The May 2024 elections have ushered in a grand multi-party coalition led by the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), with additional support from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), and Patriotic Alliance (PA). For purposes of manufacturing public consent, it has been mischievously named a ‘government of national unity’ (GNU). Quickly enough, radicals correctly coined it the government of neo-liberal unity.

For working-class South Africans and marginalised rural communities, this development represents a political consolidation that is deeply concerning. It signals not just the failure of the ANC to transform society and manage the state but also the ascendancy of conservative, liberal, and market-oriented forces into significant positions of power and influence. This neo-liberal coalition realignment prioritises the interests of elites over those of the working class and marginalised communities. The political terrain in South Africa is becoming increasingly hostile to transformative policies aimed at addressing inequality, land reform, and rural democracy.

The ANC’s failures and the rise of conservatives

The ANC’s long-standing inability to transform South African society and its failure to effectively manage the state paved the way for this political crisis. Over the past three decades, the ANC has not delivered on key promises of land redistribution, job creation, and improved public services. Its neo-liberal policies, epitomised by enabling financialisation of the economy, austerity measures and corporatisation of the state, have deepened inequality and alienated its traditional base of support.

The electoral losses suffered by the ANC in May 2024 left it unable to govern alone, forcing it into an alliance with parties that represent the antithesis of progressive and democratic values. The DA, with its liberal economic agenda and resistance to structural change, now holds key ministries, including agriculture, led by John Steenhuisen. The IFP has also gained a foothold, securing the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department. The inclusion of the FF+ and PA further cements a government intent on consolidating the status quo and resisting transformation.

Minister of Agriculture and leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen and his wife posing for pictures during the opening of the GNU parliament. Photo by Chris Gilili

IFP, chiefs, and the erosion of rural democracy

One of the most alarming developments under the GNU is the enhanced power of traditional chiefs, bolstered by the IFP’s control of Cogta, whose minister, an IFP leader, has already begun championing the role of traditional leaders in municipal governance, development, and land administration. Chiefs are now included in government imbizos, further entrenching their influence and public profile. The Zulu king is accorded unprecedented public prestige and power, already preceded by the erasure of the apartheid collaborationist and violent history and role of Gatsha Buthelezi.

This consolidation of power is a direct threat to rural democracy, particularly in the former homelands where vulnerable groups depend on equitable land rights and democratic governance. Chiefs have historically been complicit in undermining the security of tenure of women and other marginalised groups. Under the GNU, the chiefs are emboldened, with significant state resources being directed toward their institutions. These include subsidies for traditional councils, stipends for traditional leaders, and funding for tribal courts.

The IFP-led Cogta ministry is poised to resist efforts to secure rural democracy, particularly reforms that challenge the power of chiefs over rural governance, land administration and tribal courts. Vulnerable rural communities, particularly women, will bear the brunt of this consolidation of power, as chiefs deepen their control over resources and governance structures.

Resistance to Land Reform

The GNU is a coalition united not by a vision for transformation but by a commitment to preserving the status quo. Nowhere is this clearer than in the domain of land reform. The DA, through John Steenhuisen’s Department of Agriculture, has already signaled its opposition to radical land reform. The DA’s policy prioritises market-based solutions that have historically failed to address the dispossession of black South Africans.

A recent leaflet by the Women on Farms Project, issued in June 2024, criticises the DA’s policies for undermining farmworkers’ rights and promoting the interests of commercial farmers. This Stellenbosch-based feminist NGO, which has been advocating for farmworkers’ rights since 1996, has criticised policies and leadership approaches they perceive as neglecting the fundamental rights and needs of these communities. One primary concern highlighted by WFP is the DA’s historical resistance to progressive labour reforms, such as the national minimum wage. WFP has accused the DA of being “anti-worker,” pointing to their support for agribusiness interests over the rights of labourers. This tension surfaced prominently during a 2024 protest where farmworkers called for a ban on hazardous pesticides and expressed dismay at Steenhuisen’s appointment as agriculture minister in the government of national unity. Protesters argued that his policies fail to adequately address the long-term health and environmental effects of pesticide use and do not prioritise farmworkers’ safety.​

Women on Farms are calling for the German government to play a leadership role within Europe to ensure there is a Europe-wide, legislated ban on the production and export of prohibited pesticides. Photo by Vincent Lali

WFP’s critiques extend to broader DA policy frameworks, which they argue focus disproportionately on business interests while overlooking the socio-economic realities of vulnerable groups like women farmworkers. These critiques suggest a deepening divide between farmworker advocacy groups like WFP and the DA’s leadership, reflecting ongoing debates about whose interests South Africa’s policies and governance structures should prioritise. This is part of a broader challenge in addressing inequality in sectors reliant on marginalised labor.

The inclusion of the FF+ in the GNU further entrenches resistance to land reform. The party represents the interests of white commercial farmers who remain opposed to meaningful agrarian transformation. The result is a government that is actively hostile to addressing the historical injustices of land dispossession.

Neoliberalism in Action

The GNU represents a convergence of ANC and DA neo-liberalism, now formalised in working streams involving the private sector. These working streams focus on sectors like logistics, energy, and transport, where private capital is increasingly dictating government priorities. Under the guise of ‘cleaning up’ inefficiencies, these initiatives prioritise privatisation and outsourcing, further marginalising the working class.

The Cost to Working-Class Communities

For working-class communities, the GNU represents a direct assault on their interests. The consolidation of conservative and neoliberal forces within government will exacerbate inequality and entrench poverty. The DA’s approach to public works, for instance, emphasises outsourcing and privatisation, sidelining public sector unions and eroding job security.

The resistance to rural democracy under the IFP-led COGTA will deepen the marginalisation of rural communities, particularly women, who remain disproportionately affected by patriarchal land governance systems. The lack of commitment to radical land and agrarian reform will ensure that the economic exclusion of the rural poor continues unabated.

Building a Counterforce

Despite this bleak political landscape, there is a growing need to build a counterforce that challenges the GNU’s conservative agenda. Rural people’s struggles in Xolobeni, Mtubatuba, Marikana, Limpopo, Ludtzville and elsewhere show that rural people are not folding hands. They are standing up and resisting. Social movements, unions, and progressive NGOs must build from this resistance. They must come together to resist the consolidation of neoliberal and traditionalist power. Campaigns for land reform, rural democracy, and public sector accountability must be intensified. The working class cannot afford to wait for the GNU to fail; it must actively organise to create alternatives.

