Lee-Yandra Paulsen

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has announced that he will not seek re-election at the party’s upcoming federal congress, marking a significant leadership shift for South Africa’s official opposition. His decision follows months of internal pressure and heightened tensions within the party, including a recent and very public fallout with former DA member Dion George. Political analyst Sanet Solomon said the announcement did not come as a surprise to political […]

Advocate Andy Mothibi may face court papers on his first day as National Director of Public Prosecutions, following a legal challenge to his appointment by Cape Town-based law firm B Xulu and Partners. The firm argues that the advisory panel used in the selection process was unconstitutional. Mothibi, who was not interviewed for the position, assumes office after being appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, at a time when renewed calls […]

The Department of Health has launched its 2026 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer later in life. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, claiming more than 5,700 lives each year. Speaking to VOC News, Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the campaign forms part of a broad, collaborative effort to prioritise prevention. “I […]

The End User Subscriber Charter Committee has welcomed the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s updated rollover regulations, which will take effect on 23 January 2027. Chairperson Catherine Mushi said the new rules will ensure that unused data, voice, and SMS bundles roll over automatically at no extra cost to consumers. Mushi also confirmed that mobile networks will have 12 months to update their systems to comply with the new […]

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched a new Independent Living pilot partnership aimed at supporting young people exiting alternative care. The programme partners with four non-profit organisations to provide mentorship, life-skills training, psychosocial support, and workplace readiness. It is designed to help former foster children transition into independence with dignity, while reducing the risk of them falling back into vulnerable situations. The pilot targets young adults who […]

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has condemned an incident at its Tyger Valley branch in Cape Town after a video showing a woman being forcibly removed from the premises circulated widely on social media last week. In a statement, the department described the incident as “distressing” and “unacceptable” and confirmed that an internal investigation is under way. DHA said the woman did not have a valid appointment on its […]

By Daanyaal Matthews Scholar transport has become a national topic of discussion following a horrific incident in Gauteng, where 14 children lost their lives due to alleged driver negligence. The tragedy has reignited concerns around learner transport safety and the government’s role in regulating the industry. Speaking to VOC News, Byron La Hoe, Assistant Director of Communications at the Western Cape Mobility Department, said local government has measures in place, […]

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi resumed hearings this week following the festive season recess, with testimony shedding further light on deep-rooted challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS). This week, the committee heard evidence from SAPS Head of Crime Intelligence Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, and suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police […]