Daanyaal Matthews

By Daanyaal Matthews  The Border Management Authority (BMA) has hailed the Easter period as a success, reporting a 63% reduction in illegal border crossings compared to the same period last year.  The BMA attributes this achievement to the introduction of new technology—most notably a fleet of high-tech drones, which Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber announced as a significant step forward in securing the Republic’s borders.  Speaking on VOC’s News […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has been under increased criticism since the reversal of the VAT decision, with his position worsened following the recent judgment of the Western Cape High Court that sided with the DA and EEF against the recently passed budget vote.  The finance minister has been chiefly criticized by the Economic Freedom Fighters, with its leader, Julius Malema, calling for his resignation.  Speaking on VOC […]

By Daanyaal Matthews President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is set to visit South Africa tomorrow. This follows the Ukrainian president facing increased pressure from the United States to enter into negotiations with the Russian Federation and the Ukrainian president reiterating that negotiations could only commence once a ceasefire is in place. The Presidency has affirmed that the visit, which will be the first time the Ukrainian Head of State will […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  The passing of the budget vote in Parliament has sparked widespread criticism from both civil organizations and political parties. ActionSA has backed its decision to stand with the ANC by stating that it was necessary to not see a stalled government while also creating a framework wherein the tenets of the budget vote could be reconsidered. ActionSA remains adamant that the 0.5% increase to VAT will not […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  The Constitutional Court has dismissed the application from former Judge and present Deputy President of the MK party, John Hlophe, which challenged the interim interdict set in place by the Western Cape High Court barring his participation in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Previously, the former judge was halted by applications made by both political parties, such as the Democratic Alliance, and civil organizations, such as Freedom […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has begun its wage negotiations with the Fuel Retailers Association and Retail Motor Industry Organization. Speaking on VOC Newsbeat, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola explained that the union's main request is for a 10% increase in medical insurance. Additionally, they are seeking transportation allowances for garage workers, contributions to short-time work for all other employees, and measures to reduce pay disparities. “For […]

By Daanyaal Matthews The South African mining sector has recorded significant losses in both production and sales, with mining output declining by 9.6% and sales dropping by 12.9% year-on-year.   Major losses were in the production of platinum group metals and iron ore, with gold and coal having a lesser impact. Iron ore was a major negative contributor to the sale losses, with the sale of iron declining by -29.5% and […]