The rise of conservative and liberal forces in South Africa’s government mirrors global trends, but it also provides an opportunity for progressive forces to articulate a bold vision for the future. This vision must centre on the principles of putting people before profits, meeting basic needs, redistribution, equality, democracy, and social justice – principles that the GNU will find hard to abide by, and that the majority yearn for.

The working class must rise to the challenge of defending its rights and rolling back the rise of liberal and conservative forces who are hegemonising the GNU and our politics. If not, the GNU’s agenda will deepen inequality, entrench elite power, and erode the democratic gains of the past three decades.

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A bleak, unpleasant and unwelcome festive season looms for many desperate mothers in rural Vhembe villages in Limpopo, who for years earned an income selling snack foods to public school learners. They have not been able to earn a income since the beginning of October due to safety restrictions put in place by the Limpopo department of education (LDE).

In late October, the LDE barred all school vendors from operating their stalls in or outside all public school premises. This was after several reports of children allegedly falling ill after eating snacks and sweets they bought from food vendors. A 13-year-old learner from Khubvi village outside of Thohoyandou died in October, with suspicion falling on snacks he had bought. The incident drove school learners from Khubvi and surrounding villages to chase away all vendors from their schools, while also shutting down all local shops selling snacks and sweets.

Azwinndini Ramuima is a 56-year-old food vendor, who runs her open stall outside the gates of Mulweli Primary School, near Elim. Ramuima said that she started selling snacks, sweets, and fat cakes at the same school in the year 1998. “Being a school vendor has been my life for many years, I have been earning an income this way for over two decades and no one has ever fallen ill from eating any food item which I sell,” said Ramuima. She became a school vendor after several attempts at finding employment failed. She has not been able to earn an income for over six weeks now and she is uncertain of her near future.

According to Statistics South Africa, as of the second quarter of 2024, South Africa’s unemployment rate was 33.5%. The United Nations (UN) indicates that women are slightly more likely to be unemployed than men.

“At the moment, I am totally broken as I have no money, whilst inside the house I have enough stock to sell, which can make me a couple of hundred rands but due to all the dilemmas going on in our country, I am unable to sell. It is so painful not knowing what you’re going to eat the next day,” said Ramuima.

The single mother of four, whose youngest child is 14 years old, used to make a profit of more than five thousand rand every month. But now she is bound to survive on the child support grant she receives for her two youngest children. “I used to look forward to Christmas and all the December holidays, because I knew that I was going to have money to spoil my children, but this year is a different story. I wish we can just move to January next year. How am I going to tell my children that this Christmas, we will not even be able to afford decent meals like we usually do,” said Ramuima.

She told Elitsha that she used to save the money she made through her business by participating in a school stokvel, with her fellow vendors and they used to split the money at the end of December. But this year, they had to split the money early, following the decision to bar them from schools. “We were forced to split the stokvel money in October and I had to quickly use the money to buy two of my children school uniforms as I do not know if we will be allowed to operate again early next year, when schools re-open,” she said.

During the first week of November, the LDE indicated that school vendors will be allowed to run their businesses within or outside school premises from the 11th of November. But many vendors like Ramuima could not do so as they do not meet requirements. According to the departmental spokesperson, Mosebjane Kgaffe, these requirements include that vendors have to stock and sell food items consistent with nutritional guidelines and they must also have a formal service level agreement with the school governing body.

Kgaffe also indicated that school vendors must have valid certificates of acceptability from the health department, affirming compliance with hygiene standards. Furthermore, they have to keep verifiable documentation demonstrating the origins of their products. “This must include receipts and invoices detailing suppliers, purchase dates and product descriptions. There is also a ban on the sale of snacks from brands identified as containing foreign objects or lacking expiry dates,” said Kgaffe.

For Ramuima, all these measures put in place demand more than she can afford. “I think it will be difficult for me to run this business again, as now I cannot sell the stock which I already have as I no longer have the receipts and at the same time, I do not have money to purchase new stock. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place,” explained Ramuima.

Ramuima is not alone. Gladys Marubini (48) has been working as a vendor at Azwifarwi Secondary School, outside of Thohoyandou since 2007. She also has not been able to earn an income for more than six weeks now. “To be honest, I never expected anything like this as things have been running smoothly on my side as I was able to earn a living through selling food items to school children. But now life is very hard on my side as I am not able to earn any income since they stopped us from selling,” said Marubini.

Marubini, who is a single mother of two teenagers 18 and 15, said that she believes that they should have at least been given two months’ notice so that they could prepare themselves for a gloomy time. “We were never given a warning or notice but just out of the blue we were told to stop selling. Just imagine all the stocks we have at home: what are we going to do with all these food items we have at home? We cannot sell them no more and we do not have money to buy new stock as the requirements by the department of education states,” she said.

Marubini, who left school in grade 10 decades ago, said that she wishes they could be allowed to sell the stock they already have. “I have never heard of any learner falling ill from the food items me and my colleagues sell, and we only buy quality and safe products. They should just send someone to come and inspect our stocks to find if we have any unsafe snacks,” she protested.

Attempts to get comment from the association of school governing bodies in Limpopo failed.

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Professor Usuf Chikte addressing the protesters outside the consulate of the USA in Cape Town on Friday. Photo by Chris Gilili

Protests outside the US consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the embassy in Pretoria, on the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine.

By Chris Gilili – this post was first published on Elitsha

On Friday, over 100 people, in solidarity with the people of Palestine protested outside the US Consulate office in Cape Town, and called for the boycott of South African retail companies that do business with the USA. Demonstrations were also held at the US consulate in Sandton, Johannesburg, and at the embassy in Pretoria.  

A joint memorandum of demands, from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) was read out. It cites the United States government’s history of violent international imperial domination: “[The US] has participated and interfered, both overtly and covertly, in the replacement of many foreign governments. Throughout this history, until today it has instigated, supported and participated in regime change against the democratic will of millions of people at huge cost to their lives, livelihoods and mass destruction of vital infrastructure.

“Since 8 October 2023, Israel has accelerated its genocide of the Palestinian people with over 50,000 killed in Gaza, 70% of whom are woman and children. Medical personnel, journalists and academics have been deliberately targeted for assassination.”  

The demands listed are for the US to ensure a full and unconditional ceasefire and to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people, in Gaza and all occupied territories. They call for the US to stop the supply of weapons and military support to Israel, and to actively support and implement international law and all UN resolutions to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and racist Apartheid system.

“Immediately ensure full and comprehensive humanitarian support – food, shelter, healthcare and the provision of electricity, water and basic services. Comply with the ICC issuance of arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yaov Gallant,” they demand in their memo. 

