Quality assurance body Umalusi says South Africa is broadly ready for the start of the 2026 matric examinations on 13 October. Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi says 964,201 candidates are registered to write the examinations at 7,057 centres across the country. The National Senior Certificate accounts for 92% of the registrations.
Farm workers and farm dwellers marched to Parliament on Thursday, calling on government to make unused public land available for housing and other social needs. The march followed the National Farm Worker Platform, which brought farm worker organisations, unions and movements together in Cape Town from 6 to 8 October
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will hold in-camera hearings over the next two weeks as it continues investigating criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says the hearings will focus on evidence that cannot be made public because of ongoing investigations or
The Housing Assembly is challenging the approval of a proposed hyperscale data centre near Cape Town International Airport, raising concerns over its potential impact on water, electricity and surrounding communities. The Municipal Planning Tribunal approved the application on 14 July, but activists have since lodged an appeal, temporarily halting the
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned that a major cyberattack on a financial institution or payment system could trigger the next global financial crisis. He made the remarks at the third Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection Forum on Africa and geopolitics in Johannesburg. Cybersecurity specialist Anna Collard
Rabies has claimed 16 lives in South Africa this year, with 75% of those who died being under the age of 15. Speaking to VOC News on World Rabies Day, specialist veterinary pathologist at the South African Veterinary Association, Dr Didi Classen, said the deaths were particularly tragic because rabies
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness expects that more mpox cases could be identified as contact tracing continues following two social gatherings linked to a cluster in Cape Town. Speaking to VOC News, the department’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Saadiq Karriem, said 13 of the province’s cases had
The first visit to South Africa by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has opened discussions on improving travel and strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Speaking to VOC News, Safeer Hajj and Umrah Chairman Sedick Steenkamp says one of the key developments was
Exam anxiety, perfectionism and fear of failure can place significant pressure on young people, particularly as Grade 12 learners prepare for their final exams. Speaking to VOC News ahead of Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, 10 September, clinical psychologist Thabang Tlaka says high expectations from families can leave learners feeling
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.
