Kouthar

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says more than 3.3 million voters are registered in the Western Cape and is encouraging eligible citizens who have not yet registered, as well as voters who have recently moved, to update their details during the voter registration drive. IEC Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said the vast majority of voter registration stations across the province opened successfully on the first day of the registration […]

Residents in parts of Cape Town continue to face electricity disruptions as Eskom works to clear a growing fault restoration backlog in areas including Delft and Khayelitsha. The state-owned enterprise (SOE) has reported that a surge in vandalism, theft, and illegal electricity connections is hindering their restoration efforts. According to Eskom, these actions cause extensive damage to critical infrastructure and prolonged outages for thousands of customers, with the SOE urging […]

Acting Minister of Social Development Sindi Chikunga has stressed that the proposed Basic Income Grant will not replace employment opportunities, but rather serve as a support mechanism for South Africa's most vulnerable citizens. Chikunga says the Basic Income Support Policy, which is set to be presented to Cabinet for further deliberations, is aimed at creating income-generating opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods for those living in poverty. The minister's remarks come […]

The Western Cape’s policing capacity gap has once again come under scrutiny following new figures highlighting a growing mismatch between rising crime levels and available SAPS personnel. Outgoing provincial police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has pointed to a significant decline in officer numbers over the past decade. His remarks come amid mounting concerns about population growth and increasing urban pressure in the province. In a media statement, Western Cape […]

A protest opposing the proposed Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Amendment Bill is scheduled for 15 June along Keizergracht Street in Cape Town. Organisers say the demonstration aims to highlight concerns about the legislation’s potential impact on vulnerable communities, particularly residents of informal settlements and those facing housing insecurity. Speaking to VOC News ahead of the protest, Indira Mtandeki from Covid Informal Settlement and […]

The Border Management Authority (BMA) apprehended nine Bangladeshi nationals who attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents and counterfeit visas at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday. According to the BMA, officials detected irregularities in the travellers’ documentation during routine immigration checks, prompting further investigation. The nine individuals were subsequently denied entry into the country. Authorities revealed that all nine travellers were in possession of fraudulent South African […]

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that 586 Nigerian nationals have been processed for deportation after being found to be residing illegally in South Africa. The first repatriation flight departed on the morning of 11 June 2026, carrying 268 passengers. “In accordance with the Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons and are consequently prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years. The […]