Author name: Scott Balson

The Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF) has condemned recent protests blocking foreign nationals from accessing healthcare, calling claims that undocumented migrants are overwhelming public hospitals “misinformation.” SAROF Chairperson Eric Jean Butoki spoke in an interview, addressing the human cost of ongoing demonstrations led by groups such as Operation Dudula and March on March. Protesters […]

The African National Congress (ANC) in Tshwane has launched a fierce attack on City Manager Johann Mettler, demanding his removal over allegations of an “unlawful” appointment. However, critics argue that the ANC’s sudden moral outrage reeks of political vendetta rather than genuine concern for governance. Questionable Timing and Motives The ANC claims that Mettler’s September

The Gauteng provincial government has made significant progress in settling its R20 billion e-toll debt, paying nearly half of its share to the National Treasury. This week, the province transferred R5.4 billion as part of its commitment to take over the debt and relieve residents of the payment obligation. Under an agreement between the provincial

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has dismissed the African National Congress’ (ANC) allegations that the appointment of Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler was unlawful, vowing to defend him in court if necessary. Former Tshwane mayor and DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink strongly defended Mettler’s 2022 appointment, stating he was selected based on his professional expertise, qualifications,

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 yellow warning for disruptive rain and potential flooding in Cape Town and surrounding areas, as another severe cold front sweeps across the Western Cape. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela from SAWS confirmed that the southwestern parts of the country, including the West Coast and Cape Winelands, should prepare for heavy rainfall, localized

Residents of the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa are urgently calling for community assistance as they prepare for severe rainfall expected this weekend. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain and strong winds across Cape Town, raising fears of flooding in vulnerable areas. Community Fears and

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has confirmed that a violent gang feud, stemming from a family dispute between rival leaders, is behind the recent mass shootings in Mitchells Plain that left five dead and seven critically injured. Wave of Violence Across Multiple Areas The shootings occurred in Beacon Valley, Tafelsig, Eastridge, and Portland over

The backlog caused by recent flooding and old sewerage pipes has residents of Mayville and Cato Crest in Durban jumping over foul-smelling streams of sewage. GroundUp spoke to several residents who say they feel neglected by the eThekwini municipality. Sewage consistently overflows onto main roads. They have to jump over streams of sewage to get

Hundreds of people marched to the Department of Home Affairs’ head office in Pretoria on Thursday to demand that their identity documents be unblocked. Some say they have been able to use their IDs for nearly two decades. The march was organised by the civic group Soil of Africa. Many of the protesters travelled overnight

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has recalled KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Ali Ngidi and Deputy Mayor Scelinjabulo Cele following allegations of maladministration and financial misconduct. The decision comes after an internal investigation revealed serious irregularities, including excessive spending on hired vehicles—amounting to over R1 million—and a security bill of R173,000 per month for the