Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

SASSA Gold Cards to Remain Active Beyond May

SASSA Gold Cards will continue to function beyond the initial May deadline, allowing beneficiaries who have not yet switched to the new Postbank Black Cards to access their funds. Postbank CEO has confirmed that Gold Cards will remain active across all payment systems, including ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) machines. Speaking on VOC Breakfast earlier, Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako explained, “Postbank temporarily suspended the issuing of Black Cards at all our […]

30 April 2025

Local

Gift of the Givers Aids Firefighters in Tokai Fire

Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers has stepped in to support firefighters battling devastating wildfires across Cape Town, while also assisting residents affected by fires in informal settlements. Speaking to NewsBeat on Tuesday, Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said, “On Sunday morning, we received a call from the Disaster Risk Management Teams requesting assistance as firefighters were struggling to contain an intense blaze.” Sablay explained that their […]

29 April 2025

Local

Five Arrested in Ravensmead for Guns and Drugs

Five suspects have been arrested in Ravensmead during a police operation targeting gun violence and drug-related activity. The Anti-Economic Crime and Provincial Counterfeit Goods Task Team apprehended the men, aged between 34 and 47, on Monday for the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and drugs. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, said officers acted on intelligence that led them to a property where the suspects were […]

29 April 2025

Local

Court Suspends South Africa’s Planned VAT Hike

The Western Cape High Court has officially suspended South Africa’s planned VAT increase, offering temporary relief just days before the first hike was due to take effect. The court ruled that the initial half-a-percentage-point increase, scheduled for 1 May 2025, along with the second phase set for April 2026, will not proceed for now. Political economist Khaya Sithole noted that while the suspension provides short-term relief, it raises significant financial […]

29 April 2025

Local

SASSA Rolls Out Biometric Checks to Prevent Fraud

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is rolling out a new biometric enrolment and identity verification process for clients who apply for grants using alternative identification methods. This includes refugees or asylum seekers who don’t possess the standard 13-digit South African ID number. The aim is to tighten security and prevent fraud within the system. Speaking to VOC Breakfast on Friday, SASSA Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the new process […]

25 April 2025

Local

Prosecution Nears Close in Joshlin Smith Trial

State prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case in the high-profile trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February last year. The accused — Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn — face serious charges, including kidnapping and human trafficking. Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer, confirmed during his testimony that the search for Joshlin remains active, with his team continuing to follow […]

24 April 2025

Local

Consumer Inflation Eases as Fuel and Education Costs Decline

South Africa’s consumer inflation rate eased in March, in line with market expectations. According to Statistics South Africa, the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7%—down from 3.2% in February—marking the first decline in five months. The main contributors to the annual inflation rate included housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as restaurant and accommodation services. However, the most significant easing came from lower fuel prices. […]

23 April 2025

International News

Kganyago Calls on G20 to Refocus and Cut Through the Noise

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has called on the G20 to refine its priorities and streamline its processes, warning that the forum risks becoming bogged down by complexity. Delivering a keynote address at the Brookings Institution in Washington during the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Kganyago expressed concern that the G20 tends to lose momentum outside of periods of global crisis. “The G20 works best […]

23 April 2025

Local

Economists Raise Concerns Over VAT Hike Amid Court Challenge

Economists have raised concerns about the sustainability of the 0.5% VAT increase set to take effect at the beginning of May. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the hike as part of the revised fiscal framework, but the move has triggered significant political and public backlash. This week, the DA and the EFF appeared in the Western Cape High Court to challenge the decision. The court has since reserved judgment. Judge […]

23 April 2025

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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