Ernest Nkomotje Monitoring the situation in townships and informal settlements is important in tracking how Covid-19 is affecting some of the most economically vulnerable since South Africa entered its lockdown. Desperation among the poor in places such as Alexandra and areas of the Western Cape has seen looting of shops…

The township salon where I cut my hair harbours a cobbler by its gate. The interesting thing about this particular cobbler is that on the numerous occasions that our paths have converged — I have always been struck by the irony that he always seems to be wearing tattered shoes…

Growing up, a compulsive hoarder stayed next door. His yard swarmed with a number of objects, rusted cars, old gym equipment, deteriorated furniture — you name it, it was there! Frankly speaking, the stuff he hoarded seemed quite useless — being either broken or obsolete. One observation I would always…