By Odwa Mkentane Toxicologist Dr Gerhard Verdoorn has warned that the country is facing a serious problem with the illegal importation and distribution of highly hazardous pesticides. Verdoorn says some undocumented migrants bring banned pesticides across the northern and eastern borders to trade for local currency. He also notes that
By Ragheema Mclean The Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from Tuesday to Thursday this week as part of efforts to improve road safety for learners and commuters. The Provincial Mobility Department says the initiative aims to encourage drivers and
Civil society organisations, migrant groups and human rights activists will gather in Observatory on Saturday for an anti-xenophobia rally aimed at promoting solidarity and addressing growing concerns over violence and hostility directed at foreign nationals in South Africa. The rally follows a meeting held on 11 July where more than
The Palestine solidarity organisation #Africa4Palestine has welcomed the withdrawal of all charges against the Loftus Five, describing the decision as a significant victory for constitutional rights and freedom of expression in South Africa. The five activists were arrested in May 2025 after participating in the Red Card Israel campaign at
South Africa’s new computerised learner’s licence test has sparked widespread debate after reports revealed that the national pass rate has dropped to just 17%, with more than 80% of applicants failing the exam. The new testing system was introduced to combat fraud by replacing the paper-based process with a computerised
By Odwa Mkentane Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) has confirmed that one of its bus drivers has been suspended following a fatal accident at the corner of Plein and Strand streets on Thursday morning. A woman, who has not yet been identified, was knocked down by a bus while crossing
The publication of South Africa’s National Register for Sex Offenders has reignited debate over how best to protect children and vulnerable people while safeguarding the constitutional rights of offenders who have served their sentences. Supporters argue that greater public access to the register promotes transparency, helps employers and families make
By Oyisa George The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to allegations made by residents of the Heritage Occupation in Cape Town’s city centre, disputing claims that one of the occupation’s leaders was unlawfully arrested during a series of police operations earlier this month. The response follows a previous
By Ragheema Mclean More than 1,000 suspects have been arrested in just three months since the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to gang hotspots across the Western Cape as part of Operation Prosper. Authorities have described the operation as a success, confirming that 1,054 suspects have been
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.
