Oyisa George

South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell to 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa. Employment increased by 44,000 to 17.1 million, while the number of unemployed people declined by 172,000. Stats SA Director for the QLFS, Dihlolelo Phoshoko, said the formal sector recorded the largest gains. “Employment increased in industries such as community and social services, […]

The City of Cape Town is set to auction around 50 municipal properties across the metro on Thursday, 26 February, including residential, commercial and industrial sites, as well as the Good Hope Centre. The Good Hope Centre will be offered for redevelopment, with heritage elements such as the dome retained. “By releasing this site for redevelopment, we are giving the private sector the opportunity to create a mixed-use precinct. Heritage […]

More than 450 cattle were vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on Sunday in Fisantekraal as the Western Cape Government intensified efforts to protect the provincial herd. The drive was overseen by Premier Alan Winde, alongside Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and provincial ministers Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell. “This vaccination drive is a proactive step to protect cattle in this area. No cases have been detected in this herd, but we […]

Cape Town’s Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) have introduced a digital system for learner’s licence tests, replacing the manual, booklet-based format. The move, implemented in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Western Cape Government, was rolled out in 2025. The system allows applicants to complete a randomly generated, computer-based touchscreen test, with results provided immediately. “Applicants take a random, computer-generated touchscreen test, which provides immediate, accurate results. […]

Services at the Town Two Clinic in Khayelitsha have been temporarily suspended following threats made against security personnel, the City of Cape Town has confirmed. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The City said the closure was necessary to allow for safety assessments and the implementation of additional security measures. The clinic is expected to reopen on Monday, 16 February, pending the completion of […]

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support SAPS in gang crime hotspots, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement at Thursday’s State of the Nation Address. “Any short-term relief for families in gang-impacted communities is most welcome, and our City police will be on hand to support SAPS and the SANDF, as will our safety technology,” Hill-Lewis said. At the […]

Civil society groups and opposition leaders are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) translates into real improvements in the lives of South Africans. The Budget Justice Coalition (BJC) says ordinary citizens will have little to celebrate if the president’s announcements are not matched by adequate funding. “The President is likely to highlight stabilising debt, a slightly improved GDP outlook, and energy, […]

As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, political leaders are calling for urgent action on local government, crime, and economic growth. Political analyst Sanusha Naidu told VOC News that the address will be closely scrutinised. “The SONA is about more than achievements — it’s about setting out the roadmap for 2026. Citizens want clarity on how the government will restore […]