Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

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

Local

Union Against Hunger launched to tackle South Africa’s food crisis

Leading academics, activists, and civil society organisations have joined forces to confront South Africa’s growing hunger crisis by launching the Union Against Hunger (UAH). The newly established movement aims to push for urgent policy action as millions of South Africans face food insecurity. Currently, nine million children go hungry daily, and one in four citizens struggles with extreme food shortages. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Wednesday, Professor Stephen Devereux, a […]

26 February 2025

News

Lesufi urged to prioritise service delivery

As political attention shifts to provincial governance, opposition parties have called on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to focus on tangible service delivery rather than what they term “empty populist promises.” This comes after of the Gauteng State of the Province Address (SOPA), where Lesufi outlined his administration’s priorities. In the Western Cape, the official opening of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) and Premier’s SOPA is set to take place […]

26 February 2025

International News

President Ramaphosa urges cooperation and joint responsibility from the G20

By: Sayed Ridhwaan President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the crucial opening of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday morning. Reflecting on the recent gathering of G20 Foreign Ministers in Johannesburg, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation. Speaking at the conference, President Ramaphosa underlined the collective responsibility of the G20 in ensuring effective stewardship of the global economy […]

26 February 2025

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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