Lee-Yandra Paulsen

The Western Cape government has voiced strong opposition to the draft Business Licensing Bill in its current form. The legislation, which seeks to empower local councils to grant preferential business licenses to small businesses owned by disadvantaged groups, has raised concerns about its practicality and impact. MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, described the draft as “vague, confusing, and unworkable,” saying it fails to establish a uniform […]

The National Treasury has released a draft discussion paper proposing a national online gambling tax, inviting public comment ahead of the 30 January deadline. The paper highlights the rapid growth of online gambling in South Africa, noting its social consequences and the burden of problem gambling on society. The Treasury states that regulation is necessary to curb harmful behaviour and protect the public interest. The proposal follows a recent report […]

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya is set to release South Africa’s annual judiciary performance report on Tuesday, shedding light on how the country’s courts have served the public and identifying areas requiring urgent reform. The report covers the last two financial years and provides a detailed assessment of the judiciary’s effectiveness, efficiency, and ongoing challenges. The report comes after a June meeting between the judiciary and President Cyril Ramaphosa, which confirmed […]

As the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign gets underway, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is stepping up its efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the province. This week, 139 residents joined DSD’s GBV Ambassador Programme in areas including Breede Valley, Atlantis, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, and Cape Metro North. Trained as first responders and community advocates, ambassadors raise awareness about support […]

With holiday traffic surging across the country, industry experts are warning motorists to stay alert to an increase in roadside tow truck scams. The South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA) stated that opportunistic operators frequently target drivers in the moments immediately following a crash. SAMBRA’s National Director, Juan Hanekom, said some tow truck drivers exploit the stress and confusion that follow an accident. “Primarily, tow truck drivers take advantage […]

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) stated it is on track to save more than R341-million in the next financial year after thousands of social grants were discontinued following extensive eligibility reviews. This update was presented to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development last week, where SASSA and the Department of Social Development (DSD) outlined progress in tightening controls within the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system. SASSA […]

Investigative journalist Kyle Cowan offers an unflinching look into South Africa’s criminal underworld in his new book, Mafia Land. Drawing on years of reporting for News24, Cowan traces the complex web connecting organised crime, corruption, and political influence, revealing how these networks quietly shape daily life across the country. Speaking to VOC News, Cowan said the book was born out of a need to bring coherence to years of scattered […]

Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba is facing corruption charges linked to Transnet’s multi-billion-rand locomotive procurement programme. The case centres on the acquisition of more than 1 000 locomotives, valued at over R54 billion, one of the largest tenders in the state-owned entity’s history. Gigaba appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday, alongside four co-accused. The matter forms part of what investigators classify as a Schedule […]