Professor Usuf Chikte from the PSC told the protesters to not submit or surrender their solidarity with the people of Palestine. “We will continue until we are all free, from the river to the sea. We will continue to fight against imperialism,” he said. 

Shaykh Ebrahim Gabriels from the Al Quds Foundation, said it is sad that other countries are silent about the genocide happening in Gaza and criticised US president Joe Biden for participating in it. “Biden is not going to live forever, at some point he is going to die. Today, we pray to God the Almighty, that he must not take Biden away already, we want him to see all the children that were buried in Gaza. He must suffer. We in South Africa, will continue to stand up for Palestine. Most other countries are silent and the reason is because of these Americans,” said Gabriels. 

Addressing the protesters, Cosatu’s general secretary, Solly Phetoe, said the campaign against the genocide in Gaza must be globalised. “We will not win if we do not intensify our struggle. These people will not listen. As Cosatu we are mobilising other trade unions globally. To the US, we are saying they must stop funding and supporting genocide. Our call is that Palestine must be free. Let us boycott all companies that associate with the US, like Woolworths in our context,” said Phetoe. 

University of the Western Cape student, Hajar Ahjum-Mathee urged the protesters to support any form of resistance against the genocide happening in Gaza. “Dispose and divest, we will not stop. Resistance is justified, when people are occupied. As people are shopping for black Friday, and for December, let us stay away from all companies attached to America. Let us not use our hard-earned money to support people, who are enabling genocide. We need to be stronger, and make our voices heard,” she said.

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Sea Harvest and the striking workers are 1.5% apart in their negotiations over the wage increase. All photos by Mzi Velapi

By Mzi Velapi – this post was first published by Elitsha

Last year the company made profit of R282-million. – The strike by Sea Harvest workers demanding better pay and improved working conditions entered its second day. With solidarity support from workers at Selecta, a subsidiary of Sea Harvest, Sea Harvest workers at the production plants in the Waterfront and Airport industria, are demanding an across-the-board salary increase of 8% while the employer is offering 6,5%.

Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (Ichawu) shopsteward at Viking Sea Food Centre, bought by Sea Harvest in 2018, Nkosana Ngubo said that they have issues with hourly rates that are not consistent for workers doing the same job. “You find that there are general workers whose hourly rate is R31 whilst others earn R27. We are not treated with respect and dignity as people who make profits for the company. The cost of living is high but they do not want to give us what is due to us,” he said.

Another shopsteward at the plant, Lungisa Botha said that the high turnover of personnel at the company is a challenge for the union. “We are still dealing with issues that were negotiated three years ago. I’m not sure how many times they have changed the HR manager and every time we need to start from scratch with a new manager,” he said.

A worker at Selecta, Lumka Makhohliso told Elitsha that they support the strike because they will also soon need the support of their fellow union members when they take on the company on issues of incentive bonuses and leave days. They are only allowed 2 leave days a month and forfeit a performance bonus if they take 3 days leave, she said. “We are part of the same union and we believe an injury to one is an injury to all.”

In a statement released yesterday, the company said that it was still willing to negotiate in good faith with the union. Ichawu’s organiser, Leo Bottoman said they are also willing to negotiate if the company presents a new offer.

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By Mzi Velapi – this post was originally published on Elitsha

Summary by Vuka.news:

Strike Overview: Sea Harvest workers are on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Workers include truck drivers, welders, forklift drivers, pipe fitters, and general workers. Strikes occurred in Cape Town city centre and outside the airport.

Wage Demands: Workers want an 8% salary increase; the company is offering 6.5%. Union representative Leo Bottoman said they aim to reduce the large pay gap between workers and management. Management earns three to four times more than workers, according to Bottoman.

Comparison to Competitors: Workers want their wages aligned with competitor I&J. A general worker earns R34/hour at Sea Harvest but R54/hour at I&J. Workers demand a minimum wage of R7,000 per month and an employee share scheme.

Additional Demands: Increase the night shift food allowance from R80 to R120. Introduce a cold room allowance due to harsh working conditions. Better protective gear for cold environments.

Worker Conditions: Justin Peterson, a forklift driver, earns R43/hour and works in frigid conditions (-18°C). Peterson supports four children and his wife on this wage. Bottoman claims workers’ pay grading is outdated and unfair.

Recent Safety Concerns: In May, a Sea Harvest vessel capsized, with 11 fishermen presumed dead. In October, a fire broke out on another vessel, prompting safety inspections of all fishing vessels.

• “The gap between what these workers earn and what the management earn is triple or even four times more,” – Leo Bottoman.
• “We are also demanding a cold room allowance and the food allowance for night shift to be increased from R80 to R120 as one cannot have a decent meal from R80,” – Leo Bottoman.
• “The fridges are set at -18%, so you can imagine how cold it is. They give us freezer suits, kidney belts, balaclava and socks. We are three drivers and a casual and we have to divide all the work between us. I earn only R43 per hour and I have to feed my four children and take care of my wife from that,” – Justin Peterson.
• “You will find out that people who were employed after me have a rate that is better than mine,” – Justin Peterson.
• “The company remains committed to negotiating in good faith for the long-term sustainability of the business, which will enable it to continue creating sustainable jobs for the long-term well-being of its staff,” – Anthea Abraham.

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by Chris Gilili – the original post was first published on Elitsha

Summary by Vuka.news:

• Protest and Solidarity: Members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and civil society protested outside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Cape Town, showing solidarity with Palestinians.
• Calls for Prosecution:The PSC demands prosecution of 60 South Africans who served in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) without permission under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
• Ongoing Investigation: The Hawks are investigating Aaron Bayhack, a South African identified as an IDF sniper operating in Gaza. Details remain undisclosed.
• South African History of Solidarity: Protester Eliza James highlighted South Africa’s history of oppression and support for Palestinian freedom, quoting Nelson Mandela’s belief in shared liberation.
• Government Accountability: James criticized the government for inaction, calling IDF participants “mercenaries” and urging prosecution and potential citizenship revocation.
• Civilian Deaths in Gaza: Protesters expressed outrage over the devastation in Gaza, noting the deaths of 16,500 children and ongoing human rights violations.
• Legal Action Discussions: A meeting between the PSC, Hawks, and NPA acknowledged the urgency of prosecuting individuals and organizations aiding IDF recruitment, under multiple laws including the Foreign Military Assistance Act and Anti-terrorism Act.
• Frustration Over Delays: PSC representatives criticized the lack of arrests or prosecutions, linking delays to continued violence in Palestine and impunity for those involved.
• Commitment to Action: The NPA agreed to involve senior officials and committed to follow up on prosecutorial decisions promptly, with updates expected soon.
• Future Steps: Another meeting is planned to ensure progress and accountability in addressing these violations.

