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 […]
South African experts say the recent escalation between the US and Iran reflects miscalculations by Western powers rather than instability within Iran. Ahmed Jazbhay, a researcher at the Media Review Network, told VOC News that portraying Iran as a weak or fractious state is misleading. “It speaks to the audacity of Western powers, thinking they can impose a leader on a country. The Iranians are proud people, and they have […]
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has disbursed over R7 billion to support students in the 2026 academic year. Universities received R3.56 billion on 2 February and R2.82 billion on 2 March for tuition, allowances, and accommodation, while TVET colleges received R679 million in February and a further R591 million later in the month to cover student allowances and housing. Funding has been approved for 692,704 first-time entering students […]
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is intensifying efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030, as the country strengthens its vaccination and screening programmes. Motsoaledi was speaking during a virtual press conference hosted by World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday, where global health leaders discussed strategies to eliminate cervical cancer. Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths […]
Cape Town authorities are continuing the search for a 37-year-old American man who was swept out to sea at Diaz Beach, near Cape Point, on Wednesday. The NSRI Simonstown duty crew was activated after reports of a drowning in progress, with support from other emergency services. “On arrival, a search was launched at sea and along the shoreline, extending after dark, but there are still no signs of the missing […]
A South African start-up has launched a virtual fencing system to help farmers contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as the national vaccination campaign continues. The Internet of Things-based system uses GPS-enabled ear tags and solar-powered gateways to track livestock movements in real time. “The technology allows farmers to isolate infected animals quickly and monitor their movements across the farm, which also reduces labour costs,” Parkin said. He added […]
Visitors to the Garden Route National Park will have to plan around ongoing construction on the park’s suspension bridge, a major feature of the Tsitsikamma hiking trail. The 77-metre bridge, a key feature of the 2-kilometre trail over the Storms River gorge, has been closed for safety reasons. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said the work is aimed at addressing safety concerns. “The bridge’s superstructures are being replaced, and the supporting […]
Economist Frank Blackmore says South Africans could soon feel the impact of rising oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to VOC News, Blackmore said the blockage of the strategic shipping route is already rattling global markets. "It's a worrisome situation. About 20% of the world’s seaborne oil moves through that narrow passage, and many tankers are currently unable to pass,” he explained. He added that […]
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan may face legal consequences after walking out of a parliamentary committee while under questioning. Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office has advised that O’Sullivan’s early departure on 26 February 2026 potentially impeded the ad hoc committee’s work and amounted to failing to answer questions fully, which may constitute statutory offences under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act. “The committee is firmly within its rights […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
