Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Western Cape Learner Transport Suspended as Bus Operators Meet MEC Jaco Londt

By Odwa Mkentane Learner transport services have been suspended across the Western Cape from today, with small bus operators citing rising diesel and operating costs, as well as an unresolved financial crisis. The South African Small Bus Operators Council Western Cape (SANSBOC-WC) says the suspension could affect thousands of learners who depend on contracted transport to get to and from school. SANSBOC-WC is expected to meet with Western Cape MEC […]

6 October 2026

Local

MEET THE MAYORS | BOSA’s Roger Solomons on Affordability in Cape Town

By Ragheema Mclean Build One South Africa’s (BOSA) Cape Town mayoral candidate, Roger Solomons, says affordability will be a key issue for residents as the city heads towards the November 4 Local Government Elections. Speaking on VOC’s Meet the Mayors, Solomons, who is also BOSA’s national spokesperson, says voters should consider whether life in Cape Town has become easier or harder over the past five years. “The fundamental question for […]

6 October 2026

Local

Rising food and household costs put further pressure on South African consumers

By Ragheema Mclean The cost of living continues to put pressure on South African households, with consumers facing rising food, electricity, water and transport costs. The average household food basket increased again in September, reaching almost R5,500. The latest increase comes as households also contend with higher municipal costs and another fuel price hike, adding to the financial strain facing consumers. Sibusiso Mbtoto, Advocacy Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice […]

6 October 2026

Local

Expert Urges South Africa to Adopt Measured Approach in US Relations

By Odwa Mkentane Following Parliament’s International Relations Committee seeking answers from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) over the latest démarche involving US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Bozell, the third such incident in nine months, experts have warned that South Africa should move away from public and confrontational diplomacy with the United States and return to formal, measured engagement. Speaking to VOC, lecturer in the Department of […]

5 October 2026

Local

Housing Activists Warn High Costs Could Undermine Cape Town’s Affordable Housing Plans

By Odwa Mkentane Housing activists are raising concerns over the City of Cape Town’s plans to provide affordable housing in well-located areas, warning that high rates, service costs and small housing units could still exclude poor and working-class communities. They are calling for greater transparency, meaningful community participation and the use of public land to address the city’s housing crisis. Speaking to VOC after the City of Cape Town and […]

5 October 2026

Local

Fuel prices set to surge above R30 a litre

By Ragheema Mclean South African motorists are facing another major fuel price increase, with petrol expected to rise above R30 a litre for the first time. The latest data from the Central Energy Fund points to an increase of around R3.29 a litre for 95 unleaded petrol, while lower-sulphur diesel could rise by around R3.19 a litre. Diesel is also expected to reach a new record price of about R33.24 […]

5 October 2026

Local

MEET THE MAYORS | AL Jama-ah puts infrastructure at centre of first 90 days

By Ragheema Mclean Al Jama-ah mayoral candidate Advocate Shameemah Salie says infrastructure and basic service delivery would be among her key priorities during her first 90 days in office, if elected mayor of Cape Town. Speaking on VOC Breakfast’s Meet the Mayors series ahead of the November local government elections, Salie said her initial focus would be on assessing the city’s existing challenges, particularly in communities where residents continue to […]

5 October 2026

Local

George Galloway praises South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel

By Oyisa George Internationally renowned speaker and UK politician George Galloway has praised South Africa’s decision to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, saying the country had shown “courage and moral fibre” in doing so. Galloway is in South Africa as part of his People Power Tour, which has focused on Palestine, international conflicts and South Africa’s role in the changing global political landscape. Speaking […]

2 October 2026

News

SAHUC to refund Hajj registration fees to eligible pilgrims

By Ragheema Mclean The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has announced that it will refund Hajj registration fees to eligible pilgrims who have not yet performed Hajj. The decision applies to pilgrims who paid the registration fee between November 2016 and September 2025. SAHUC says the registration fees ranged from R100 to R309, including VAT, depending on the year in which the pilgrim registered. The council says it […]

2 October 2026

Aneeqa Du Plessis

Download our new app

Download
our new app