For low-income families, the dearth of affordable housing in South Africa is more than a headline; it is their lived reality. Despite the notable strides made in delivering housing since 1994, the country remains plagued by deep-seated spatial inequality and urban informality. The housing backlog remains over 2.3 million units, and more than 2.5 million […]
Even as this Digest was being compiled, in the streets of Los Angeles tensions around the arrests and heavy handed treatment of suspected undocumented migrants continued to make headlines. A close reading of the situation reveals the myriad of dynamics that have made the issue of immigration such a contentious one in our times. We […]
In the sermon at Pope Francis’ funeral, Cardinal BP 628 – In Memoriam – Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ‘a Voice Calling Out…’Re made mention of the Mass which Pope Francis celebrated on the USA/Mexico border in 2016, during his pastoral visit to Mexico. On the flight back to Rome he was asked about the border wall […]
In its statement of 28th May, the Cabinet welcomed the launch of ‘Operation New Broom’ by the Department of Home Affairs. At one level it is part of a five point promise made by the Minister at the end of 2024, which included an acceleration of digital processes to boost efficiency in the Department. This […]
The proverb, ‘beware of Greeks bearing gifts’, derived from the story of the Trojan horse in Virgil’s Aeneid, is probably a good way to describe the brouhaha surrounding Starlink’s possible entry into South Africa. Evidence suggests that the technology itself could be a means to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, where connectivity remains […]
South Africa’s post-apartheid transition envisaged a decentralised, developmental state with local municipalities at the coalface of addressing socio-economic inequalities and delivering essential services to their communities. However, the realities and the magnitude of South Africa’s challenges have hampered the realisation of this ideal. BP 627 A Turnaround Strategy for Local Government by Kenny Pasensie 2
Daily life in South Africa and indeed across the world shows an ever increasing tendency towards demonising foreigners and strengthening policies of exclusion. One increasingly popular method of criminalising and controlling migrants is through the use of the process of deportation. BP 626 Deportation – The Daily Despair of the Displaced by Peter-John Pearson
For well over a century 1st May has been observed around the world as May Day, Workers’ Day or Labour Day. It commemorates the historic struggles and gains made against often overwhelming odds and against a culture of exploitation. BP 625 Worth, Wellbeing and Welcome- the Missing Parts of Workers’ Day by Peter-John Pearson
It will be some time before it becomes clear whether last week’s meeting in Washington between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump, and their respective teams, was successful in trade terms. Getting the threatened 31 per cent tariffs on our exports reduced, and keeping the US open for our minerals and agricultural produce was a big part […]
A close look at the various links in this Digest makes an obvious point. The very diversity of situations and spheres of life which they deal with is a sign of the far reach of migrant and refugee experiences, and of how narratives, particularly negative narratives, spread into all areas of life. Thus for mobile […]