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By Chris Gilili – the original post was first published on Elitsha: summary by Vuka.news

Criticism of Proposed Eskom Tariff Hikes

• Residents and civil society groups heavily opposed Eskom’s proposed 40% electricity tariff increase during Nersa’s Cape Town public hearings.
• Many residents, especially from low-income areas like Gugulethu and Mitchells Plain, said they cannot afford higher electricity costs.
• Bulelwa Seti, a Gugulethu resident: “I am an unemployed mother of three kids… I cannot afford to spend over R300 on electricity.”
• Betty Wilson, a Mitchell’s Plain resident: “I have to decide whether I buy bread and not have electricity. This will worsen our suffering.”

Nersa’s Role and Process

• Nersa is holding public hearings across South Africa until early December to gather feedback on Eskom’s tariff proposal.
• A decision on the tariff hike will be announced on 20 December 2024.
• Charles Hlebela, Nersa spokesperson: “We want to get views and comments… These comments will be taken into consideration by the energy regulator.”

Eskom’s Justification for the Increase

• Eskom said the hike is necessary to fund coal supply and maintain electricity supply.
• Transitioning to renewable energy is a goal but will take time and government support.
• Caleb Cassim, Eskom representative: “Eskom cannot solve the challenges it’s faced with alone.”

Opposition from Grassroots Organisations

• Cry of the Xcluded condemned the hikes, stating they would worsen energy poverty in South Africa. “Rising tariffs deepen energy poverty and force families to choose between electricity and food.”
• Their demands include:
  • Stopping electricity privatisation.
  • Transparency in Eskom operations.
  • Universal free electricity of 350 kWh per month.
  • Investments in renewable energy and local manufacturing.

Next Steps

• Nersa hearings will continue in several cities, including Durban, Bloemfontein, and Midrand, over the coming weeks.

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Mining affected communities led by Macua and Wamua protested outside the DMRE offices in Tshwane this week. All photos by Lilita Gcwabe

BY Lilita Gcwabe – this post first appeared at © Elitsha

‘Nothing about us without us!’ protesters demand of the mining industry.

Thousands of people from mining affected communities in Limpopo , Carltonville, and the North West, marched to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) on the 14th of November 2024 to show their determination to exercise their right to free, prior and Informed consent (FPIC) and have gathered an extensive mandate from thousands of communities across the country. 

“This march is part of Macua’s attempts to making sure that the voices of mining affected communities are central to the MPRDA, which fails to address ongoing issues around consultation, consent and fulfillment of community development obligations by mining companies,” reads their memorandum.

A varied crowd of the elderly and the young, the protesters met at the Jubilee Park in Pretoria to prepare for the march ahead.

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14 November marks World Diabetes Day, and residents of Khayelitsha received expert advice on how they can prevent and manage diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. There are more than 4.3-million people living with diabetes in South Africa, according to Dr Abraham Opare, project manager for the ORBIS-World Diabetes Foundation, Diabetic Retinopathy Project.

At the event held at Khayelitsha District Hospital on Thursday, Opare said diabetes is in most cases caused by bad lifestyle choices. “People are either not physically active or the kind of foods they eat are not healthy enough. As a prevention measure we encourage people to be more physically active, and you don’t have to make the physical activity look like work. Even dancing or taking short walks. We also encourage people to eat a lot of vegetables, those available to them in the community. People must also avoid stress and get enough sleep,” said Opare.

Assistant manager at Khayelitsha Day Hospital, Bulelwa Gaji, said one of the biggest challenges in the context of Khayelitsha is that many people still don’t take diabetes seriously. “Diabetes is a lifestyle disease; it can be controlled through exercise, diet and compliance to medication. In our facilities, people always complain about not having money for the diet. We try to educate them that it’s not about eating expensive food but rather staying away from certain types of food. Another challenge we have is, after people have been diagnosed, they don’t want to come back and continue with medication,” said Gaji. 

The migration of people to other provinces also disrupts their keeping to a medical regime. “People will come and get diagnosed with diabetes and once they feel better will go maybe to the Eastern Cape and upon their return, their diabetes has gotten worse and out of control and they have to start afresh,” she told Elitsha. The rate of diabetes in Khayelitsha and across the Cape Town metro is very high, she said, looking at the numbers in the hospital database. In her assessment, it is the most common controllable disease.  

She said they battle with convincing patients to take care of their own health. “We need more awareness; we have health promoters who go around and teach people what diabetes is and how people can control it and prevent complications,” she added.

Calls for access to treatment in low-income countries

On Monday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) released a statement calling on pharmaceutical corporations Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and all insulin manufacturers to take urgent action to increase access to treatment. “80% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to insulin pens is extremely limited due primarily to high prices. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi control and monopolise the diabetes market, making business and manufacturing decisions that affect people’s access to insulin and often setting prices of their newer insulins as high as they want.”

Current market prices and pharma markups. You don’t want to be diabetic and American. Graphic supplied

According to the MSF, such decisions effectively block access to more practical treatment with pens for people living with diabetes around the world, and particularly in poorer communities and countries.

Exercise and diet is key 

Dr Deon Minnies, director of the Community Eye Health Institute at the University of Cape Town (UCT), called on communities and individuals to make better decisions when it comes to their health. “The main reason we are here today is to remind people that your health is in your own hands, it’s not in the doctor’s hands. Diabetes is developed over a long time, mainly through lifestyle problems, maybe eating the wrong diet, eating too much sugar, and a lack of exercise and allowing yourself to become overweight. That is how it develops,” he reiterated.

“If you keep your heart rate well and fit. Exercise has so many benefits not just for diabetes. Not even a lot, just 30 minutes a day of exercise directed. Watching your diet and refraining from sugary food like biscuits and drinks. Balance your diets with green vegetables, that should keep diabetes away. Once you have diabetes you are at risk of getting complications, which may include losing sight, or have greater risks of having heart attacks and so on,” said Minnies. 

The post Khayelitsha’s most common dread disease – diabetes appeared first on Vuka News.

By Mzi Velapi – this post appeared originally on ©Elitsha

SUMMARY by Vuka.news:

“Increased Police Harassment: As the festive season approaches, sex workers report heightened police harassment. Lloyd Rugara from Sisonke National Sex Workers Movement notes, “Unlawful arrests are more common during this time of the year… A sex worker who is a mother can get arrested for going to a shop to buy food for her children.”

