Oyisa George

The Western Cape has recorded 28 fatalities in 21 crashes between 1 and 7 December, with pedestrians once again emerging as the most vulnerable group on the province’s roads. Of the 28 people who died, 12 were pedestrians, making them the single largest group affected. The remaining fatalities include 10 passengers, three drivers, two motorcyclists, and one cyclist. Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku described the figures as deeply troubling, especially […]

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s public procurement system needs deep and urgent reform if the country is to root out widespread misconduct and corruption. Addressing the ANC’s 5th National General Council in Boksburg on Monday, the President said work is already under way, with National Treasury preparing to implement the new Public Procurement Act. The legislation will introduce an updated framework and establish a Public Procurement Office. Ramaphosa stressed […]

The National Sea Rescue Institute responded to multiple near-drowning incidents in Kleinmond and Rooi Els over the weekend. Two girls, aged 10 and 11, one from De Doorns and the other from Touws River, were treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms at the Kleinmond Lagoon. They had been walking through shallow water with their grandmother when one child slipped into a deep hole. The second girl tried to help, and both […]

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has outlined two major plans aimed at overhauling public transport and strengthening local economic activity, following Council’s approval on Thursday. City Council has adopted the City’s Rail Business Plan, which sets the stage for negotiations with national government on devolving passenger rail to the City. Hill-Lewis believes affordable, reliable rail is essential for Cape Town’s future. “Capetonians urgently need an expanded, affordable rail service that […]

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has accused retired deputy chief Revo Spies of lying and presenting forged documents during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Mkhwanazi took the stand on Wednesday, where he detailed the breakdown of trust between himself and Spies, and responded to allegations involving controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He told the commission that his relationship with Matlala began in 2022 after being introduced […]

The Western Cape Education department is introducing new measures from the 2026 school year to strengthen getting early learning. The Foundation Phase pupils will continue getting extra weekly time for reading and mathematics. “Given the positive feedback from our schools, the national Department of Basic Education recommended the implementation of the additional time in all provinces as an interim measure in 2023 and 2024, which the Western Cape extended until […]

With South Africa now in the midst of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, gender-based violence (GBV) organisations say the crisis remains deeply rooted in families and continues to affect people of all ages. Philisa Abafazi Bethu executive director Lucinda Evans told VOC News that recent statistics show nearly 13,000 women reported violence over three months—and that doesn’t include unreported cases among men, women, or older persons. “Gender-based violence is […]

Gift of the Givers has been stretched across the province after a wave of fires broke out in several communities over the past 24 hours. The first alert came late Saturday afternoon from Klapmuts, where community leaders reported a fire that claimed one life. Shortly after, teams were dispatched to Gugulethu, where another blaze left about 80 residents homeless. On Saturday night, strong winds fuelled a major fire in Nomzamo, […]

Cape Town remains the deadliest metro in the country, recording the highest levels of contact crime between July and September. Newly released SAPS statistics show that four of the five police stations with the most contact crimes nationally are located in Cape Town. “Mfuleni is number one, both at the national and provincial level. Mfuleni is leading, followed by Nyanga, Delft and Kraaifontein,” said Crime Registrar Thulare Sekhukhune. During the […]