Lee-Yandra Paulsen, Author at Voice of the Cape

Outa highlights public funds misuse and corruption in government

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has expressed concern over the ongoing misuse of public funds, with Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka now investigating Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for alleged financial misconduct during his recent trip to the Paris Olympics. Outa stressed the urgent need for stronger accountability measures to combat corruption and maladministration. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage highlighted the gravity of the issue, “The amount of money we collect from […]

10 December 2024

International News

South Africa leads G20, prioritizing Africa and global South

South Africa has officially taken over the G20 presidency, emphasizing the importance of elevating the needs of the African continent and the Global South on the world stage. The G20 is an intergovernmental economic forum, which includes 19 countries. Countries in the European Union (EU) and now the African Union (AU), marking a significant step for Africa's representation in global decision-making. Geopolitical analyst Ashraf Patel discussed the G20’s role: “The […]

5 December 2024

Local

Mosaic highlights action against GBV

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is an annual global initiative led by the United Nations. The campaign seeks to shine a light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and promote action to address it worldwide. Mosaic’s Executive Director, Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan, shared how the organisation addresses GBV through advocacy, education, and survivor-focused support services. “Mosaic Training Services and Healing Centre […]

5 December 2024

Features

The evolution of the U.S. Dollar: From domestic expansion to global dominance

By Vusuthando Percyvil Dube The United States has emerged as the world's preeminent economic power, with the U.S. dollar serving as the major global currency. This transformation is rooted in a complex interplay of domestic growth and international conflicts, notably three significant wars: the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Each of these conflicts played a crucial role in redefining America’s global standing and establishing the dollar’s […]

5 December 2024

News

Ramaphosa launches South Africa’s G20 presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched South Africa’s G20 presidency on Tuesday, with a focus on addressing climate action and debt relief for developing nations. The presidency, under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, will prioritize securing increased climate finance for a just energy transition and ensuring sustainable debt solutions for low-income countries. Ramaphosa emphasized that the presidency would spotlight Africa’s development needs, culminating in the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg […]

3 December 2024

Local

Navigating the leap: Expert advice for students transitioning to university

Transitioning from high school to higher education is a pivotal period filled with both challenges and opportunities for students and their families. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Monday, Professor Salomé Human-Vogel, an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Pretoria, emphasized the varied experiences students face during this transition. “For some learners, it’s an exciting time, their first taste of independence, away from parental supervision, […]

2 December 2024

Local

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

Lee-Yandra Paulsen

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