The ANC planned to spend R50 million on a covert campaign targeting opposition parties in the 2016 local government elections, according to court papers filed in the High Court in Johannesburg. A covert team, initially known as the War Room, intended to “disempower DA and EFF campaigns” and set a pro-ANC agenda using a range of media, without revealing the ANC’s hand. As traditional election campaigns lose their impact with […]
An MP from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) has questioned NATO’s commitment to its key ally, claiming that the bloc has been backing regime change attempts in Ankara and supports “terrorist groups” in the region. Şamil Tayyar, who represents Turkey’s southeast Gazientep province, launched a scathing verbal attack on the military alliance in an interview to Milat daily on Monday, claiming that since Turkey joining the alliance in […]
The first day of Syria talks in Kazakhstan hit a snag as direct negotiations between rebels and the government looked unlikely, and as delegates sparred over details of a nationwide truce. Representatives of the Syrian government and opposition on Monday traded barbs over interpretations of a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey in late December, as their respective regional backers met behind closed doors to keep the meeting on track. […]
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order formally withdrawing the country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, following through on a promise from his presidential campaign. "We've been talking about this for a long time," Trump said as he signed the executive order in an Oval Office ceremony on Monday, calling the move a "great thing for the American worker". In the same ceremony, Trump also signed […]
On Thursday, the final draft of the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Bill was presented to media during a briefing by the Justice and Constitutional Development Department. The bill, which has been approved by Cabinet, now awaits Parliamentary approval, after which it will become law. The bill places an obligation on government to investigate and tackle cybercrime. Speaking to VOC’s Breakfast Beat, deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Minister John Jeffery, […]
Media release: Dr Imtiaz Sooliman (Gift of the Givers) Thanks for your incredible support for Shiraaz Mohamed and his family. Those efforts are truly appreciated. Our special thanks for all prayers and support coming from people outside our country. Today is Day 13 that Shiraaz is missing. Whilst the protests have been increasing inside Syria we have created a task team to deal with this issue very strategically. Anas al […]
OPINION by Solomon Dersso Soon after the peaceful transition of power from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in the US, Gambia's crisis was also resolved without a single gunshot. The embattled President Yahya Jammeh appeared on national TV announcing his decision "to relinquish the mantle of leadership". Jammeh's decision to step down was not only important to his own people, as he effectively decided not to push the country into […]
South Africa remains on high alert following the recent outbreak of highly infectious typhoid in neighbouring Zimbabwe. But the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says this is only a precautionary measure because the chance of an outbreak in our country is slim. Kerrigan McCarthy, head of outbreak response at the NICD, says that while an outbreak is not anticipated, “the NICD co-ordinates a surveillance network that will pick up […]
As team South Africa arrives after four days of robust discussions at the World Economic Forum, the team is satisfied that the right messages about the country as an investment destination were put out. Business, labour and government were united when talking to delegates at the WEF on matters around trade, investment as well as inclusive growth. Depuuty President, Cyril Ramaphosa says the team demonstrated unity even when faced with […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
