Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

Western Cape Health gears up for festive season emergency surge

As December begins, commonly referred to as the 'silly season,' the Western Cape Health Department braces for a spike in health emergencies. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Monday, the Western Cape Department of Health’s Chief Operating Officer, Saadiq Kariem, shared insights into the department’s readiness for the festive season. Reflecting on last year’s festive season, Kariem noted, “From December 15 to January 15, our emergency centres handle approximately 120,000 cases. […]

2 December 2024

News

First national GBV study reveals alarming trends in South Africa

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has released its first Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Study, marking a critical step in addressing South Africa’s alarming GBV crisis. Presented in Pretoria last week, the study provides national prevalence data that aims to inform policy decisions and strengthen the National Strategic Plan on GBV. South Africa continues to grapple with some of the highest global rates of rape, femicide, and domestic abuse. Speaking to […]

29 November 2024

Local

SASSA faces pushback over new facial recognition system for grants

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) plans to introduce a facial recognition system for grant recipients, despite previous resistance. This move comes as the agency’s security measures face scrutiny following revelations by two Stellenbosch University Computer Science students, who uncovered significant fraud within the system. Black Sash Helpline Manager, Kgothatso Sibanda, highlighted the concerns surrounding the system, particularly its implementation. “It’s important to understand that the individuals affected have […]

28 November 2024

Local

Rising food costs strain SA households ahead of festive season

As the festive season approaches, South African households are grappling with the rising cost of food, adding pressure to already strained budgets. The November 2024 Household Affordability Index, released on Wednesday, highlighted the steady increase in the cost of essential goods, further compounding financial hardships. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Thursday, the Advocacy Coordinator at Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, Sibusiso Mboto, detailed the trends in food prices. “In […]

28 November 2024

Local

Blind SA takes urgent action against President over Copyright Amendment Bill Delay

By Vusuthando Percyvil Dube In a pivotal move for the rights of blind and visually impaired South Africans, SECTION27 has filed an urgent application in the Constitutional Court on behalf of Blind SA, targeting President Cyril Ramaphosa. This lawsuit, initiated nearly a year after the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) was passed by Parliament, follows a significant Constitutional Court ruling that declared the existing Copyright Act unconstitutional. The decision underscored the […]

27 November 2024

Local

Crime stats show drop in serious offenses but alarming spike in violence against women and children

By Ragheema Mclean The latest crime statistics, released by the police ministry on Monday (25 November), reveal a slight decrease in serious crimes between July and September this year. However, the report highlights a disturbing rise in violence against women and children during the six months from April to September. According to the data, over 2,500 women and children were murdered during this period—an average of 14 daily. The grim […]

26 November 2024

Local

Matric learners urged to refrain from attending ‘pens down’ parties

By Ragheema Mclean As matric learners across the country near the end of their final exams, authorities and organizations are ramping up efforts to discourage the dangerous “pens down” celebrations that have been linked to underage drinking, drug use, and tragic incidents. World Changers Candidate, a non-governmental organization, has launched the SAY NO to Pens Down campaign to raise awareness among learners and their parents about the risks associated with […]

26 November 2024

Local

Study exposes housing inequality for women in urban South Africa

Housing activists from Ndifuna Ukwazi have recently conducted an analysis highlighting the persistent challenges women face in accessing suitable housing in South Africa, despite the country's strong constitutional and legal protections. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Tuesday, Executive Director and Attorney at Ndifuna Ukwazi, Mpho Raboeane explained, “We have a robust rights framework and legislation that should theoretically promote equality, including social and economic considerations. However, we wanted to investigate […]

26 November 2024

Local

City comments on spaza shops registrations

Local authorities have reported a sharp rise in applications for Certificates of Acceptability (COAs), with over 1,200 submissions recorded last week. The surge follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for spaza shops to register amid growing food safety concerns. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Tuesday, Environmental Health Practitioner Zachary Rudolph, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), provided details on the influx. “From the 18th to the 22nd […]

26 November 2024

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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