Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

SASSA beneficiaries urged to switch to Postbank black cards before March 20 deadline

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card users must transition to Postbank black cards before March 20, as gold cards will be deactivated, leaving black cards as the sole means for beneficiaries to access their funds. Speaking on NewsBeat on Thursday, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe provided an update on the migration process. “We reached one million last Friday, meaning over a million people have already switched to the new […]

13 March 2025

International News

Sudan sues UAE, raising questions about SA arms exports

Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly violating the Genocide Convention, accusing the Gulf state of financing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its activities in West Darfur. This legal action has also raised concerns about South Africa’s indirect involvement, as the country supplies arms to the UAE, prompting questions about its role in the conflict. Dr. Atilla Kisla, International Justice Cluster Lead at […]

13 March 2025

Local

Political parties divided over VAT increase

By Loushe Jordaan Gilbert The Government of National Unity (GNU) has expressed mixed reactions to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s plan to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points this fiscal year, followed by another 0.5 percentage point increase in 2026, bringing VAT to 16%. Several political parties have voiced concerns, warning that the increase will hit the most vulnerable South Africans, who are already struggling with the high cost […]

13 March 2025

Local

Black Sash raises concerns over grant increases

The National Budget Speech, delivered on Wednesday by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, has faced criticism from various quarters, with many calling it unbalanced. A major point of contention is the National Treasury’s plan to increase value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in the 2025/2026 financial year, followed by another 0.5 percentage point increase in 2026/2027. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Thursday, Black Sash’s National Advocacy Manager, Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, expressed […]

13 March 2025

International News

Ramaphosa rejects envoy to counter AfriForum’s U.S. lobbying

President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to send an envoy to counter AfriForum’s misinformation campaign regarding the Expropriation Act despite labelling the minority lobby group’s actions as “unpatriotic.” However, he reiterated the significance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and South Africa’s strategic partnership with the United States, particularly in a time of diplomatic tension between the two nations. Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of the […]

12 March 2025

News

SAMA urges government to bridge funding gaps.

The South African Medical Association has urged the government to intervene in the health sector following funding cuts by United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump to USAID. Reports indicate that clinical trials on HIV research, including those at the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, have been halted due to these cuts. Speaking to NewsBeat on Tuesday, Public Health Specialist Professor Hassan Mohammad explained the challenges posed by the loss of research […]

11 March 2025

Local

Two men shot and killed in Mitchells Plain

Two men, aged 30 and 41, were shot and killed in Mitchells Plain on Sunday (09 March 2025). The incident occurred at the corner of Suurberg and Buffelshoek Streets in front of a premises in Buffelshoek Street, Tafelsig. The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that the two victims were standing at the location when an unidentified man began shooting at them, fatally wounding both in the head. The motive […]

9 March 2025

News

Eskom Suspends Loadshedding

Eskom has suspended loadshedding, following successfully recovering more than 3,000 MW of generation capacity and replenishing sufficient emergency reserves. The power utility stated that recovery has been largely driven by coal operations at Kusile Power Station, which is now operating at optimal levels, with all units that had been offline since Friday now back in service. Additionally, progress on the recovery of Koeberg Unit 2 is well underway. […]

9 March 2025

Local

Opposition slams Winde’s SOPA as lacking substance

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Beaufort West on Wednesday, continuing the tradition of hosting the event in different towns to improve accessibility. In his address, Winde reflected on the provincial government’s achievements while outlining its priorities for the year ahead. However, he also acknowledged financial constraints, citing budget cuts from National Treasury and rapid population growth as major challenges to service […]

27 February 2025

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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