Ragheema Mclean, Author at Voice of the Cape

South Africa Nears One Year Without Load-Shedding, Says Ramokgopa

South Africa is set to mark 365 days without load-shedding this week, with the last significant bout of power cuts having been implemented on 15 May last year. Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the milestone reflects significant progress towards achieving a more stable electricity supply across the country. Ramokgopa added that the government expects all provinces to overcome load reduction by March 2027. “The Free State, the […]

13 May 2026

Local

SASSA Urges SRD Beneficiaries to Check Grant Status Ahead of May Payments

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries to check their application status ahead of the May payments. The R370 grant payouts are expected to be processed in batches between 24 and 30 May. Beneficiaries can verify their status through the SASSA website, via WhatsApp by sending “Hi” to 082 046 8553 and following the prompts, or by dialling 1203210# or 1347737# […]

13 May 2026

Local

Health Department Monitoring 90 Contacts Linked to Hantavirus Outbreak

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is working closely with the World Health Organization to trace contacts linked to the hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius. The outbreak has claimed three lives, including a Dutch woman who died after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport. A British national linked to the outbreak remains hospitalised in Johannesburg. Motsoaledi said authorities have identified 97 contacts, with 90 currently […]

12 May 2026

Local

Western Cape Storm Death Toll Rises to Six as Flooding Cuts Off Worcester

The confirmed storm-related death toll in the Western Cape has risen to six, while nearly 6,000 people have been left vulnerable as severe weather continues to batter the province with widespread flooding, evacuations, and infrastructure damage. Authorities say nearly 2,000 homes have been flooded or destroyed in informal settlements, including Philippi and Khayelitsha. Disaster management teams are continuing assessments as emergency response operations remain underway across affected areas. Meanwhile, the […]

12 May 2026

Local

SAWS Issues Orange Level 6 Weather Warnings for Western Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an advisory warning of expected inclement weather across parts of the Western Cape from Sunday through to Tuesday. SAWS has issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall, which could lead to flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and both formal and informal settlements. An orange level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves has also been issued along the coastline between […]

8 May 2026

Local

Severe Weather Forces Closure of 125 Schools in Eden and Central Karoo

About 89,000 learners have been affected after 125 schools in the Eden District Municipality and Central Karoo District Municipality were closed due to heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions. The closures will remain in place on Thursday as authorities continue to monitor the situation amid ongoing disruptive weather affecting parts of the Western Cape. Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the decision was taken in response to the severity […]

6 May 2026

Local

Severe Weather Warning as Flooding Claims Lives Across South Africa

The South African Weather Service says it is closely monitoring an intense cut-off low-pressure system currently affecting large parts of the country, bringing widespread rain and dangerous conditions. Weather forecaster Tokelo Chiloane confirmed that an orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall has been issued for the Koukamma Local Municipality and Kouga Local Municipality, as well as the Garden Route from Wednesday into Thursday. “You also have an orange level […]

6 May 2026

Local

Fuel Price Hike to Hit Motorists as Industry Warns of Wider Economic Impact

South Africans are bracing for another steep increase in fuel prices set to take effect from Wednesday, with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirming sharp hikes across the board. Petrol is expected to rise by around R3.27 per litre, while diesel could surge by as much as R6.19 per litre, placing further strain on consumers and businesses already grappling with the rising cost of living. Executive Director of […]

5 May 2026

Local

Makaneta Calls for Stability After NSFAS Placed Under Administration

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called for stability following Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme under administration. The move comes amid ongoing governance and operational challenges at the institution, which has faced repeated scrutiny over its management and service delivery. Makaneta said he hopes the intervention will ensure stability and minimise disruption to students’ academic programmes during the transitional period. […]

5 May 2026

Ragheema Mclean

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