South Africans are bracing for a steep fuel price increase on 1 April, with petrol expected to rise by more than R5 a litre and diesel by nearly R9. Economist Dawie Roodt explained the drivers behind the surge: “There are basically two reasons. One has to do with increasing international
Senior officials from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have outlined a coordinated national strategy to combat organised crime, including illicit mining, gang violence, and extortion, during a joint briefing to Parliament on Friday. Brigadier General Martin Kgopane told the Joint Standing
South Africa’s overcrowded prison system has come under renewed scrutiny, with several political parties calling for the deportation of convicted foreign nationals as part of the solution. With more than 26,000 foreign inmates in correctional facilities, the state is spending millions daily to accommodate them, adding strain to an already
Parents and guardians at Edgemead Primary School have raised concerns after reports that a Grade 6 learner may have compiled a list naming classmates as potential targets. The list, discovered on 13 March, has caused alarm among parents and students, prompting urgent discussions about the safety and wellbeing of children
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has called on communities to help safeguard schools during the Easter holiday period, with learners set to return to class on 8 April. As schools close, the department has extended well wishes to learners, teachers, and parents, while emphasising the importance of protecting school
South Africa’s Reserve Bank has held its repo rate steady at 6.75%, citing mounting global uncertainty as the primary driver behind the decision. The bank pointed to surging oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict as a key factor likely to push inflation upward in the near term. Governor
Ford Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom vehicles are being recalled due to a potential battery issue, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed. The recall affects 582 vehicles built between 2022 and 2026 and sold nationwide from 2021 to 2025. According to Ford, the affected vehicles are fitted with H7 AGM
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has launched the City’s flagship redevelopment project at Strandfontein Pavilion along the False Bay coast, a R300 million endeavour. In an interview with VOC News, Hill-Lewis announced that a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) base will be constructed and later occupied by the organisation. “It
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has directed the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to urgently audit all accredited private student accommodation providers and suspend those found to be in breach of contractual standards. This follows a damning report by the Auditor-General of South Africa, which highlighted
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.
