. They demanded that the municipality upgrade the sewerage system and electrify shacks in the area. Residents say their homes have been flooded with … [Read more...] about “Our living conditions are disgusting and dehumanising”

Asiphe Shologu, 26, and two other family members died from burns from a fire at this shack in Mfuleni. “People kept on calling her to get out, but she refused until all four children were out,” says neighbour. Photo: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik A family in Mfuleni has lost three members in a shack fire. Two other members are still fighting for their lives in hospital. The fire … [Read more...] about Woman dies trying to save her family