Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

19 African Nations retain Commonwealth membership amid reparations discussions

Recent reports show that 19 African nations remain members of the Commonwealth of Nations, an organisation with 56 member countries, most of which were once under British rule in some way. Amid discussions about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, some wonder if these calls signal a shift in Africa's relationship with the Commonwealth. Independent economist Ulrich Joubert weighed in on this issue, noting, “We must remember that the Commonwealth […]

12 November 2024

Local

SAPS launches safer festive season with firearm seizures

With the festive season approaching, the South African Police Services (SAPS) has launched its annual Safer Festive Season operations in the Western Cape. This initiative aims to enhance public safety for residents and visitors throughout the province. On Tuesday morning, Public Order Police officers arrested a 32-year-old man in Cobia Street, Summerville, for possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg reported, “They confiscated two 9mm pistols and […]

12 November 2024

Local

Ruyterwacht mosque urgently seeks support to secure new property

The Ruyterwacht Mosque urgently needs support to purchase a property across from its current location. The mosque, which operates weekly feeding programs, a madrassa, and other community projects, hopes to secure this site for continued community outreach. Ruyterwacht Mosque Secretary Rashaad Fataar shared an update: “The property being bought for the house of Allah is across from the masjid, and we've encountered challenges. We’ve been granted an extension to raise […]

11 November 2024

Local

Travellers urged to verify Umrah bookings amid rising reports of stranded pilgrims

As more people prepare for Umrah, reports have emerged over the past few years of travellers being left stranded after discovering their bookings were unfulfilled, despite having paid. Unlike Hajj, Umrah lacks regulatory oversight in South Africa, which leaves room for operators who may not be well-versed in the industry, or those looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Monday, Chairperson of the South African […]

11 November 2024

Local

E-hailing driver arrested in R650K credit card fraud case

A 30-year-old Zimbabwean e-hailing driver was arrested in Simon’s Town on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in connection with a fraud case involving R650,000. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrest followed an e-hailing trip in which the suspect drove a 21-year-old Danish tourist and his two friends from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. During the ride, the passengers fell asleep. Authorities suspect the driver accessed one of […]

7 November 2024

Local

Gugulethu residents demand hospital amid space concerns

Earlier this week, scores of Gugulethu residents gathered to demand answers from the Western Cape Health and Wellness Department regarding long-awaited plans to build a new hospital in their community. The Movement for Change and Social Justice, an alliance of health, safety, and social service organisations, has advocated since 2016 for a district hospital with a trauma unit to address the pressing needs of Gugulethu and surrounding areas. Speaking […]

7 November 2024

Local

Hope for the Future supports matrics with breakfast program during exams

As matric exams continue, Hope for the Future, a local non-profit organization, remains committed to providing hearty breakfasts to ensure students are nourished and ready for their exams. Executive Director Vanessa Nelson explained, “The breakfast is doing great. Just this morning, we ran out of Corn Flakes and milk,” adding that today’s menu included various cereals, potato fritters, vetkoek with chicken livers, apples, coffee, tea, and biscuits. This marks the […]

4 November 2024

Local

SAHUC releases hajj 1446 operator list

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has announced the list of approved operators for Hajj 1446/2025, adhering to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj's new stipulation that each operator secure at least 500 pilgrims by the end of the third accreditation list. The accredited operators include Khidmatul Awaam Pilgrimage Services, Shafiq’s Travel and Tours, Ttw Wot Flywell, and Yusra Tours. Discussing the developments on VOC Breakfast, SAHUC President Moaaz […]

4 November 2024

International News

Israel bans UN Palestine Aid Agency amid crisis

In a significant move, Israel has now banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), worsening the already critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This action aligns with South Africa’s recent filing of genocide details to the International Court of Justice, amplifying concerns for the safety and health of Palestinians amidst intensified attacks on Gaza. Palestinian doctor Dr. Khalid Owesi explained, “This issue has been ongoing within the Israeli government, particularly […]

29 October 2024

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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