Aneeqa Du Plessis, Author at Voice of the Cape

Gaza health official: ‘4,500 amputations since start of Israel’s genocide’

An official in the Gaza Ministry of Health announced on Friday that 4,500 amputations of the upper and lower limbs had been recorded since the start of the genocide committed by Israel for the 16th consecutive month. Director of the Health Information Department Zaher Al-Wahid confirmed: “We have recorded 4,500 amputations as of the end of 2024 as a result of the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.” Al-Wahid explained that […]

11 January 2025

International News

African Nations face debt versus development challenge in 2025

David McNair, the executive director of One Campaign, has stated that over 20 African countries are projected to spend more on debt servicing than on essential services, such as healthcare and education, by 2025. In an interview with Africa News, McNair attributed this crisis to high borrowing costs and slow debt restructuring processes. He has urged global institutions to help lower borrowing costs during South Africa's G20 presidency. "The […]

10 January 2025

Local

FEDSAS concerned as rising school fees strain families amidst economic pressures

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South Africa (Fedsas) reported that fee-paying schools are facing significant financial strain due to rising school fees, which is putting added pressure on ailing families. According to Fedsas, independent schools are expected to grant exemptions totaling between R7.4 billion - R10.8 billion to help struggling parents. Fedsas’ Riaan van der Bergh emphasized that as fee increases outpace inflation, it is crucial for schools to […]

10 January 2025

Local

PSA: ‘Early pension withdrawals could be detrimental to taxpayers’

By Rachel Mohamed The Public Servants Association (PSA) warned its members against unnecessary withdrawals from their pension funds under the two-pot system. While the system offers greater flexibility and access to retirement funds, the PSA emphasized the potential long-term impact of such withdrawals on retirement savings. Speaking on VOC’s Breakfast Show, Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager at the PSA, explained the financial and tax implications of early withdrawals from […]

10 January 2025

International News

UN concerned about the continuing humanitarian crisis in Syria

The United Nations reported that humanitarian access in parts of northeast Syria remained difficult due to the ongoing closure of internal border crossings and bridges damaged by recent fighting. Approximately 15 million Syrians required health services, nearly 13 million experienced acute food insecurity, and over 620,000 were displaced. During his address to the Security Council, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized three critical humanitarian challenges in Syria. “First, we […]

9 January 2025

Local

ANC celebrates 113th Anniversary by honouring struggle heroes

By Rachel Mohamed As part of the African National Congress (ANC) celebration of its 113th anniversary, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the gravesite of the late ANC stalwart, Minister Dullah Omar, at the Johnson Road Cemetery. The visit aimed to honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of the struggle. Emotions ran high as Farieda Omar, the wife of the late cabinet minister, shed tears and expressed the sadness felt […]

9 January 2025

Local

SANZAF collaborates with VOC for 2025 stationery drive

With little over a week before the 2025 academic years kicks off, the South African Nation Zakah Fund (SANZAF) will be joining the Voice of the Cape Radio (VOC) generate stationery packs for the learners of the Strand Moslem Primary School. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, Shafiek Barendse, the Regional Manager for SANZAF in the Western Cape has vowed its support to the cause, stating that more needs […]

7 January 2025

Local

Callas Foundation’s Commitment to Supporting GBV Survivors: A Year-Round Mission

By Rachel Mohamed Lynette Dixon, an advocate and representative of the Callas Foundation, has reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign. Speaking about the pervasive impact of GBV, Dixon emphasized the importance of consistent efforts to support survivors and raise awareness throughout the year. “GBV is not an issue confined to a particular timeframe; it is a social challenge we […]

2 January 2025

Local

90 Kayamandi residents homeless after New Year’s Eve blaze

A fire destroyed approximately 20 shacks in the Kayamandi informal settlement in Stellenbosch on New Year’s morning, leaving around 90 people, including infants, homeless. The blaze broke out just before midnight, and firefighters battled it for nearly two hours. Residents are now relying on aid from the Gift of the Givers Foundation and the Stellenbosch municipality, especially for school uniforms and stationery lost in the fire. Gift of the Givers […]

2 January 2025

Aneeqa Du Plessis

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