South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell to 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa. Employment increased by 44,000 to 17.1 million, while the number of unemployed people declined by 172,000. Stats SA Director for the QLFS,
The pro-Palestine civil society group Mothers for Gaza is organising an event titled “Women Rising in the Face of Genocide” to commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. Pro-Palestine activist Megan Chortiz told VOC News that the event will feature poetry and speakers from conflict-affected regions, including Congo, Sudan
The government’s decision to appoint 10,000 additional labour inspectors has been welcomed by labour organisations, which say stronger oversight is essential to protect workers and enforce compliance with labour laws. The expansion aims to improve workplace safety and strengthen enforcement across sectors where violations remain a concern. Public Servants Association
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has called on members of the public to submit comments on proposed amendments to the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) regulations. The grant, which is currently set to end on 31 March 2026, will be extended for a further 12 months — from
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says that while the Water Services Amendment Bill is a step in the right direction, legislation alone will not fix South Africa’s failing water and sanitation systems. The organisation argues that weak governance and poor accountability at municipal level remain central to the crisis,
Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa has announced that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stands ready to deploy troops in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), following Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to intensify efforts against gang violence in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng. Holomisa confirmed
The City of Cape Town is set to auction around 50 municipal properties across the metro on Thursday, 26 February, including residential, commercial and industrial sites, as well as the Good Hope Centre. The Good Hope Centre will be offered for redevelopment, with heritage elements such as the dome retained.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that although substantial advancements have been achieved in education over the past thirty years, significant challenges still exist. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa highlighted the unequal access to resources and quality education as significant issues, particularly in rural and township schools Speaking to VOC News, education
More than 450 cattle were vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on Sunday in Fisantekraal as the Western Cape Government intensified efforts to protect the provincial herd. The drive was overseen by Premier Alan Winde, alongside Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and provincial ministers Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell. “This vaccination drive
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.
