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
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
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.
