Oyisa George

The Western Cape Government has allocated R285.8 billion over the next three years, with R93.5 billion set aside for the 2026/27 financial year. Western Cape MEC of Finance, Deidré Baartman, tabled the 2026/27 Provincial Budget in Parliament on Thursday. The budget, themed “Delivering Growth with Discipline and Care”, focuses on growth, job creation, and resilience in sectors including water, energy, agriculture, tourism, and critical infrastructure. “This budget aims to accelerate […]

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called on the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to investigate allegations that companies linked to an alleged gang boss may have benefited from security contracts tied to the reconstruction of Cape Town’s Central Line. The call follows an investigative report by the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, which claims that companies connected to Ralph Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson, positioned themselves […]

The Western Cape has received an additional 100,000 doses of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, boosting the province’s efforts to contain the outbreak. The doses will be distributed across the West Coast, Cape Winelands and Garden Route districts, coordinated through a provincial “war room” that meets regularly. Authorities have already vaccinated 48,612 animals, established 276 vaccination sites and enlisted 29 private veterinarians to assist state veterinarians. The province has now […]

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is warning the public to be cautious around water bodies as Cape Town and parts of the Western Cape experience a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C. Speaking to VOC News, NSRI communications manager Andrew Ingram highlighted the dangers of increased water activity during hot weather. “During hot weather we often see increased activity at beaches, rivers and dams. A […]

Cape Town is preparing for a heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to reach between 36 and 40 degrees, raising concerns about veld and mountain fires as well as the safety of vulnerable communities. Speaking to VOC News, Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre, highlighted the risks posed by the heatwave. “There is a risk of wildfires because of the very hot and […]