Lee-Yandra Paulsen

In a landmark ruling, the Constitutional Court has declared that parental leave following the birth of a child must be shared between both parents, granting fathers greater access to caregiving time. Delivering the judgment, Justice Laura Lumka Tshiqi stressed that caregiving responsibilities should not rest solely with mothers. “Leave should not be restricted to mothers but should extend to fathers as well. Where only one parent is employed, that parent […]

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has cautioned against granting parole solely as a means to reduce overcrowding in South Africa’s prisons. Responding to a parliamentary question, Groenewald revealed concerning figures showing that more than 18,000 parolees reoffended over the past three years. Of these, 493 were accused of murder, while 624 faced charges of rape. The most common crimes committed by repeat offenders included theft and housebreaking. Between 2022 and […]

A 34-year-old suspect has been arrested in Hanover Park on Tuesday for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, following an operation by the Anti-Gang Unit. According to police, the unit was deployed to Hanover Park to curb escalating violence among rival gangs. Initially operating without specific leads, officers conducted high-visibility patrols to gather on-the-ground intelligence. SAPS spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk explained that this proactive approach quickly […]

The Madlanga Commission adjourned unexpectedly on Wednesday after Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, fell ill before he could continue his testimony. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that a decision on whether hearings will resume on Thursday will be communicated to the public. “I think it is very important for us to say that the hearing was scheduled to start at 9:30, and nothing out of the ordinary occurred […]

As Heritage Month draws to a close, South Africans reflect on the rich blend of cultures, cuisines, traditions, and languages that make up the country’s identity. From food and fashion to music and dance, the month celebrates the many influences that shape our nation. Yet, while most South Africans take pride in this diversity, not all heritages are equally secure. Many Indigenous languages, particularly those of the Khoi and San, […]

The murder case of 89-year-old Ellen Malan from Tafelsig has remained unresolved for over a year, with forensic delays leaving her family without answers. Action Society has now escalated the matter to the DNA Board and SAPS leadership, demanding urgent accountability. Kaylynn Palm, Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, told VOC News: “Basically, it’s been exactly a year since the death of Ellen Malan. She was […]

Civil rights organisation Action Society has raised alarm over forensic delays in the murder investigation of 89-year-old Ellen Malan, who was killed in her Tafelsig home more than a year ago. Malan, affectionately known in her community as “everyone’s granny,” was found tied up and murdered in September 2024. Despite suspects being identified, forensic results remain outstanding, leaving the case stalled. This week, Action Society submitted formal complaints to the […]

Cape Town residents are being urged to prepare for sweltering weather on Tuesday (30 September), as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts hot to very hot conditions across much of the Western Cape, including the City of Cape Town metropolitan area. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) has warned that temperatures could climb into the high 20s and low 30s, raising both health and environmental concerns. DRMC spokesperson […]