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
One person has died and another was injured on Monday after uprooted trees fell onto vehicles in separate incidents across Cape Town, as severe weather conditions continue to cause widespread disruption. The fatal incident occurred in Kenilworth, while a second motorist was injured in Parow under similar circumstances. Emergency services
Whistleblower Patricia Mashale claims that the detention of National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams and the searches of his associated properties were illegal and improper. Furthermore, she alleges that the officers who searched multiple locations and reportedly assaulted a minor while searching for Adams did not have any search
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) is organizing a Nakba Day rally at the Castle of Good Hope on 16 May, from 12 pm to 4 pm. According to Usuf Chikte of the PSC, the event encourages public participation in activities opposing ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, and
On Tuesday morning, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services visited the Drakenstein Correctional Centre in Paarl to assess the security protocols implemented at the facility. The committee expressed concerns about various safety issues in prisons, including escape incidents and the unnatural deaths of inmates. Correctional facilities are also facing challenges
“The Minister expressed support for the Palestinian people, the South African International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel under the Genocide Convention, and welcomed ongoing engagement. However, he was unable to commit to using the administrative authority residing in his office to do due diligence and stop South African
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.
