VOC News

Coalition guidelines offer advice but cannot guarantee municipal stability, analyst warns

Political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze says new guidelines for coalition negotiations could help improve stability in municipalities, but their lack of legal force means councils are not obliged to follow them. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs published the guidelines following the 2026 Local Government Elections, with around

Rising School operational costs raise fears of steep Fee Hikes in 2027

By Odwa Bafana Mkentane Parents could face further financial pressure in 2027, as rising operational expenses at public schools raise concerns about significant school fee increases, with governing bodies warning that inflation-linked adjustments may no longer be enough to keep schools running. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African

Parliament Raises Alarm Over Correctional Services’ Disclaimer Audit Opinion

By Odwa Bafana Mkentane The Select Committee on Security and Justice has expressed concern over the Department of Correctional Services reverting to a disclaimer audit opinion for the 2025/2026 financial year, calling for urgent corrective action, stronger accountability and improved financial management. After meeting with the Department of Correctional Services

Matric examinations progress steadily as marking preparations get underway

By Ragheema Mclean The Department of Basic Education says the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations are progressing steadily, with preparations for marking already underway. Marking centres are expected to open between 26 and 28 November, with the marking process scheduled to begin on 1 December. Department spokesperson Terence Khala has

Athlete Support and Financial Pressures Under the Spotlight as South African Swimmers Consider Switching Allegiance

The reported possibility of South African swimmer Matthew Sates changing his sporting allegiance has raised questions about the support systems available to the country’s elite athletes given the recent decision by Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, to represent the Netherlands.   Financial pressures, access to high-performance facilities and

SADC pushes for Local medicine production to reduce reliance on imports

By Odwa Bafana Mkentane Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are looking at ways to strengthen local medicine production and reduce their dependence on pharmaceutical imports. The issue is among the key priorities at a regional health meeting in Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), where representatives from the bloc’s 16

Coalition politics becomes permanent fixture as analyst questions 14-day council deadline

By Odwa Bafana Mkentane Municipalities across South Africa have 14 days from the conclusion of the local elections to convene newly elected councils and elect political office-bearers, as coalition negotiations get underway in 138 hung municipalities, including 16 in the Western Cape. The talks will determine how these councils are

Western Cape raises concern over ongoing medicine supply shortages

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has raised concerns over ongoing medicine supply shortages affecting public healthcare facilities across the province. The shortages form part of a wider national challenge, with disruptions in the pharmaceutical supply chain linked to manufacturing and regulatory challenges, supplier constraints, import and customs

Ellis Names 23-Player Banyana Banyana Squad for World Cup Play-Offs

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a 23-player squad for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup preliminary play-offs in Morocco. Denmark-based midfielder Sibulele Holweni has earned her first national team call-up since moving to Europe last month. However, captain Refiloe Jane will miss South Africa’s opening match against Chinese

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.

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