Ragheema Mclean, Author at Voice of the Cape

Western Cape Calls for Urgent National Support Following Severe Weather Disaster

Alan Winde says urgent national support is needed to accelerate assistance to communities affected by severe weather across the province. This follows the official declaration of a provincial disaster after widespread flooding and infrastructure damage in several parts of the Western Cape. Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, said recovery operations are continuing, with electricity already restored to most affected communities, while clean-up and repair work remains underway. “Premier Winde stressed the […]

21 May 2026

Local

Golden Arrow Tries to Avoid Fare Hikes Amid Soaring Diesel Costs

Golden Arrow Bus Services stated that it is still trying to avoid increasing fares despite mounting pressure from rising diesel prices. Recent fuel hikes have placed significant strain on the transport sector, with diesel increasing by more than five rand per litre earlier this month. The increases have already impacted commuters, with taxi operators across the Western Cape implementing fare hikes this week. Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the […]

20 May 2026

Local

Families Call for Urgent Diplomatic Action After South Africans Detained in Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception

Families of South African delegates detained by Israeli forces aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention following their reported detention at sea. South African activist and humanitarian delegates Faeek Ariefdien and Faizel Moosa were among around 100 activists reportedly detained after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus on Monday. Speaking to VOC News, Shahieda Carlie, the sister […]

19 May 2026

Local

Hajj Preparations Underway in Saudi Arabia as Pilgrims Arrive Ahead of 1447 Season

Preparations for the 1447 Hajj season are now in full swing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with South African representatives on the ground overseeing arrangements for local pilgrims under the new Nusuk system. As the flow of hujaaj continues, attention remains on coordination efforts and how effectively services are being delivered in real time. Speaking to VOC News, South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) President Hafiz Mooaz Cassim, […]

18 May 2026

Local

Taxi Fare Hikes Take Effect Across Western Cape

The implementation of minibus taxi fare increases across the Western Cape took effect on Monday, with commuters now paying more for both local and long-distance travel. The hikes, ranging between R2 and R5 for local trips, have raised concern among commuters already grappling with the rising cost of living. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) second deputy chairperson Nazeem Abduraghman said the decision was not taken lightly, citing increasing […]

18 May 2026

Local

More Than 100 000 People Affected by Western Cape Storms as Relief Efforts Continue

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) says teams are continuing mop-up and recovery operations following this week’s devastating cold fronts across the Western Cape. DRMC spokesperson Charlotte Powell said ongoing assessments have revealed the widespread impact of the severe weather. “Thus far, we can confirm that 31,709 dwellings and approximately 103,350 people have been affected across 67 informal settlements,” Powell said. She added that humanitarian relief efforts have already […]

15 May 2026

Local

Communities Around the World Mark 78 Years Since the Nakba

Today marks 78 years since the Nakba, remembered by Palestinians as the “catastrophe” that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in 1948 by Israeli forces. Observed annually on 15 May, Nakba Day is commemorated through marches, prayer gatherings, educational programmes, and renewed calls for justice, as communities across the world reflect on the ongoing impact of displacement and occupation on Palestinian lives. This […]

15 May 2026

Local

Colorado Mosque Continues Mop-Up After Flood Damage

The Colorado Mosque community is continuing mop-up operations following recent storms and flooding that caused significant damage to the masjid grounds and interior. Floodwaters severely affected the mosque’s carpets, which will take time to fully dry, while cleaning efforts remain ongoing at the premises. Speaking ton VOC News Masjidul Wadood chairperson Abdul Latief Moosa Moos said teams have been working tirelessly to clean the masjid and assess the extent of […]

14 May 2026

Local

Cape Town Dam Levels Rise Sharply After Heavy Rain, But Water Warning Remain

Recent rainfall has significantly improved Cape Town’s water storage levels, although officials say long-term water security remains a concern. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says dam levels have increased by almost 20% following a major rainfall event. “In the space of two days with one significant rainfall event, our dam levels have gone up by almost 20%, which puts us at about 67.8% as […]

14 May 2026

Ragheema Mclean

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