Police Extortion: Pam Ntshekula from Sweat claims police exploit street-based sex workers by demanding sexual favours in exchange for avoiding arrest. She says, “The police tell the sex worker to give them a blowjob or sex. They take advantage of the vulnerability of sex workers because they threaten you with arrest without proof.”

Stigma in Healthcare: Ntshekula adds that sex workers face significant stigma when accessing healthcare, making it challenging to receive necessary services.

Criminal Record Consequences: Connie Mathe from Asijiki Coalition highlights the lasting impacts of criminalization, saying, “If you get arrested as a sex worker you get profiled… To clear your name takes up to 10 years for one arrest,” adding that multiple arrests can make clearing one’s name impossible, affecting future job opportunities.

Call for Decriminalization: Sex worker advocates want the repeal of South Africa’s Sexual Offences Act, which criminalizes sex work. Emily Craven, director of Sweat, explains, “This is an ancient piece of legislation… All the provisions around sex work remained… [In] 2007, the Sexual Offences Amendment Act criminalised buying sex.”

Legislative Delays: Activists say the push to decriminalize sex work has been delayed by government changes, and no majority party exists to lobby effectively. Mathe states, “We wrote a bill… submitted it to the ministry of justice… but unfortunately we had a government change… We haven’t heard from them since.”

Legal Case for Rights: Mathe reports that a legal case to advance decriminalization is scheduled for next March. She asserts that decriminalization would reduce stigma, eliminate criminal records, and improve rights access, noting, “People will be able to access their rights and the choice of work would be respected.”

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Leaders of Saftu, Cosatu and the SACP leading the anti-austerity protest in Cape Town ahead of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. All photos by Chris Gilili

BY Chris Gilili – this post first appeared at Elitsha

IN SUMMARY :

Protest Against Austerity: Hundreds of activists, social movements, and trade union members marched to South Africa’s parliament to deliver a memorandum against austerity measures, timed ahead of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).

Organising Groups: Key leaders from Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), South African Communist Party (SACP), Cry of the Xcluded, Housing Assembly, and other social movements led the protest.

Statement from Protesters: Protesters expressed concerns over high living costs, unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. “A well-resourced budget is critical given the perpetuation of deep socio-economic inequalities in the country.” They argued that the National Treasury’s spending cuts will worsen South Africa’s social crisis.

Housing Assembly’s Response: Kashiefa Achmat from Housing Assembly criticized austerity: “Austerity is affecting all of us very badly… we don’t think our people will have houses built for them.” Achmat highlighted how affordable housing remains inaccessible to the unemployed and called for an end to austerity to prevent further poverty.

Saftu General Secretary’s Speech: Zwelinzima Vavi condemned budget cuts: “They are going to be boasting that there is a surplus in the budget…Voetsek! with austerity measures!” He warned that cuts will severely impact education, healthcare, and essential services, citing teacher layoffs and a 40% vacancy rate in hospitals.

Cry of the Xcluded’s Stance: Phumza Booi from Cry of the Xcluded highlighted the struggle with unemployment, citing her own experience of job insecurity within the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP): “People only work in the programme for three months, and get terminated after that.”

Cosatu’s Demands: Cosatu general secretary Solly Phetoe called for a “people’s budget” addressing National Health Insurance (NHI) and land reform. He demanded a government response within 14 days to their demands.

Memorandum of Demands: The protesters demanded immediate government action to control food, fuel, and electricity prices, improve crime prevention, and boost safety and rehabilitation resources.

SACP’s Position: Benson Ngqentsu, SACP Western Cape secretary, criticized neoliberal policies: “As communists we are calling on this government to stop with neoliberalism…Implement the NHI now.”

Government Response: A deputy director general from the finance department accepted and signed the memorandum presented by the protesters.

MTBPS Announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana:

• Growth & Debt: Godongwana projected a 1.1% growth rate in 2024 and warned of unsustainable debt, which could reach R6.05 trillion by 2025/26.
• Budget Cuts: He defended budget cuts as necessary, saying, “We have restrained spending and maintained stable tax collection.”
• Public-Private Partnerships: Godongwana announced reforms to encourage private sector investment in infrastructure, aiming to offset public sector limitations. “We are amending the PPP regulations to simplify requirements for undertaking these projects.”

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BY Chris Gilili – this post was first published on Elitsha

On Saturday, the fifth instalment of Ndifuna Ukwazi’s Land and Housing School convened at Community House in Salt River, Cape Town, to discuss housing issues and land reform.

IN SUMMARY:

• Land Reform and Political Silence:
  • Veteran journalist Lebogang Seale criticized political silence on land reform, especially during recent elections. “It’s sad that, during the recent elections, none of the political parties were vocal about the issue of land reform.”
• Impact of Land Dispossession:
  • Seale shared that land dispossession strips people of identity, security, and belonging. “When your land is dispossessed, you’re stripped of your whole being.” He expressed disappointment with the government’s inaction on land reform, stating they now side with white farmers, enforcing evictions.
• Women’s Marginalization:
  • Seale emphasized the exploitation of women in farm labor, blaming patriarchy and government inaction. “Women are seen as the cheapest form of labour… The government is not doing enough to address the plight of women.”
• Land Reclamation Struggles:
  • Seale’s book, One Hundred Years of Dispossession: My Family’s Quest to Reclaim Our Land, details his family’s legal struggle to reclaim their land. He declared that land reform in South Africa is “dead” and called for an organization to defend the interests of farm workers.
• Housing and Distribution Issues: Tini Mohau from Indibano Yabahlali questioned the fairness of the housing waiting list in the Western Cape. “There is always talk about a waiting list, but no one has actually seen this waiting list.”
• Informal Settlement Residents:
  • Mohau argued that those in informal settlements are often labeled as “queue jumpers” and prioritized over backyard dwellers, creating division and frustration.
• Importance of Decent Housing: Decent housing impacts personal dignity and stability, as Mohau explained. “In an informal settlement, you always know that when it rains you must be ready for disaster.”
• Food Security and Community Gardens: Mohau urged community gardens to combat rising food prices and support unemployed youth. “Food is becoming very expensive… So having these community gardens… will help them.”
• Call for Practical Action: Mohau expressed people’s frustration with ongoing discussions about land reform, pushing for real action. “People want practicality and are tired of the talks. We need to practise the things we always speak about.”
• Evictions and Government Accountability:
  • Bonga Zamisa from the Social Justice Coalition spoke against forced evictions and the government’s lack of commitment to housing. “The City of Cape Town has even returned funds allocated for housing and infrastructure back to the treasury.”
  • He stressed the importance of housing as essential for stability, safety, and equality. “Housing must be considered not just as shelter but as a means to ensure safety, stability, and equality.”

