“No-fee” schools turn away children who can’t pay

Halfway through the first month of the year, parents of Grade R children at no-fee schools are already being asked to pay sums of money for various reasons. If they can't pay, their children are turned away. This is unlawful, says the Western Cape education department, and if parents in any province are put into this situation they should contact their district office as soon as possible.

Halfway through the first month of the year, parents of Grade R children at no-fee schools are already being asked to pay sums of money for various reasons. If they can't pay, their children are turned away. This is unlawful, says the Western Cape education department, and if parents in any province are put into this situation they should contact their district office as soon as possible.

Civil society is key player in cutting out crime

The role of civil society in upholding democratic processes cannot be over-estimated, writes Kwazi Dlamini. Civil society organisations have played a part in the demise of former president Jacob Zuma, the removal of Sars commissioner Tom Moyane and that of former national director of public prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams, and transparency in high-level appointments in key law enforcement institutions - among others.

The role of civil society in upholding democratic processes cannot be over-estimated, writes Kwazi Dlamini. Civil society organisations have played a part in the demise of former president Jacob Zuma, the removal of Sars commissioner Tom Moyane and that of former national director of public prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams, and transparency in high-level appointments in key law enforcement institutions - among others.

Corruption: the fatal cost of a sick healthcare system

Corruption costs lives - literally, writes Melusi Ncala. Not only does some 83% of the population rely on public health facilities that are overburdened because of a shortage in nursing and medical staff as well as beds, equipment and food, but corruption is contributing to the nyaope crisis because some medical professionals are said to supply drug dealers and other criminal elements with ARVs for the highly addictive drug.