Police have arrested over 200 suspects for rape during a nationwide operation this past week. The operation forms part of the police’s efforts to fight gender-based violence and femicide. National police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says of the arrested suspects, 56 of them were wanted suspects found in different provinces. “Among the arrests was that of a man and woman in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their […]
Members of Parliament have raised concerns about SASSA’s new grant verification process, which requires in-person reviews and biometric checks. The new approach has made it increasingly difficult for many low-income and rural beneficiaries to access their grants. The National Treasury has warned that it may withhold funding if SASSA fails to meet specific conditions, including income verification and regular database checks. With nearly half the population relying on social grants, […]
Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, is calling for public nominations to appoint new members to the Central Drug Authority (CDA). The deadline for submissions is June 30. The CDA advises government on strategies to combat substance abuse and monitors the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan. According to Bathembu Futshane from the department, nominees must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of five years’ […]
By Rachel Mohamed The Russia-Africa Summit is an annual event designed to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations—particularly significant at a time when the Russian Federation faces mounting international pressure over its actions in Ukraine. Speaking on VOC’s airwaves, Dr. Paul Kariuki, Director of the Democracy Development Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and convenor of the African Policy Circle, outlined the broader implications of this evolving relationship. He […]
By Rachel Mohamed The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has confirmed that its wage dispute with Denel remains unresolved following recent discussions with the company’s executives. The union is demanding a wage increase and has rejected Denel’s proposed 7% offer, citing the fact that workers have not received any salary adjustments in the past five years. Speaking on VOC’s airwaves, NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said, "We are […]
Western Cape police have intensified crime prevention efforts in gang-affected areas such as Delft and Mitchells Plain, focusing on removing illegal firearms from circulation. On Tuesday, members of the Delft Crime Prevention Unit arrested a man during routine patrols on Leeu Street in the N2 Gateway area. According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and nine rounds of ammunition. He […]
The death toll from the recent floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to 79, following the recovery of a young girl’s body near the Efata River in Mthatha. Over 1,000 people remain displaced. Provincial Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa confirmed that post-mortems have been completed on 70 bodies, with 30 already handed over to their families. Eight additional autopsies are currently underway. Authorities warn the death toll may rise, as […]
ActionSA Member of Parliament Athol Trollip has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling allowing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to re-enroll the Nulane Investments fraud case. Trollip says the decision marks a step forward in tackling high-level corruption and could help restore public trust in the NPA. He also stressed the importance of reviewing the appointment process for acting judges, particularly in cases linked to state capture, to ensure […]
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has raised strong objections to the proposed establishment of the South African State Digital Infrastructure Company. The new state-owned entity is intended to consolidate fibre networks from various organisations, including Sentech, Broadband Infraco, Transnet, and Eskom. PSA spokesperson Claude Naiker warned that creating yet another state-owned enterprise (SOE) would place an additional financial burden on taxpayers, who are already grappling with the consequences of mismanagement […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