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BY Mike Ndlovu media organiser for Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) – this post first appeared on Elitsha

The recent tragic deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, have reignited discussions about food safety, community relations, and the role of foreign-owned businesses in township economies. While emotions run high and fingers are quickly pointed, we once again witness the scapegoating of migrants – a ploy to divert attention away from those truly responsible: the state, particularly local and provincial government in Gauteng.

IN SUMMARY: Understanding the Context

• Focus on establishing facts surrounding the children’s deaths before making assumptions.
• The state should prioritize an evidence-based response, avoiding xenophobia-fueled actions.
• Random raids on foreign-owned shops are harmful, often involving police brutality.

The Compliance Question

• Inspections reveal the shop in question was compliant as of August.
• Blaming migrant-owned shops diverts attention from systemic regulatory failures.

Addressing the Real Threats

• Large food corporations should be held accountable, not small business owners.
• The listeriosis outbreak from Tiger Brands shows evidence of corporate negligence.
• Despite profits, the food industry neglects the poor, contributing to starvation and preventable deaths.

Shifting Focus: Tackling Root Causes

• Xenophobia diverts attention from core issues: unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.
• These root issues drive cycles of violence and the scapegoating of migrants.

A Call for Accountability and Protection

• Communities must organize to hold local authorities accountable for health and safety standards.
• Demand state protection and fair working conditions for all workers, formal and informal.
• Pursue lasting solutions by holding genuine culprits accountable instead of targeting vulnerable groups.

The post Naledi Crisis Highlights Need for Accountability, Not Xenophobia appeared first on Vuka News.

Fashion brands including Calvin Klein, H&M, Levi’s and Zara are accused of trampling on workers’ basic rights in Bangladesh.

BY Mzi Velapi – this post first appeared on Elitsha

IN SUMMARY:

Campaign Overview: The labour movement has led an international campaign in Bangladesh to condemn fashion brands for inaction and call for the dropping of 36 legal cases against workers and protesters. The Clean Clothes campaign criticizes major fashion brands for failing to protect workers’ rights in Bangladesh.

Protests and Repression: Bangladeshi garment workers protested for higher wages over a year ago. The government and employers violently repressed the protest. The outcomes of the repression was tragic: 4 workers were killed, hundreds were injured and 131 were arrested. Approximately 40,000 workers remain at risk of arrest due to “blank arrest warrants,” according to the Clean Clothes Campaign.

Accusations Against Fashion Brands: Fashion brands are accused of prioritising profits over workers’ safety. “Brands such as H&M and Zara have a responsibility to ensure that complaints against unnamed protesters cannot be used to intimidate workers and their representatives,” said Anne Bienias, a campaigner from Clean Clothes Campaign. Brands are criticized for refusing to support wage demands, despite workers living in extreme poverty.

Brands Linked to Charges Against Workers: The Clean Clothes Campaign has linked 45 fashion brands to suppliers who filed charges against garment workers. Despite some brands taking initial steps, none have followed through, and not a single case has been cleared – 36 criminal cases are held against 40,000 “unnamed individuals.” Trade unionists warn these blank arrest warrants could be used to silence workers or settle political/personal grievances.

Demands and Workers’ Priorities: Workers and unions have submitted a list of demands to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. One key demand is for an executive order to drop all politically motivated legal charges against workers involved in the 2023 wage protests.

Inaction of Fashion Brands: Brands like H&M, Zara, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Lee are linked to these unresolved cases. Their lack of action reveals that promises of living wages and freedom of association are empty, masking the repression of workers outsourced to Bangladeshi authorities.

Wages and Working Conditions: The minimum legal monthly wage is 8,000 taka (US$67), one of the lowest in the world, unchanged since 2018. Workers continue to face hazardous conditions, similar to those when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed in 2013.

Union Leader’s Statement: Kalpona Akter, president of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said: “Getting the cases dropped is just a first but very necessary step on the way to an industry in which workers can live a decent life off their wages and in which barriers to freedom of association are taken down.” She emphasized the call for living wages and the end of fear-based work environments.

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BY  Vincent Lali – this post first appeared at Elitsha

IN SUMMARY:

Protest and Demands: Dozens of poor residents protested outside Parliament in Cape Town on World Food Day, holding placards reading: “We are hungry”, “Healthy food for all”, and “Children are dying.” They sang struggle songs to mark the occasion.

Purpose of World Food Day: World Food Day, celebrated in over 150 countries, aims to promote healthy diets and eradicate hunger by 2030. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was founded on October 16, 1945.

Food Production vs. Accessibility: Tinashe Njanji, national coordinator for the People’s Health Movement (PHM), highlighted that while South Africa produces enough food, it remains inaccessible to many due to high prices. He stated: “We have 20-million people who go to bed hungry every day. The food is there, but it’s not affordable.”

Impact of Ultra-Processed Food: Njanji emphasized the link between ultra-processed, affordable food and non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes, which are prevalent among the poor.

Rising Food Prices: The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) reported that nutritious food has become more unaffordable in 2024, with the average household food basket rising by R99.91 (1.9%) from September 2023 to September 2024. Items like tomatoes, sugar beans, and eggs saw the most significant increases.

Call for Community Empowerment: Njanji and others believe that equipping communities with knowledge and tools for food production is crucial. “Communities must be equipped with knowledge and tools so that they can produce food on their own,” he said.

Testimonies from Protesters:

• Noluthando Nazo of Gugulethu Health Forum criticized rising food prices and the resulting malnutrition among children, saying: “We use our monies to buy only starchy foods because we can’t afford to buy healthy foods.”
• Sindiswa Zibaya, a retired nurse, demanded better support for children relying on old-age grants, stating: “The R350 grant is not enough to buy food. The government must feed the poor and give them skills so that they can be independent.”
• Phumza Booi from Delft complained that rising transport and electricity costs have reduced the effectiveness of soup kitchens: “Soup kitchens make no difference to the hunger that the residents experience.”

Memorandum to Parliament: The protesters submitted a memorandum demanding the government guarantee access to nutritious meals for all citizens, stating: “It is unacceptable that, in a country where the right to food is enshrined in our Constitution, access to healthy meals is becoming the privilege of the wealthy.” They called for higher taxes on companies producing unhealthy foods, decent wages, and permanent social grants.

