Consumer inflation rose sharply to 4.0% in April, up from 3.1% in March, with fuel prices driving the increase, according to Statistics South Africa. This marks the highest inflation reading since August 2024, when the headline rate stood at 4.4%, while the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.1%.
Global oil prices have extended recent gains amid renewed geopolitical tensions involving Iran and fears of escalation in the Middle East. Markets are reacting to concerns over potential supply disruptions and the security of key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Energy security and geopolitical analyst Tshepo Kgadima has
Three South African universities have approached the High Court in Pretoria in a bid to resolve a long-running dispute with the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) that has halted dental technology training programmes since 2019. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), and Tshwane
Civil society organisations have raised concerns over what they describe as critical gaps in the proposed Whistleblower Protection Bill, calling for stronger safeguards and an extension of the deadline for public comment. The Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, alongside other organisations, has warned that the draft legislation does not
The Newfields Village Anti-Eviction Community Representative Forum has criticised the City of Cape Town over warnings issued to Hanover Park residents allegedly operating businesses from their homes without the required zoning approval. The forum says residents are being threatened with penalties of up to 20 years in prison or fines
South Africa’s unemployment crisis has worsened, with 8.1 million people now without work, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The agency reports that the official unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the previous quarter. Stats SA says this follows a
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as stock levels across the province continue to drop following disruptions caused by Monday’s Level 8 weather warning. Several donation clinics were cancelled or temporarily closed due to severe weather conditions, school closures, and access challenges,
Amid inclement weather conditions across the Metropole, the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers (GOTG) has been on standby for mop-up operations, providing relief for those affected by the weather. GOTG’s Ali Sablay told VOC News that mass evacuations of about 400 residents are underway in the Breede Valley. “The
All public schools in the Western Cape will be closed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, following severe weather warnings and growing concerns over the safety of learners and teachers. The decision was announced by the Western Cape Education Department after consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South
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.
