Team South Africa secured first place at the 8th African Spelling Bee competition, held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Nigeria finished second, while the host nation, Zimbabwe, came third. The victory highlights the country’s growing strength in language and literacy development among young learners. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube congratulated the
“We condemn the US and Israel’s illegal, unprovoked war on Iran. It is a campaign of military aggression that is causing civilian deaths, destruction, and regional instability, while undermining Iranian sovereignty to reassert the control of US imperialism and Zionism over energy, trade routes, and finance. This forms part of
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has commended Pakistan for its role in mediating efforts to promote peace between the United States and Iran, following recent tensions in the Middle East. Lamola held a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, during which he acknowledged ongoing diplomatic
A Grade 9 learner from Darul Arqam Islamic High School in Mitchells Plain is making waves after being crowned the overall winner of the Metro South Education District’s STEAMAC Quiz Competition. Sarah Dollie emerged victorious against strong competition from more than 40 schools, progressing through online rounds before securing the
The Department of Basic Education is inviting public comment on its draft History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements for Grades 4 to 12. The proposed changes aim to shift the curriculum towards more African-centred narratives. As part of this approach, topics such as the United States civil rights movement in
A widely circulated video reportedly shows Zone Watch security guards assaulting a man walking in the street. District Watch, a separate security company, was called to assist; however, despite public criticism, there is no indication that it was involved in the alleged incident. District Watch owner Pierre Gouws told VOC
Trade restrictions imposed by SACU partners, including Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique, are raising concerns about the future of regional integration and South Africa’s agricultural sector. Agbiz has warned that limitations on exports of vegetables, fruit, and poultry undermine the free movement of goods and disrupt trade within the bloc. The
Action Society has launched a national campaign urging the government to make the National Register for Sex Offenders publicly accessible, citing concerns over child safety and a lack of transparency. The organisation is also seeking clarity from the Department of Justice through a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has welcomed a ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa ordering Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to repay R81.3 million. The judgment relates to the nationwide social grant payment tender awarded to CPS, which was declared unlawful by the court in 2014. Despite
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.
