Angry South Africans are protesting the construction of stadiums for next year’s World Cup, saying government promises to provide basic services — housing, water, electricity — have been broken as money is lavished on preparing for the world’s biggest sporting event.

The BBC:

More than 30 South Africans have been arrested after a violent protest near a 2010 World Cup stadium in Mpumalanga Province, police say.

The protesters are demanding that the government honour its promise to build a new school if they made way for the construction of the Mbombela staduim.

Police told the BBC that the situation was “tense but under control”.

A BBC correspondent says there are fears that the recent spate of violent protests could disrupt the World Cup.

Read more

In these critical times, your support is crucial...

As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.

Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality behind the headlines — without compromise.

"Truthdig’s a lifeline for anyone who values democracy especially during these challenging times.”
— Fernando Villamare, Los Angeles, CA

Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG