Daanyaal Matthews

By Daanyaal Matthews  Parliament is set to deliberate on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget proposals, with the ANC pushing for approval despite facing strong opposition. The proposed budget includes a 0.5% VAT increase this year, with a potential hike next year. However, major parties such as the DA, EFF, and uMkhonto we Sizwe have shown little support, casting uncertainty over the country’s financial future.  Speaking on VOC Newsbeat, Professor Amanda […]

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has once again criticized the proposed 0.5% VAT increase, along with an additional 0.5% hike potentially taking place next year. The union has reiterated its call for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations instead.  Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has pushed back against the idea of increasing corporate tax, arguing that such a move would be counterproductive, as it could negatively impact […]

By Daanyaal Matthews The military sector of the Republic has been inundated with issues for years, both due to inadequate leadership and, additionally, budget cuts that have left the Department of Defense and Military Veterans anaemic. This is most evident when evaluating the words of Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, who has painted an image of her department as one that lacks proper leadership in various departments, […]

By Daanyaal Matthews   Anti-immigration protests have erupted in the KwaZulu-Natal province, with demonstrators linking illegal immigration to broader socio-economic concerns, including housing shortages and crime, particularly in relation to the drug trade. While the protests have been labeled as 'xenophobic' by detractors, participants insist that illegal immigration is a pressing issue in their communities, citing inefficiencies in border management. Speaking on VOC Newsbeat, criminologist Professor Guy Lamb acknowledged that border […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  Student housing has long been a major challenge for university students, who often worry about where they will sleep at night. Recent reports indicate that the situation has become so dire that some students have resorted to protesting in the streets. The crisis stems from two key issues: the availability of accommodation and funding. The latter becomes particularly pressing every January and February, as students petition NSFAS […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  The increased tensions between the United States and South Africa have raised queries on the future of the Southern African states participation in the African Growth and Opportunities Agreement.  The AGOA agreement serves as an important economic lifeline for the Republic, representing an enormous part of South Africa's exports, with President Cyril Ramaphosa championing it as beneficial for economic activity and job creation.  Tensions have been fermenting […]