Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

Human Trafficking Crisis: Experts Warn of Rising Threat in SA

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed the safe return of 23 South Africans rescued from Myanmar last week. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, more than 50 foreign nationals recently escaped from a suspected human trafficking operation. Speaking on VOC Breakfast, criminologist and Missing Children South Africa's national coordinator, Bianca van Aswegen, highlighted the alarming rise in human trafficking. “Human trafficking is everywhere. South Africa is identified as a […]

1 April 2025

Local

WCED Urges Parents to Apply Before Admissions Deadline

With less than 15 days remaining before the application deadline for the 2026 academic year, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged parents to apply for Grade R, 1, and 8 admissions without delay to avoid disappointment. Speaking on VOC Breakfast, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond emphasized the urgency, saying, “We are basically at the halfway mark. So, we are counting down the days to April 15, when the system […]

1 April 2025

Local

Fire Destroys Ihata Shelter Resources

An alleged arson attack early Saturday morning (29 March 2025) caused devastating losses at the Ihata Shelter for abused women and children in Welcome Estate. The fire, which broke out in the shelter’s storerooms, resulted in damages estimated at R90,000, destroying vital resources, including ten computers meant for a youth program and a food truck used for sustainability training. Chief Operations Officer Nuraan Osman described the ordeal: “In the early […]

31 March 2025

Local

MMAWUSA Gains Official Trade Union Recognition

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) has officially been recognized as a registered trade union, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to advocate for workers' rights. This achievement follows a rigorous registration process, overcoming multiple challenges to meet the necessary compliance standards. MMAWUSA representative Ruth Ntlokotsi reflected on the union’s journey, stating, “MMAWUSA was officially registered on 17 March 2025, following numerous attempts. We […]

31 March 2025

International News

African Mirror: Nambian President champions economic growth and women’s leadership in the country

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has vowed to steer the country toward economic prosperity by reducing reliance on natural resources, promoting diversification, and creating more employment opportunities. Speaking on NewsBeat, Dr. Paul Kariuki, Executive Director of the Democracy Development Programme and Convener of the Africa Policy Circle (APC), said Namibia is well-positioned to achieve the goals set by its new president, thanks to the country’s manageable economic size and strategic location. […]

27 March 2025

Local

Cosatu Welcomes Slight Q4 Uptick in Employment Statistics

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released its Quarterly Employment Statistics, revealing a net decline of 91,000 jobs between December 2023 and December 2024. The report shows a drop of 26,000 full-time jobs and 65,000 part-time jobs over the year. Despite the overall decline, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomed a marginal employment increase in the fourth quarter of 2024. “Stats SA announced a 0.1% increase in […]

27 March 2025

Local

Two Arrested in Cape Town Drug Busts

Western Cape police have made significant strides in their efforts to combat drug-related crime, with two separate arrests in Manenberg and Khayelitsha on Wednesday. In the first operation, Western Cape Public Order Police arrested a 26-year-old man in Manenberg for drug possession. Acting on a search warrant, officers raided a residence in Jenny Schneider Street, Tambo Village, where they discovered 1,026 mandrax tablets hidden inside the home. In a separate […]

27 March 2025

Local

Belgian Troops Deployed to DRC Amid Rising Tensions

The Belgian government has deployed two military companies to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assist in the fight against M23 rebels. While the official stance is that the mission involves combat training, there is growing speculation that Belgian troops may participate directly in the conflict. Speaking on VOC’s NewsBeat Show, Independent political analyst Luchulumanco Mawisa commented, “Belgium finds itself back in the DRC after having colonised the country. […]

26 March 2025

Local

Healthcare Crisis: Doctors, Nurses Leaving SA Amid NHI Uncertainty

Despite South Africa’s growing shortage of healthcare workers, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the increasing number of nurses and doctors leaving the country to work abroad. Medical expert Dr Angelique Coetzee shed light on some of the key reasons behind this trend, citing systemic challenges in the public healthcare sector. “They’re leaving because of various reasons,” Coetzee explained. “One of the important things to understand is that in […]

26 March 2025

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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