District Six pensioner likely to be evicted for a second time
CAPE TOWN - A pensioner who was forcibly removed from District Six during apartheid now faces being evicted from the area for the second time.
The 73-year-old was outside the Western Cape High Court on Thursday, where he joined about 60 others who illegally occupied Irene Grootboom House in Darling Street, to challenge being evicted from the site.
An Irene Grootboom house occupant, Barrymore Jossie, says being served with an eviction notice to vacate the Darling Street property feels like apartheid all over again.
Jossie and about 60 other illegal occupants living in the three-storey building were handed eviction notices earlier this month.
Jossie recalls his experience in 1972.
"I couldn't understand... When I asked my grandmother why? She said the white man wants us out, bottom line. They don't want us... They want to get rid of anyone that's not of a proper colour."
The 73-year-old has called on the government not to behave in a similar way.
"That was in the past... If there is Ubuntu in this country, then why don't the government show it to us? If we are one, then give us a fair share."
Housing activists Ndifuna Ukwazi are opposing the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's application for the eviction of the occupants from site.
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Eyewitness News
a day ago
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District Six pensioner likely to be evicted for a second time
CAPE TOWN - A pensioner who was forcibly removed from District Six during apartheid now faces being evicted from the area for the second time. The 73-year-old was outside the Western Cape High Court on Thursday, where he joined about 60 others who illegally occupied Irene Grootboom House in Darling Street, to challenge being evicted from the site. An Irene Grootboom house occupant, Barrymore Jossie, says being served with an eviction notice to vacate the Darling Street property feels like apartheid all over again. Jossie and about 60 other illegal occupants living in the three-storey building were handed eviction notices earlier this month. Jossie recalls his experience in 1972. "I couldn't understand... When I asked my grandmother why? She said the white man wants us out, bottom line. They don't want us... They want to get rid of anyone that's not of a proper colour." The 73-year-old has called on the government not to behave in a similar way. "That was in the past... If there is Ubuntu in this country, then why don't the government show it to us? If we are one, then give us a fair share." Housing activists Ndifuna Ukwazi are opposing the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's application for the eviction of the occupants from site.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- IOL News
China's Ambassador to South Africa celebrates International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations
China's Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng said the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations aims to enhance global awareness of the vital importance of civilization, diversity and intercultural exchanges. Image: Supplied Dialogue among civilizations is a bond of peace, a driver for development, and a bridge of friendship. This was the message conveyed by the People's Republic of China's Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, on celebrating the First International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The Ambassador spoke about this landmark achievement during an event hosted at the embassy in Pretoria on Thursday, which was attended by a delegation from the Government, including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and other dignitaries. In June last year, the 78th United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus, which was initiated by China. It was co-sponsored by over 80 countries, including South Africa. Ambassador Wu said the establishment of this international day echoes the common aspiration of people from all countries for promoting dialogue among civilizations and progress of humanity. 'The world today is faced with turbulence and transformation. How different civilizations coexist harmoniously represents a critical issue of our era.' The ambassador added that more dialogue means less confrontation and greater inclusion reduces estrangement. The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations aims to enhance global awareness of the vital importance of civilization, diversity and intercultural exchanges, to encourage the international community to strengthen mutual learning and solidarity, and to jointly explore solutions to global challenges, Wu said. He stressed that China has constantly upheld a civilization outlook, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness and has always been an active champion of inter-civilization dialogue. 'What has sustained Chinese civilization across 5,000 years is no accident. It is our ancestral conviction that harmony breeds prosperity, that diversity is strength…' The Ambassador added that true progress comes from mutual learning and enlightened integration. He said South Africa's success to a large extent lies in the traditional spirit of Ubuntu. 'This African wisdom teaches us that 'I am because we are', forging national unity through shared dignity. The Ambassador said this cultural affinity and convergence have established an essential framework of common values, facilitating intellectual and cultural dialogue not only between China and South Africa but also among all nations. 'Our world comprises over 200 countries and regions, 2,500 ethnic groups, and diverse religions. In this era of interconnected destinies, all nations and people should respect differences, embrace harmony in diversity, and pursue peaceful coexistence.' He said China stands ready to work with South Africa and the international community to actively implement the Global Civilization initiative. 'Together we can foster inclusive co-existence and mutual learning among civilizations and use dialogue to promote world peace and shared development, thus jointly composing a new chapter for building a community with a shared future for mankind,' Wu said. Dlamini-Zuma meanwhile hailed China, calling for the 10th of June to be known as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. 'As we move faster and faster into a multipolar world, the international community must welcome this initiative by China to ensure dialogue among civilizations and peoples.' She pointed out that the Freedom Charter is emphatic: 'There shall be peace and friendship". She said the Freedom Charter speaks clearly to the principles and values of dialogue between civilizations.
