Ragheema Mclean, Author at Voice of the Cape

National Treasury Defends Decision to Withhold Municipal Funding

National Treasury has defended its decision to temporarily withhold R13.5 billion in July equitable share transfers from 69 municipalities, saying the move complies with constitutional and legislative requirements. The response follows concerns raised by the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), which questioned the lawfulness of the decision to suspend the funding over poor financial management. Treasury maintains that the measure is aimed at enforcing financial accountability and ensuring municipalities meet […]

23 July 2026

Local

KAAX Welcomes DBE Directive Protecting Learners From Vigilantism

Advocacy group Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) has welcomed the Department of Basic Education's directive prohibiting vigilantism and violence in and around schools, saying it is a timely intervention amid rising anti-migrant sentiment across the country. The organisation says the circular reinforces every child's constitutional right to education, regardless of nationality or documentation status, and has called on provincial education departments, schools and communities to ensure the directive is fully […]

22 July 2026

Local

Consumers Urged to Know Their Rights as Online Shopping Complaints Rise

Online shopping has become part of everyday life for many South Africans, offering convenience and access to a wider range of products. However, for many consumers, that convenience can quickly turn into frustration. From fake online stores and misleading advertisements to delayed deliveries, damaged goods and refund disputes, online shopping continues to generate thousands of consumer complaints each year. Speaking to VOC News, Consumer Goods and Services Ombud Lee Soobrathi […]

22 July 2026

Local

Firearms and Drugs Worth R10 Million Seized in Richwood Gang Bust

Police have seized firearms, ammunition and drugs with an estimated street value of R10 million during a raid on an apartment in Richwood, Bothasig on Sunday. A 29-year-old man was arrested after Crime Intelligence officers acted on information that an apartment in Silvia Street was allegedly being used by a local gang as a storage facility. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said officers conducted surveillance at the apartment before intercepting […]

21 July 2026

Local

Campaign Calls for Electricity Reforms to Ease Cost of Living Pressure

As South Africans continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, electricity prices remain one of the biggest financial burdens on households and businesses. With repeated tariff increases placing added pressure on consumers, calls are growing for reforms to make electricity more affordable and strengthen the country's energy security. Against this backdrop, Free South Africa has launched its "Cut the Cost of Living" campaign, urging the public to support […]

21 July 2026

Local

New Computerised Learner’s Licence Test Sparks Debate as Pass Rate Drops to 17%

South Africa's new computerised learner's licence test has sparked widespread debate after reports revealed that the national pass rate has dropped to just 17%, with more than 80% of applicants failing the exam. The new testing system was introduced to combat fraud by replacing the paper-based process with a computerised assessment that generates random questions from an extensive database. While road safety advocates have welcomed the move to strengthen the […]

17 July 2026

Local

Chief Justice Maya Warns Judiciary Under Pressure Amid Funding and Misinformation Challenges

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya says South Africa's judiciary is under severe strain, warning that judicial independence remains unfinished business. Speaking at the Judiciary Conference, Maya highlighted the growing challenges facing the courts, including underfunding, staff shortages and mounting case backlogs. She said these issues continue to place significant pressure on the justice system and its ability to deliver timely justice. Maya also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and […]

15 July 2026

Local

Cape Flats Safety Forum Calls for Special Probe into Gun Violence

The Cape Flats Safety Forum has condemned the mass shooting in Wesbank, Cape Town, in which a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were killed, while seven others, including an infant, were injured on Sunday morning. Police have launched an investigation into the attack as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Speaking to VOC News, Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs said the latest incident reflects […]

13 July 2026

Local

Political Analyst says Trust Will Be Key Issue in Local Government Election Campaigns

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming Local Government Elections in November, political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns in a bid to win the confidence of voters. However, political analysts say rebuilding public trust may prove to be the biggest challenge ahead of the polls. Beyond concerns over service delivery, such as water, sanitation and infrastructure, voters are increasingly looking for leaders who are credible, accountable and actively […]

13 July 2026

Ragheema Mclean

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