Government’s Response: Advocate Nombongo Mongo, from the Parliamentary Speaker’s office, confirmed they would respond to the memorandum or forward it to the relevant department.

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 BY Vincent Lali this post first appeared at Elitsha

IN SUMMARY:

March against crime: Dozens of community members and crime fighters marched from Khwezi to Makhaza Police Station in Khayelitsha, chanting: “We will move forward though they shoot us.” Other groups marched from Strand, Lwandle, Somerset West, and Nomzamo, converging at the same police station.

March organizers: Phindile George, secretary of the Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF), said the march was organized by a sub-district of the CPF which includes four police stations: Macassar, Strand, Somerset, Lwandle, and Gordons’ Bay. This sub-district is listed as one of the top 30 crime hotspots nationally. The march aimed to “silence the guns” and encourage residents to report crime, especially illegal firearms.

Crime challenges in Khayelitsha: George highlighted widespread crime throughout Khayelitsha, noting specific hotspots: “Ngwalaza Street is a hijacking hotspot.” “Shooting incidents happen frequently in Green Point, Site B, and Site C.” The township is also affected by extortion rackets targeting small and medium-sized businesses.

Extortion issues: Justin Kunlehm, provincial spokesperson for the CPF, mentioned the severe extortion problem in Khayelitsha, where businesses, taxis, and building companies must pay protection fees. Kunlehm emphasized that residents must provide information to the police to effectively combat gang violence and extortion: “They must still crack down more.”

Community voices: Zukiswa Dziba, secretary of the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco), joined the march, stating: “I’m tired of crime.” She shared a personal experience where her niece’s phone was snatched. Dziba also called for greater police visibility and search operations in B section: “It’s unacceptable that the police are not visible in areas as big as B section.”

Green Point Neighbourhood Watch member: An anonymous member of the Green Point Neighbourhood Watch reported drug sales and gun violence in the area, stating: “We are not safe. We want the police to remove guns from our areas.”

Weapons issue in Khayelitsha: Funeka Soldaat, acting chairperson of Khayelitsha Sub-district Policing Forum, said: “Sixty percent of crime in Khayelitsha involves guns.” Soldaat urged residents to report illegal firearms, pointing out that the crime rate is high because residents don’t report criminals.

Lwandle CPF chairperson’s concerns: Siyabonga Makhawula, chairperson of Lwandle CPF, spoke about prevalent crimes in Lwandle, such as murder, house-breaking, and extortion. He also mentioned that criminals now target even small businesses, like salon owners operating in shipping containers.

Fear of reporting crime: Makhawula noted that many residents are too afraid to report crimes because they fear retaliation from criminals: “Residents are scared to come forward with information.”

Police support and commitment: Brigadier Mnoneleli Magobiyane, Khayelitsha sub-district commissioner, assured CPF members of police protection: “We would sleep peacefully if there were no guns.” He promised to improve police relations with CPF members, stating: “Some police look down on CPF members. The police must not drive past them without saluting.”

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 BY Chris Gilili this post first appeared at Elitsha

IN SUMMARY: Protest Against Africa Oil Week: Activists from Extinction Rebellion and the Green Connection protested outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during Africa Oil Week. Inside, Minister Gwede Mantashe gave the keynote address.

Call for Renewable Energy: Lisa Makaula from the Green Connection urged African leaders to invest in renewable energy projects instead of fossil fuels. She emphasized that climate change disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities. “We hope the event will prioritise the move away from fossil fuels.”

Contradictory Policies in South Africa: Makaula criticized South Africa for conflicting actions, with President Ramaphosa signing the Climate Act while other laws still support fossil fuels. She called for a clear national plan for reducing emissions by 2050. “It’s a bit challenging to understand where we are going as a country.”

Extinction Rebellion’s Creative Protest: Extinction Rebellion used a vampire theme to symbolize how oil and gas companies exploit Africa’s resources. A spokesperson, Jacqui Tooke, said that these companies “suck Africa dry” for profits. “Oil and gas executives…are flying here from all over the world to suck Africa dry.”

Challenging the Fossil Fuel Narrative: Tooke argued that renewable energy is a reliable way to grow economies and that the fossil fuel industry is resisting the just transition. “We need to move away from fossil fuels so that we have a future.”

South Africa’s Confused Energy Policies: Tooke also pointed out that different government departments are sending mixed signals about transitioning to renewable energy. Clear regulation is needed to move forward. “We demand clarity, so that we can move forward.”

Green Connection’s Legal Case: The Green Connection is currently challenging the environmental approval given to TotalEnergies for oil exploration off the coast of Cape Town in the Western Cape High Court.

Public Awareness of Just Transition: According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), only 9% of South Africans understand the term “just transition.” However, 51% see transitioning from coal to renewables as a potential solution for ending load-shedding.

Mantashe’s Stance: During the conference, Minister Mantashe stressed the importance of energy security and said South Africa is committed to a mix of energy sources, including coal and renewables. “We have not converted fully to this thing of saying we will move from coal to renewables.”

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Workers across the country highlighted the impact budget cuts are having on education. Thousands of Cosatu affiliates participated in a general strike to mark the International Day of Decent Work. Unemployment, rising cost of living, crime and austerity measures topped the focus of the action this Monday. 

Last month, protests were held in different parts of Cape Town, to push back the Western Cape government’s announcement that the education department (WCED) would be cutting 2,407 teaching posts in 2025.

Teachers lament planned job cuts

Nonceba Nduna, a teacher at Voorbrug Senior Secondary School in Delft and a PEC member of Sadtu (South African Democratic Teachers Union) in the Western Cape lambasted the planned cutting of teaching posts. “I am deeply hurt by the plans to cut teaching jobs. I feel sorry for our education system, because if this continues then it means it is being destroyed. If you’re saying you’re planning to remove 2,407 teachers next year, then what is the reason for us to let parents register their kids? Who is going to teach them? It means the learners must stay at home. We know that schools also keep the learners safe from the ills of society. Parents need to know this clearly, that this is a plan to destroy the future of their kids,” said Nduna. 

‘Why is austerity gunning
for only teachers?’

She said learners from poor communities were going to bear the brunt of the cutting of teaching posts. “Kids from affluent areas will not suffer, because their parents can manage to probably employ teachers for their home schooling. For us that cannot be possible. We feel like the government is starting a fight with us. Why do these austerity measures seem to only be gunning for teachers? Why don’t they apply them in parliament as well. They can start by cutting the number of ministers in the cabinet. This is painful, and what about the children? There are learners in university who are studying teaching – why are they studying if they will not be employed,” said Nduna.

