A bill headed to Parliament aims to end the rule that forces Members of Parliament to join the exclusive Parmed medical scheme, making medical aid membership voluntary for lawmakers. The proposal, driven by ActionSA, is part of broader calls for lawmakers to experience the same services as the citizens they
Across South Africa, consumers continue to be bombarded with unwanted spam emails, SMSes, and calls, often from companies they have already asked to stop contacting them. A recent VOC News poll found that the majority of respondents either block these communications or simply ignore and delete them. Member of the
Following ongoing tensions between rival taxi organisations, the Western Cape Government announced on Friday the closure of several routes between Khayelitsha, Lwandle, Mfuleni, and Somerset West for 30 days. “The Safety and Security Directorate has been monitoring routes since tensions escalated. With the closures, our enforcement services will work through
“President Trump’s comments regarding the recent attack on Gaza City and the status of prisoners display a clear preference toward one narrative and reflect an inconsistency in addressing the humanitarian impact, including the harm to civilians in the Gaza Strip, many of whom are women and children.” According to the
The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark climate opinion could significantly strengthen the legal battle South African communities are waging against offshore oil and gas exploration by companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies. The ruling has sparked critical conversations around environmental justice, state accountability, and the future of fossil fuel
By Rachel Mohamed In celebration of Heritage Month, the University of Cape Town (UCT) held the official renaming ceremony for the Sarah Baartman Hall last week. This event honors the legacy of Sarah Baartman. According to UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola, the renaming follows a historic decision made by the UCT
By Rachel Mohamed On Monday morning, protesters from the Gate 7 community blocked several major roads on Voortrekker Road near Maitland Cemetery in Cape Town, demanding improved delivery of basic services, including water, toilets, and electricity. The demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. Ward 56 Councillor Chesyln Steenberg
In response to ongoing violence and organised crime in the Cape Flats, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis have announced the immediate establishment of a police station in Mfuleni. The city has provided 380 square metres of municipal office space to fast-track the project,
Opposition parties have welcomed the passing of the Immigration Amendment Bill in the National Assembly last week, describing it as a step toward greater fairness and accountability in immigration processes. The Bill introduces clear rules for detention, magistrate oversight, and child protection, ensuring that detained foreigners receive timely judicial review
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.
