Liezel van der Merwe
Liezel van der Merwe is an investigative reporter for Africa Pulse Media based in Cape Town. She scrutinizes municipal governance, service delivery and public accountability across the Western Cape, combining public records, data analysis and on-the-ground reporting to uncover systemic failures and explain their consequences for communities.
Articles by this author
Xenophobia Threatens Africa's Economic Future, Bank Leader Warns
Migrant communities' economic role faces backlash amid South African unrest.
Water access campaign urges South Africans to sustain service beyond symbolic gestures
Government launches water access programme targeting communities without reliable safe drinking water
South Africa's Jobs Crisis Deepens as Economic Growth Stalls Mid-Year
Weak growth and inflation squeeze households and job seekers amid global uncertainty
Johannesburg Residents Demand City Rebuild After Years of Crime, Poverty, Service Failures
Creative initiative aims to shift how residents see their city amid persistent challenges.
Millions Without Clean Water as Africa Confronts Failing Public Systems
Infrastructure alone cannot fix Africa's water crisis; capable institutions and ethical leadership are essential.
South African Actress Discovers Unexpected Longing for Home After Years Abroad
Expatriate actress reflects on the emotional pull of home after extended time in the United States.
Athlete Escapes Johannesburg Shooting; Gun Violence Threatens Public Safety
Johannesburg shooting exposes ongoing safety crisis in densely populated urban neighborhoods
Millions Face Retirement Crisis as South Africa's Savings Gap Widens
Household spending outpaces income as retirement security erodes for most workers
South Africa's Digital Boom: What Citizens Stand to Gain From Tech Giant Investments
Infrastructure investments promise jobs and economic growth while raising data sovereignty concerns.
Chinese Automaker's Factory Deal Sparks Push for Local Job Creation
Communities near Rosslyn factory seek tangible employment and business opportunities from Chinese manufacturer.
South Africa's Youth Face Bleak Job Prospects as Economic Policy Stalls
Narrow gains for a few leave majority of young people without jobs or income growth.
Emirates Third Daily Flight Expands South Africa Travel Access, Boosts Jobs and Trade
New airline capacity promises faster cargo routes and tourism recovery for South African exporters and communities.
South Africa's Sluggish Recovery Leaves Families Struggling With Rising Bills
Economic growth masks deepening financial strain on ordinary households across the country.
Ramaphosa Fills Critical Welfare Post; Seven Cabinet Seats Reshuffled
President fills vacant welfare ministry and reshuffles six other key departments affecting public services.
India and Africa Seek Trade Deal to Boost Jobs and Economic Growth
Bilateral summit aims to translate political ties into economic partnerships benefiting ordinary citizens.
Community Reeling After Mass Shooting Kills Dozen in Johannesburg Settlement
Informal settlement residents face chronic safety gaps after deadly attack
South Africans Flee Urban Centers for Quieter, Safer Towns in Record Numbers
Migration from major cities reshapes South Africa's property market and community dynamics.
Brazen Heist at Johannesburg Mall Triggers Citywide Security Alert
Armed robbery at shopping complex sparks urgent law enforcement response across South Africa
Climate Crisis Triggers Mass Exodus Across East Africa as Infrastructure Crumbles
Devastating floods displace thousands and expose global climate inequities in the region.
South Africa's Constitutional Court Clears Path for Presidential Impeachment Inquiry
Constitutional Court ruling enables investigation into president's alleged misconduct at private estate.