Oyisa George

Residents of the Heritage Occupation on Hope Street in Cape Town's city centre say they are living in fear following a series of police raids and arrests, alleging that officers have intimidated residents while they continue their fight for access to housing. The occupation, situated near District Six, has been home to more than 200 residents since September 2025. The community occupies three long-abandoned buildings while pursuing legal proceedings involving […]

The Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF) has condemned Wednesday night's mass shooting in Tafelsig, describing it as a senseless act of violence and renewing its commitment to strengthening community safety initiatives. The statement comes as Western Cape police investigate two separate mass shootings that claimed the lives of seven people and left five others injured in Tafelsig and Philippi East on Wednesday evening. Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said […]

South Africans are continuing to feel the pressure of rising food costs, while reports of changing ownership at township spaza shops have raised concerns about the affordability of basic food items such as bread. Speaking to VOC News, National Agricultural Marketing Council Agricultural Trade Economist Thabile Nkunjana said reports of higher bread prices are confined to certain communities and should not be interpreted as a nationwide trend. “The issue around […]

National Treasury says municipalities must adopt realistic budgets and agree on sustainable repayment plans with creditors before withheld funding can be released, following its decision to temporarily withhold R13.5 billion in July equitable share transfers to 69 municipalities that failed to comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Speaking during a question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Local Government Budget Analysis Specialist Jan Hattingh said many municipalities continue to approve budgets […]

The Public Protector has found the City of Cape Town guilty of maladministration and improper conduct for failing to provide adequate basic municipal services to residents in parts of Langa and Khayelitsha, citing years of shortcomings in sanitation, housing maintenance, water access, waste management and public safety. Releasing the findings of a systemic investigation, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka said the probe stemmed from complaints lodged during community outreach visits between […]

Repair work has begun at a public housing complex in Hanover Park after years of complaints from residents about structural damage and delayed maintenance. Residents say City of Cape Town officials started work last week, repairing part of a damaged support pillar, replacing wooden railings and installing a new bathroom window mechanism. Officials have also inspected broken windows and identified additional repairs that will be carried out once the necessary […]