Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

SADAG Urges Companies to Prioritise Mental Health Amid Alarming Suicide Rates

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has once again raised concern over the country’s mental health crisis, calling on companies and institutions to prioritise employee wellness programmes and mental health access. This comes amid alarming statistics indicating that South Africa records more than 13,000 suicides annually, among the highest rates globally. SADAG spokesperson Tracey Feinstein said the crisis runs deeper than the numbers suggest. “I hate talking about […]

31 July 2025

Features

South Africa Urged to Tackle Human Trafficking as Global Crisis Intensifies

As the world marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Wednesday (30 July 2025) under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation,” the Western Cape Department of Social Development has reiterated the urgent need for coordinated action to combat trafficking in South Africa. According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, 74 people, mainly women, children, and youth under 25, were rescued from trafficking […]

30 July 2025

News

Tiffany Meek Denied Bail in the Jaden Lee Murder Case

Tiffany Meek, the mother of 11-year-old Jaden Lee Meek, has been denied bail following her arrest for his alleged murder and obstruction of justice. The child’s bruised body was found outside a flat in Fleurhof, Johannesburg, just a day after Meek reported him missing. While Meek maintains her innocence and claims she was framed, the court cited several concerns in its decision to keep her in custody. Shaheda Omar, Clinical […]

30 July 2025

News

G20 Urged to Prioritise Climate Finance to End Energy Poverty

At the G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting in Sun City, North West, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa called for urgent action to scale up climate finance and end energy poverty. He emphasised the need to move from pledges to coordinated, inclusive investments in infrastructure, particularly in transmission, distribution, and flexible energy generation. Ramokgopa also highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and early-stage […]

30 July 2025

International News

Thailand and Cambodia Reach Ceasefire Amid Temple Dispute

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated once again, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 people and the displacement of thousands. Ceasefire talks are now underway in Malaysia, mediated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following intense cross-border clashes. According to Al Jazeera, the violence stems from a long-standing territorial dispute over the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled […]

29 July 2025

Local

Ocean View Police Operation Leads to Arrests and Seizure of Ammunition and Drugs

A multi-disciplinary operation targeting extortion and drug-related crimes in Ocean View led to the arrest of three suspects in the early hours of Monday, 28 July 2025. According to SAPS, the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team conducted a coordinated sweep of identified premises within the precinct. “At the first location, a 37-year-old male was arrested after he was found in possession of […]

29 July 2025

News

Justice System Probe to Prioritise Transparency, Says Commission Chair

Acting Deputy Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Commission, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, said the newly formed Judicial Commission of Inquiry into corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system will prioritise transparency and public access to proceedings. During a media briefing, Madlanga explained that requests to present evidence behind closed doors would be strictly assessed and not approved without compelling justification. The commission, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, follows […]

29 July 2025

International News

63 Killed in Gaza Despite Israeli ‘Pause’ for Aid

At least 63 people have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, despite the Israeli regime’s announcement of a temporary pause in military operations in parts of central and northern Gaza to allow humanitarian aid through. The continued violence has drawn widespread condemnation. Speaking to VOC News, Dr. Firoz Osman, executive member of the Media Review Network, described the situation as “absolutely horrific.” “We run out of […]

28 July 2025

Local

Bellville Woman Accused of Baby Kidnapping Granted Bail

A woman accused of kidnapping a nine-day-old infant has been released on R4,000 bail by the Bellville Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 July 2025. The accused, Sameemah Jacobs, faces charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly abducting baby Imaad Sharmar from his mother at Middestad Mall in Bellville. It is alleged that Jacobs used multiple false identities to deceive the baby’s mother, Imaan Sharmar, before taking […]

28 July 2025

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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