Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

U.S role in escalating Gaza tensions under scrutiny

Amid escalating violence in Gaza, questions have emerged about the geopolitical tensions between Hamas and the United States, particularly during former President Donald Trump's administration. His past tweets, warning that Hamas would be "dead" if it did not release hostages, have been interpreted by some as foreshadowing the current crisis. Critics argue that these remarks overlook the reality of Palestinian political prisoners detained without charges or due process. Speaking on […]

18 March 2025

Local

U-turn and The Hope Exchange Join Forces to Support Cape Town’s Homeless

Non-governmental organisations U-turn and The Hope Exchange have partnered to enhance support for Cape Town’s homeless community. The official opening of The Hope Exchange operated by U-turn was held on Tuesday in Roeland Street, where The Hope Exchange has long been based. This collaboration aims to strengthen services and create a more significant impact on individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cape Town CBD. Both organisations believe that by combining their […]

18 March 2025

International News

Political Analyst comments on South African Ambassador Rasool being expelled from U.S.

South Africa's Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has been removed from his post following a highly publicized expulsion by U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, as the reasoning behind his removal remains unclear, fueling speculation that the Trump administration may have had ulterior motives. Political analyst Professor Ahmed Jazbhay addressed the controversy surrounding Rasool’s remarks during a recent Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic […]

17 March 2025

International News

Cyclist Adam Jacobs rides Africa for men’s health

Cyclist and founder of the Chasing Adam initiative, Adam Jacobs, is on a mission to raise awareness about men’s health in partnership with the non-profit organization Waves for Change (W4C). He is cycling across multiple African countries to spark conversations and promote better mental and physical well-being among men. Currently in Diani, Kenya, Jacobs shares that his journey is driven by a desire “to see the world, to learn, and […]

17 March 2025

Local

Ramaphosa chairs Presidential Coordinating Council to address local government challenges

President Cyril Ramaphosa convened the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting at Tuynhuys, Cape Town, on Friday to review local government performance and approve key reforms aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure. The PCC serves as a vital platform for consultation between the President, provincial leaders, and organized local government. It focuses on addressing national priorities, ensuring policy alignment, and enhancing governance effectiveness through a coordinated approach across different levels […]

14 March 2025

Local

Pensioners criticize grant increase amid rising costs

By Loushe Jordaan Gilbert Following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's announcement on Wednesday that the old age and disability grants will increase by R130, pensioners have expressed their gratitude for the increase but stressed that it would not be enough to cover the rising cost of living and the 0.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) hike announced by the minister. Speaking to VOC News, grant recipients voiced their frustration, describing the increase […]

13 March 2025

Local

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

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

Download our new app

Download
our new app