She said this will contribute to poverty and more families will be going to sleep without food in their bellies. “This is a bread and butter issue. It can happen to any of us. We are here as teachers to show that we are crying and against this. We are meeting with WCED at our provincial level but there is nothing coming forth. We have heard they are planning to make other teachers permanent but they are still going on with the planned job cuts,” she added.

Pamela Ntanjana, who works as an administrator in a school in Emfuleni said the cutting of teaching jobs is a cause for serious concern. “Our biggest issue is quality education. Even now, in township schools there is not a single class with less than 45 learners in a room. In Grade 1, for example, which is the foundation phase, it’s impossible to teach a class of more than 45 kids. Now, imagine if you add on top of these numbers at the phase that is so critical. This means we are killing the education of the black person. In white people’s schools, you get 20 or 17 learners per class. Even if they cut teachers there, the impact is not so intense,” said Ntanjana.

She said they heard while outside the Western Cape provincial legislature that the MEC for Education David Maynier, doubled down and said teacher jobs will be cut whether unions like it or not. 

In a statement it released last week, the Western Cape Education Crisis Committee said the planned job cuts come at a time where there is already a shortfall of at least 7,000 teachers in the Western Cape. “The result will be growing classroom sizes and even poorer learning outcomes. This comes only months after hundreds of people in the health sector signed a petition condemning the devastating impacts the national and provincial government’s budget cuts have on health care, whose budget has also been slashed substantially.”

The committee said more than 5% of the health budget has been cut in 2023 alone. “Already, there is a shortfall in health resources and healthcare workers, just like in education. The crises in education and healthcare have direct consequences for people’s lives. There will be longer waiting lines in clinics and further delays before people get treatment for chronic conditions like cancer, tuberculosis, HIV and Aids and mental health conditions,” their statement warns. 

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BY Mzi Velapi & Chris Gilili – this post first appeared at Elitsha

IN SUMMARY:

• Workers from Cosatu affiliates participated in a general strike across major centers in South Africa to highlight issues of income inequality, poverty, and high unemployment on the International Day of Decent Work.
• The union’s key demands:
  • Job creation for the unemployed.
  • Moratorium on retrenchments.
  • End to attacks on collective bargaining.
  • Address the rising cost of living, particularly food and electricity.
  • Fight crime, corruption, and privatization of state-owned enterprises.

In Cape Town:

• The march went to the provincial legislature and national parliament.
• Workers from Fedusa unions marched alongside Cosatu affiliates.
• Outside the Western Cape legislature in Wale Street, workers met a pro-Palestine protest led by the Muslim Judicial Council. Despite union leadership’s wish for solidarity between groups, public order police maintained a barricade between them.

Quotes from Cape Town:

• Thando Dedezane (Sanco district chairperson) said:
  “The separation between the two groups is a deliberate act to create a wrong picture. It only serves those who oppress us. The workers struggle here is the same as those in Palestine.”
• Sheik Riad Fataar (Muslim Judicial Council):
  “The workers should continue to fight for their rights.”
• Bonita Loubser (Cosatu Central Executive Council member) on the lack of union consultation in the Government of National Unity (GNU):
  “We will not standby idly whilst these attacks take place. We want to engage with the GNU through the social dialogue platform.”
• Andile Ngqaneka (Cosatu deputy chairperson, Western Cape) on rising living costs:
  “Some workers in the retail sector do not even have guaranteed hours of work… They cannot budget for food or electricity.”
• Eleanor Roberts (Denosa Western Cape chairperson) on poor working conditions for nurses:
  “One nurse is forced to now do the work of two or three people. These budget cuts are not our fault. We cannot guarantee quality healthcare given the conditions we work under.”
• Amina Pinto (Denosa member) on the nurse shortage:
  “We plead with the government to employ more nurses, and also not allow for large numbers of nurses to retire.”

Memorandum in Cape Town was handed over to the Minister of Higher Education, who promised to share it with other relevant departments.

In Johannesburg:

• Mike Shingange (Cosatu’s 1st deputy president) led the march to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in Sandton.
• Amos Monyela (Cosatu Gauteng chairperson) explained the march’s symbolism:
  “The wealth of this country is concentrated in the JSE, so that’s why we came here… The JSE must pronounce non-retrenchment in our country until the economy recovers.”

Johannesburg Demands:

• Reinstatement of 600 Makro workers dismissed during a previous strike.
• Urgent implementation of the Zondo Commission report recommendations.
• Cosatu expects responses from institutions that received memorandums within 14 days.

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The marchers accused the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court of releasing the perpetrators of serious crimes too easily. Photo: Chris Gilili

Mass shootings, extortion rackets, gang warfare and the murder of children make Khayelitsha one of the most dangerous townships in the world to live.

BY Chris Gilili – this post first appeared on Elitsha

• Around 400 people marched to the Lingelethu West Police Station and Khayelitsha Magistrates Court to protest crime and poor service delivery.
• The protest followed a deadly shooting in Kuyasa, where a child died in crossfire.Marchers criticized the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court for granting bail or lenient sentences to murderers and rapists.
• Nomonde Njadu (eNdlovini): “People die almost every day in our area, Ward 29. The perpetrators of those crimes are quickly released from jail. We need answers because that is unsettling, and we don’t feel safe.”
• Ndithini Tyhido (former KDF chairperson): “The work of this court is shocking. The only court with the highest number of bails in the Western Cape is this one.” Tyhido highlighted how Khayelitsha’s design contributes to crime, citing high shack density, lack of roads, and streetlights.
• The community has lost faith in the police and criminal justice system.
• A memorandum declared that allowing criminals to get bail or early release is a failure of the justice system.The memorandum emphasized the need for stronger community engagement by the justice department.
• Protesters criticized the release of convicted rapist Luvo Mgijima, who raped and stabbed Sisipho Maphasa.
• Another memorandum was addressed to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, protesting poor service delivery, sewage, illegal dumping, and clogged drains in Khayelitsha.
• Memorandum: “The polarisation of service delivery enables poverty, hunger, and unemployment to get worse.”
• ANC chief whip Pat Lekker criticized police incompetence in writing statements properly, which leads to weak cases in court.
• Pat Lekker: “The cops don’t write the statements the correct way, hence many of these cases lack the evidence when before court.”
• Lekker expressed hope that criminals would be arrested and kept in jail, despite challenges police face.

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