By Aneeqa Du Plessis The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has condemned the viral incident in which a woman was forcibly removed from its Tyger Valley branch, calling the episode both “distressing” and “unacceptable.” In a statement, DHA confirmed that the woman did not have a valid appointment on its booking system and appears to have been misled into purchasing a slot from a third party. “This practice is illegal […]
Nearly 27,000 people were treated for violent injuries at Western Cape public hospitals over a six-month period, placing severe pressure on already strained emergency and trauma services. Provincial health authorities have warned that a surge in gunshot and stabbing cases is overwhelming the health system and have urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ramp up intelligence-driven policing, particularly in gang-affected communities. Speaking to VOC News, Director of Communications […]
Across Africa, a renewed slide into electoral authoritarianism is steadily eroding the democratic gains made during the post–Cold War era. While elections continue to take place, many are increasingly manipulated to entrench incumbents in power. This trend is weakening democratic institutions, undermining accountability, and posing serious risks to long-term economic growth and political stability across the continent. Leaders accused of practising electoral authoritarianism often amend constitutions, suppress opposition parties, restrict […]
The United States (U.S.) President, Donald Trump, has stepped back from plans to impose new tariffs on European trading partners, announcing instead that he and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte have agreed on a framework for a future deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region. The surprise shift has brought temporary relief to global markets and eased fears of a deepening rift within the transatlantic alliance, even as it raises […]
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has begun registering residents affected by a fire that tore through Masiphumelele on Tuesday. The process is being carried out in partnership with the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch to assess the full extent of the damage and identify those in need of assistance. Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says key City services have been mobilised to support recovery efforts. […]
President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for stronger support in every classroom, stressing the need for a coherent curriculum, well-trained teachers, and quality, age-appropriate learning materials. Addressing the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Boksburg, Gauteng, the president said the government is intensifying its focus on evidence-based teaching, particularly in literacy and numeracy, to reduce repetition, learner drop-out rates, and weak progression through the school system. Ramaphosa emphasised that investing in […]
Firefighters continue to battle intense wildfires in the Cape Winelands, with extreme heat and strong winds worsening conditions in and around Franschhoek. The blaze, which started on the mountain slopes, has spread rapidly and crossed the Berg River overnight, moving onto the Stellenbosch side of the mountain. Deputy Director of Communications for the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Jo-Anne Otto, described the situation as dangerous and complex due to the area’s […]
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% salary increase for the deputy president, ministers, deputy ministers, and parliamentarians—a move that has reignited public debate around political accountability and economic priorities. The increase, published in the Government Gazette, comes at a time when many South Africans are struggling with rising living costs and the lingering effects of a sluggish economy. The salary adjustment is slightly lower than the 4.1% recommended by […]
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow over recent tragedies in South Africa, including the deaths of 26 people linked to violence on the Cape Flats over the weekend. He extended his condolences to the affected families and vowed that the government would take decisive action to protect citizens. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the government is increasing police visibility in affected areas and urged communities to work closely with […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
