Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Gabon Elections Outcome and Implications for the Future

By Rachel Mohamed General Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected as the President of Gabon following the 2025 elections. Previously, General Nguema had stated he would relinquish power after staging a coup in 2021. However, the recent elections have secured his position for the next seven years. Speaking on VOC’s News Beat show, Dr. Paul Kariuki, Executive Director of the Democracy Development Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Convener […]

17 April 2025

Local

Section 27 calls for the fiscal framework to be rectified

By Rachel Mohamed The civil organization Section 27 has called for reforms to the 2025/2026 Fiscal Framework to address the growing inefficiencies in various sectors of the Republic of South Africa while ensuring the measures do not negatively impact vulnerable communities. Speaking on VOC’s News Beat show, Matshidiso Lencoasa, the Budget Analyst at Section 27, stated, “We are advocating for the budget to prioritize the needs of the people […]

17 April 2025

Local

UWC academics leading the charge against aggressive milk formula promotion

By Rachel Mohamed Academics from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are calling on South African health professional associations to end sponsorship agreements with commercial milk formula (CMF) manufacturers. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have issued clear guidance urging healthcare institutions and professional associations to reject sponsorships from the CMF industry. Speaking on VOC’s PM Drive show, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, former […]

16 April 2025

Local

SASSA dispels fake news over halt in grant payments

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dispelled fake news posts and screenshots that have made rounds on social media platforms claiming that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May if certain documents are not updated by 30 April 2025. SASSA has noted with concern that the spread of this fake news on social media has created unnecessary panic among grant recipients, particularly the vulnerable beneficiaries, and […]

16 April 2025

Local

Cape Town residents up in arms over the 7.96% increase in rates for commercial, industrial, and residential properties

By Rachel Mohamed Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis recently unveiled the City’s draft budget for the 2025/2026 financial cycle, dubbing it the "Invested in Hope Budget." The proposal, amounting to R84.1 billion, has sparked public outcry—particularly over the proposed rate increases. Among the key concerns is a 7.96% hike in property rates affecting commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Speaking on VOC’s PM Drive show, Independent Economic Analyst Professor Bonke Dumisa […]

15 April 2025

Local

From Dreams to Direction: Strand Muslim Council Hosts Empowering Careers Day

By Aneeqa du Plessis The Iqra Learning Centre in Strand came alive on Saturday as dozens of high school learners from across the Boland region gathered for a dynamic and inspiring Careers Day hosted by the Strand Muslim Council Female Section (SMCFS). Running from 11h00 to 15h00, the event offered a rare opportunity for students to connect directly with professionals from a diverse range of fields. From dentistry to engineering, […]

14 April 2025

Local

Hawks arrests three suspects in Plumstead human trafficking case

By Rachel Mohamed A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on charges related to human trafficking in Plumstead. She appeared today in the Wynberg Magistrates' Court alongside her co-accused, Rogers Mubiru (34) and Fatuma Bashiba (38). All three remain in custody, and the case has been postponed until 17 April for a formal bail application. According to the Hawks in the Western Cape, the arrests of Mubiru and Bashiba followed […]

11 April 2025

Local

South Africa jumps to 7th in Emerging Markets Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index

South Africa has risen from eleventh to seventh place in the emerging markets section of Kearney’s 2025 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index. The improvement is driven by a more stable power supply, infrastructure reforms, and developments in green energy. Investors have praised Eskom’s increased stability, the unbundling of logistics services, and investments in hydrogen projects. The country’s mineral wealth and exemption from key U.S. tariffs have also enhanced its appeal. […]

11 April 2025

Local

Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development condemns shooting at Wynberg Court

By Rachel Mohamed The fatal shooting of a Vrygrond taxi operator at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court has sent shockwaves across the country. The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has raised serious concerns about how the gunman was able to enter the court with a loaded firearm. The committee noted that during past oversight visits to courts in KwaZulu-Natal, many were found to be operating without functional metal detectors. […]

10 April 2025

Aneeqa Du Plessis

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