‘How am I free if I still go to bed hungry?’
The triple threat of inequality, poverty and unemployment means more than 18 million South Africans depend on social grants to feed their families, try to find work and travel for healthcare.
Stories by: Nomfundo Xolo
Engen explosion latest in line of grievances
Environmental activists and residents in South Durban have long been asking for stricter environmental policies to clear the polluted air they breathe every day.
Lake fishers fight to maintain subsistence catch
Small-scale fishers in northern KwaZulu-Natal are demanding justice from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority after rangers allegedly shot and killed a resident who was fishing in St Lucia Lake.
Mining brings death and division to KwaZulu-Natal
The proposed expansion of Somkhele anthracite mine has pitted residents against each other, with those against it stunned into silence after the murder of Fikile Ntshangase.
Migrant street traders worse off after lockdown
In Durban, migrant street traders struggling to recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic face municipal red tape and hostile policing.
Breathless between Covid-19 and pollution
Residents in South Durban fear they will more easily succumb to the virus because of being chronically exposed to deadly fumes emitted by the surrounding oil and gas refineries.
Zandile Gumede’s appointment disregards the public interest
In the face of popular outrage, the ANC says its ‘woman-empowering decision’ to deploy the former eThekwini mayor facing charges of corruption is to maintain stability ahead of local elections in 2021.
eKhenana residents are tilling for freedom
Residents of a land occupation in eThekwini are working to produce their own food. They are also getting into class to empower themselves with knowledge.
‘We cannot celebrate Youth Month’
Young activists in KwaZulu-Natal are stepping up in the face of intimidation and hostility to advocate around issues ranging from women’s rights to HIV and Aids, economic inequality and albinism.
Lockdown threat to KZN small-scale fishers
The struggles of fisherfolk in KwaZulu-Natal have worsened during the Covid-19 lockdown and while they have been allowed to return to the pier, they say it has been difficult to gain access.
Merciless evictions continue in Durban
Deaf to the desperate pleas of Ekuphumeleleni residents, the eThekwini municipality continues to demolish their shacks as the Covid-19 lockdown takes other terrible tolls.
Women’s hostel dwellers want housing
Residents at Thokoza Women’s Hostel, who earn a living through street trading, say better living conditions could improve their small businesses and keep their children safe.
Selloane Moeti paints the black woman’s journey
The multi-award winning fine artist and performer draws strongly on her dreams and spirituality to create inspiring portraits of female strength and worth.
Abahlali rejects draft bill on expropriation
The shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has taken a firm stance on land expropriation without compensation, insisting that it has to favour the landless and not the elite.
Shack dwellers demand fair land distribution
Abahlali baseMjondolo is challenging the draft bill to amend Section 25 of the Constitution, to include the rights of women and the impoverished in the fair expropriation of land.
Lindelani women endure decades of oppression
The women of the shack settlement north of Durban say they have been politically excluded and ignored by the municipality since the 1980s, leading to the rise of a ‘feminised revolution’.
Hostel dwellers resent undignified living conditions
Three men’s hostels in the Durban area, despite attempts to convert them into family units, are still last-choice homes for many seeking accommodation closer to the city.
Glebe residents fear violent death at any time
Eight men are on trial for acts of violence in Glebelands hostel, but its residents feel that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
People with albinism live in constant fear
In northern KwaZulu-Natal, those with the congenital condition that affects their pigmentation are always fearful – and the police do little to protect them.
Another attack on the eKhenana land occupation
The Anti-Land-Invasion Unit has attacked the eKhenana land occupation in Cato Crest, in Durban, again.
“We are only good for votes” say Cato Crest families
In eKhenana, a new land occupation in Durban, people say that they are not recognised as human beings.