World Oral Health Day, observed on March 20, aims to raise awareness about dental health and promote better hygiene habits. The initiative highlights the crucial role oral health plays in overall well-being. Millions of people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, making education on preventive care essential. This campaign stresses the
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee has decided to keep the repo rate steady at 7.5%, maintaining the prime lending rate at 11%. SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited economic uncertainty, and inflation risks as key factors behind the decision. “The global economy is facing extreme uncertainty. Trade
By Kouthar Sambo In a powerful demonstration of solidarity against the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian activists, political organizations, and civil society groups gathered outside National Parliament in Cape Town’s CBD on Thursday. Usuf Chikte from the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, one of the guest speakers
By Kouthar The District Six Museum will conclude its Gaza Remains the Story exhibition on Friday, 21 March, marking Human Rights Day with a powerful closing event. The program, starting at 10:00, will feature a range of film screenings, art activations, and discussions. Speaking on VOC’s News Beat show on
The Western Cape Department of Health is urging parents and caregivers to exercise caution in order to prevent and treat respiratory and diarrheal illnesses in young children. In the Garden Route District Municipality, pneumonia and diarrhea continue to be the leading health risks for newborns and young children. Regional health
By Kouthar Sambo The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act 32 of 2024 (BELA Act) has faced strong opposition, yet no legal challenges have materialized. Education expert Dr. Solomon Chibaya suggests this may be due to the act’s solid constitutional foundation and built-in dispute-resolution mechanisms, which could have preempted litigation. Speaking
The Department of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant for mpox symptoms after three new laboratory-confirmed cases were detected in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The latest cases include two males and one female, among them a 14-year-old. According to department spokesperson Foster Mohale, the patients are currently self-isolating and receiving
As South Africans grapple with the high cost of living, calls are growing for the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points when it announces its decision on Thursday (20 March). On Wednesday, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) revealed that consumer inflation held steady
The clock has run out for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries still using the old gold cards, as they officially stop working from Thursday, 20 March. However, while the deadline has arrived, Postbank has assured grant recipients that card swaps will continue beyond today. Earlier this week, Postbank
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.
