Lee-Yandra Paulsen

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has urged residents to take extra precautions as the South African Weather Service issues a heatwave advisory for Wednesday, 22 October 2025. Spokesperson Sonica Lategan cautioned that exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health complications. “We remind the public that exposure to heat can cause potential health impacts,” she said, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure […]

As the 2025 matric exams officially begin across South Africa, thousands of learners are gearing up for what could be one of the most defining periods of their academic journey. While the focus often rests on study timetables, exam venues, and subject papers, the psychological strain on learners and even their parents is often overlooked. According to Mental Health and Wellness Specialist Keri Rudolph, the stress of exam season extends […]

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) research highlights that a child’s earliest years are crucial for brain development, shaping everything from learning ability to behaviour and emotional wellbeing. Yet, access to quality early childhood education (ECD) remains out of reach for many South African families. The Centre for Early Childhood Development continues to advocate for equal opportunities, with its Director, Professor Eric Atmore, acknowledging that while progress has been made, […]

Cape Town’s annual fire season usually runs from November to May annually, a period marked by dry and windy conditions that leave the city particularly vulnerable to wildfires. However, with three separate fires breaking out late last month, experts are concerned that this year’s season may have arrived earlier than expected. Speaking to VOC News, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse provided insight into the […]

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it will continue its fight to protect access to healthcare for all people in South Africa after the Durban High Court dismissed its urgent application to halt Operation Dudula’s alleged campaign against migrants in KwaZulu-Natal. The court ruled that the matter was not urgent, but the commission insists that lives remain at risk. SAHRC chairperson Chris Nissen expressed disappointment at the ruling, […]

The Amlay House Heritage Museum in Simon’s Town continues to battle a long-standing issue with tourist buses parking directly in front of its entrance, despite repeated appeals to the City and local council for intervention. According to curator Sheribeen Amlay, the matter has persisted for years, disrupting both the museum’s operations and the daily lives of residents living upstairs. Amlay explained that the issue began when a councillor once told […]

The City of Cape Town has welcomed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the hijacking and murder of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer Yonke Pakade, who was attacked over the weekend in the Marikana Informal Settlement in Philippi. The 26-year-old officer was off duty when a group of suspects hijacked him. According to reports, he was stabbed multiple times and also attacked with stones. Mayoral Committee Member […]

Advocacy group My Vote Counts has applied for leave to appeal a Western Cape High Court ruling. The court dismissed its challenge to the constitutionality of the Political Party Funding Act. The organisation has now approached both the Constitutional Court and the High Court to continue its legal battle for greater transparency in political funding. My Vote Counts is also urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to explain, by 20 October, why […]