Lee-Yandra Paulsen

South Africa’s economy showed signs of strengthening in the second quarter of 2025, with GDP rising by 0.8% after marginal growth of 0.1% in the first quarter. Growth was mainly driven by manufacturing, mining, and trade, with household spending and lower imports also contributing. Economist Ulrich Joubert said, “This is good news. If we can have an improved growth rate in the second quarter compared to the first quarter, then […]

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has entered a new era following the official appointment of Mauritanian economist Sidi Ould Tah as president. His inauguration took place on Monday in Côte d'Ivoire, where he pledged to cut red tape, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to finance, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. Dr. Ould Tah succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who won praise for elevating the AfDB’s global standing […]

The Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) has launched its Justice Through Mediation programme, an initiative aimed at easing pressure on South Africa’s congested court system. The programme will provide free mediation services to individuals and small businesses, offering a faster and less costly alternative to litigation. Through the initiative, AFSA plans to mobilise retired judges, advocates, and attorneys to mentor young mediators, ensuring high standards of professionalism and ethics […]

A solidarity hike for Palestine is scheduled for Saturday, 6 September, at Newlands Forest in Cape Town, starting at 8:30 am. The initiative is organised by Youth for Al-Quds South Africa in collaboration with Hikers for Humanity, combining wellness with activism. Speaking to VOC News, Youth for Al-Quds (SA) National Coordinator Abubakir Rinquest explained the motivation behind the event. “We, as Youth for Al-Quds and Hikers for Humanity, planned a […]

Housing activists Ndifuna Ukwazi are urging the government to prioritise repairs to the derelict Irene Grootboom building in Cape Town, rather than evicting the 40 families who have called it home for years. The Western Cape High Court this week reserved judgement after the Department of Public Works (DPWI) sought urgent eviction orders, citing safety concerns around the deteriorating property. The department argued that structural risks made the site unsafe, […]

By Lee-Yandra Paulsen Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has praised the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) for launching a nationwide investigation to verify educators across the country. Last month, the council began auditing more than 22,000 public schools to identify so-called 'ghost teachers' and to probe allegations that teacher posts are being sold for up to R25,000 each. Speaking to VOC News, Committee Chairperson Joy Maimela said the probe […]

Domestic and gender-based violence continues to be among the most urgent crises in South Africa, yet survivors are still being failed by the justice system. Many face secondary trauma when reporting cases at police stations, endure long court delays, or watch perpetrators evade justice. Speaking to VOC News, feminist lawyer and activist Seehaam Samaai said that while South Africa has progressive laws, the real challenge lies in their enforcement. “Although […]