By Rachel Mohamed Civil organisations are challenging the increasing trend of gas-to-power projects outlined in the Draft Integrated Resource Plan. They warn that the plan’s proposal to add 19 GW of gas capacity may lock the country into long-term dependence on fossil fuels, negatively affecting the population. Speaking on VOC’s
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has escalated its scrutiny of certain grant recipients, targeting individuals flagged for undeclared income or using non-standard identification. The move follows new verification measures mandated by the National Treasury and supported by data-match investigations. SASSA’s national spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, said more than 210,000
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed a massive response to its Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP), with more than 67,000 applications received so far. Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said the surge in submissions has caused delays and technical glitches on the SAPS recruitment portal. “Unsurprisingly, the
By Rachel Mohamed The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is advocating for conflict-of-interest audits across all government departments following the arrest of Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, who is the Divisional Commissioner in the Crime Intelligence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and six others on corruption charges. OUTA emphasises
By Rachel Mohamed Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane have been arrested and granted bail of R50,000 by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The case has been postponed to October 6th. The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has stated that unlocking greater private investment for sustainable development requires governments and development institutions to prioritise improved governance and regulatory certainty. He emphasised the need to simplify investment-related regulations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and maintain long-term policy consistency to build investor
The latest Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group has highlighted a concerning increase in the cost of essential food items in South Africa. According to the report, the prices of zero-rated foods have risen by 4.1% over the past year, with staple goods such as
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) decision to withdraw from the upcoming National Dialogue has placed renewed strain on South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), raising questions about the coalition’s stability just over a year into its formation. The National Dialogue, set to begin on 15 August, was initially billed as
Local government has confirmed that Western Cape dam levels have increased by 10% following recent rainfall, offering much-needed relief to the region. The increase follows two cold fronts that affected parts of the province last month, bringing heavy rainfall. Department spokesperson Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa said, “This week’s hydrological report showed that
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.
