Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Health Minister Motsoaledi raises concern about the freezing of US funding for the HIV/Aids programme

By Rachel Mohamed Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that he will soon meet with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana regarding the U.S. freezing funds for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This funding pause is pending a review of whether the contributions align with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. PEPFAR plays a significant role in South Africa’s budget for tackling HIV/AIDS, accounting for 17% of the R44.4 billion […]

29 January 2025

Local

South African household spending reached R3-trillion in 2022/’23

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has reported that total household consumption expenditure between November 2022 and November 2023 reached R3 trillion. The 2022/2023 income and expenditure survey indicated that the top four spending categories—housing, food, transport, and insurance—accounted for nearly 76% of all household expenditure. According to Stats SA’s Rodney Khumalo, households spent an average of R143,069 in 2023, with male-headed households contributing to over 60% of this total. Furthermore, […]

28 January 2025

International News

Ramaphosa, Kagame Call for Ceasefire in DRC Conflict

By Rachel Mohamed President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently addressed the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As M23 rebels and the DRC army dispute vie for control of Goma, the leaders emphasised the urgency of a ceasefire and peace talks. This discussion comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers near Goma last […]

28 January 2025

Local

SAFTU urges the government to implement the High Court ruling on the Social Relief of Distress Grant without delay

By Rachel Mohamed The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has urged the government to respect and promptly implement the High Court ruling in Pretoria regarding the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. This request follows the court's judgment last Thursday, which may facilitate access to the SRD Grant for more individuals. One of the key points of the ruling was that a regulation related to the SRD Grant […]

27 January 2025

Local

President Ramaphosa signs Expropriation Bill into law

By Rachel Mohamed Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law, replacing the 1975 Expropriation Act. After five years of public consultation, the legislation aims to ensure the expropriation processes promote inclusivity and equitable resource access. The law mandates authorities to engage property owners through negotiation, mediation, or legal channels to resolve disputes. Meanwhile, the bill has sparked controversy, with opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), […]

27 January 2025

Local

The Vital Role of Discipline in Schools

By Rachel Mohamed Discipline forms the cornerstone of any thriving school environment, playing a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, responsible individuals. From arriving on time to adhering to uniform policies, these seemingly simple rules instill values of respect, accountability, and focus. Speaking on VOC’s Breakfast Show, retired educator and former principal of Spine Road High School, Riyaad Najaar, highlighted that discipline starts at home. "If rules and structures are absent […]

24 January 2025

Local

Experts sound alarm over Cape Town’s wildfire vulnerability

By Rachel Mohamed Experts have raised concerns that Cape Town may experience devastating wildfires similar to those seen in Los Angeles, due to its comparable climate, mountainous terrain, and vegetation. The city’s Fire and Rescue Service reported over 7,000 fires to date in the 2023/2024 financial year, emphasizing the ongoing risks. The potential danger is highlighted by past tragedies, such as the 2017 Knysna fires, which claimed the lives of […]

24 January 2025

Local

Eastern Cape Judge President Under Fire for Explicit Images Amid Harassment Allegations

By Rachel Mohamed Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge is at the center of sexual harassment allegations after being accused by Andiswa Mengo, a junior judge’s clerk. Speaking on VOC’s PM Drive, Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher at Judges Matter, shed light on the judicial conduct tribunal hearings, during which Mengo has been cross-examined by Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane. “The complainant, Ms. Mengo, filed the complaint in January 2023, alleging […]

23 January 2025

Local

OUTA accuses NSFAS of monopolising student accommodation amid looming unrest

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse warns of a looming student accommodation crisis as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) owes R44 million to providers. The Private Student Housing Association, housing 80 thousand students, has threatened to block returning students if payments are not made within two weeks. OUTA’s Rudie Heyneke blames the scheme’s mismanagement, including a flawed portal and delayed payments, for putting students and landlords at risk. “Just […]

23 January 2025

Aneeqa Du Plessis

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