GroundUp

City school children face a choice between being mugged or crossing the freeway as criminals haunt pedestrian bridges

By Matthew Hirsch/GroundUp

The death of a primary school child on the way to school in Walmer Estate, Cape Town, on 11 April has highlighted the choice young children face: risk getting mugged on a pedestrian bridge, or dodge rush-hour traffic. … Read more

Cape Town mayor concerned about the lack of a clear timeline

Matthew Hirsch/GroundUp

An eviction order against dozens of people occupying land at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is being sought by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), which owns the land. … Read more

Dreams of returning home to Bishopscourt, one of the most expensive suburbs in Cape Town today, are a step closer for 86 families evicted during apartheid. This after an appeal against the Protea Village restitution housing project was withdrawn.

The Friends of Liesbeek Association had brought a town planning appeal on environmental grounds.… Read more

• Gary Trappler, an attorney, allegedly slashed a Green Point resident’s car tyres more than three years ago.

• The case against Trappler was initially withdrawn, but the introduction of CCTV footage has seen the case reinstated.

• However, the case has been postponed because the magistrate was absent.

They withstood apartheid removals, now District Six families fight eviction by private owner

• Six original District Six cottages now face the threat of developer’s bulldozers.
• The row of Victorian cottages in District Six survived apartheid demolition after a Catholic religious order begged for their protection.

Councillor Alex Lansdowne, who chairs the mayoral advisory committee for water quality in wetlands and waterways, lists 30 key achievements by the City of Cape Town, implemented together with partners and community organisations, to clean up Cape Town’s wetlands and waterways over the last year.

“I just cried underneath the water,” says homeless woman after first hot shower in ages

South Africa’s first “wash bus” for the homeless is set to launch on Friday. Named Nina Manzi, the colourful bus has four hot water showers and four toilets divided for male and female use.… Read more