IOL News
12-06-2025
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South African youth share their challenges and hopes
Aqeel Madhi. Image: Supplied Ahead of Youth Day on June 16, young South Africans shared the challenges faced by the youth and their thoughts on how far they believe we have come as a country, 31 years into democracy. Aqeel Madhi, 27, of uMhlanga, said the challenges faced by the youth were not new. 'Youth unemployment sits at 62.4% compared to the national rate of 32.9%. We are also dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) and what I believe is an under-discussed mental health crisis. Only 5% of our national health budget goes to mental healthcare.' Madhi, a machine learning engineer, said youth were not given opportunities to show what they could do. 'We are capable, energetic and willing. If we are truly the future, then every South African, every institution, and every level of government should be working with us to secure this country's future, not putting the burden solely on us.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Madhi said if the issues faced by the youth were not addressed, the consequences would be devastating. 'We will entrench intergenerational poverty transmission. Research consistently shows South Africa has among the world's lowest social mobility, with poor education quality being a major factor keeping families trapped in cycles of poverty. Failure to address these issues will also further erode our economy and increase crime and mental health problems. 'However, Ubuntu is what I love most about being South African, and it is our solution. Every person, institution, and government level must come together to fix this youth crisis which requires an emergency-level response,' he said. Irfaan Mangera. Image: Supplied Irfaan Mangera, 28, of Lenasia, said the youth faced an overwhelming set of crises. 'The most urgent being lack of access to quality education and skills training, youth unemployment, mental health challenges, systemic inequality, and political exclusion. 'Over 60% of young people are unemployed. GBV, food insecurity, and a failing education-to-employment pipeline are not just issues, they are symptoms of a broken system that is not listening to or investing in its youth meaningfully.' Mangera, a youth activist and human rights, strategy and campaigns consultant, said young people had always been the engine of change in South Africa. 'From the 1976 uprisings to #FeesMustFall and even now as advocates in their communities. We must continue to organise, conscientise, and mobilise collective and people's power. We also need to enter and transform institutions, from student councils to Parliament. 'The youth must also take up space not only in protest but in policy, public service, entrepreneurship, the arts, and community leadership. Our role is not to wait our turn; it is to lead differently and with values that are rooted in equality, dignity, respect and a commitment to constitutional democracy.' Mangera said if the challenges were not addressed with urgency, South Africa risked becoming a democracy in name only. 'Where our rights are not protected, and the elite of society continue to garner insurmountable privileges while the most vulnerable suffer the most inhumane conditions, the generation left behind will become a breeding ground for despair, violence, populism, and political instability. We will have failed our own Constitutional promise and betrayed the dreams of those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. The cost will be borne not only by the poor but by the soul of the nation, which is becoming visible with each passing day.' He said while there had been constitutional and infrastructural gains since 1994, for millions of South Africans, particularly the youth, democracy had not delivered justice and inequality had grown. Abigail Haridew. Image: Supplied Abigail Haridew, 22, of Chatsworth, said youth unemployment remained a crisis. 'However, beyond this, lies a far more insidious issue: the erosion of hope. Many young South Africans, myself included, feel disillusioned by persistent inequality, political instability, and the unfulfilled promises of post-apartheid progress. 'When the pathways to personal growth and national contribution appear blocked or corrupted, the result is a generation that feels increasingly detached from civic engagement and national identity. This disengagement can manifest in mental health struggles, increased substance abuse, or migration in search of better opportunities abroad." Haridew, a third year student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, said young people had more power than they sometimes realised. 'While we face serious challenges from unemployment to inequality, we can't afford to sit back, and hope things change on their own. We need to take action in our own spaces, whether that means starting youth-led initiatives, raising awareness on social media, volunteering in our communities, or simply supporting each other through education and mentorship." She added that the government needed to take real action to support young people, not just make promises. 'We need better access to quality education and training that actually prepares us for jobs that exist in today's world. More support is needed for youth-owned businesses, internships, and programs that help us gain experience. Mental health services must be made more available, especially in schools and rural areas. 'Most importantly, the government needs to involve young people in decision-making because we know the problems. We live through them every day. If the government works with us and not just for us, we can create a future that gives all young South Africans a fair chance.' Bilqees Akoodie. Image: Supplied Bilqees Akoodie, 30, of Johannesburg, said youth faced structural unemployment, deepening both economic and spatial inequality, exclusion from decision-making and a failing public infrastructure. 'We carry the weight of historical injustice and the burden of a system that has failed to transform meaningfully post-apartheid. We are also the first digital generation, navigating both real-world exclusion and virtual visibility, without the material support to turn our ideas into impact. Meritocracy is undermined by networks of nepotism, tokenism, and bureaucratic gatekeeping. Racial quotas are not the root problem; unequal distribution of power and opportunity is.' Akoodie, a legal scholar and advocate for international justice, said the youth are not a demographic box. 'We are political actors, caregivers, innovators, and organisers. Our role is to transform and not just inherit this democracy. Youth-led activism is powerful, but it must also be sustainable, strategic, and policy-literate. We have to claim space not only in protest but in boardrooms, courtrooms, and parliaments without being co-opted or diluted.'
