Cape Town marked a historic moment on Wednesday with the foundation-laying of the city’s first Muslim mortuary at Mowbray Cemetery. The facility, dedicated to the storage and preparation of bodies according to Islamic burial rites, will serve purely as a storage space and will not conduct autopsies. Faizal Sayed, Chairman
Every day, hundreds of waste pickers, often called “bin pickers” or “reclaimers,” navigate Cape Town’s streets, collecting recyclable materials from bins and landfills. While some see their work as a nuisance, these informal recyclers play a vital role in reducing landfill waste, supporting recycling initiatives, and contributing to the circular
Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has received warm congratulations from South Africans and Capetonians alike. The 34-year-old, who made history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the first of Indian descent, spent part of his childhood in Cape Town. Mamdani moved to Cape Town in 1996
The African Diaspora Forum in South Africa has urged government officials, civil society, and migrant communities to quickly convene a Migrant Indaba. The Indaba aims to address the complex migration laws by developing joint strategies for better migration management, integration, and resource use. According to Bongani Mkwananzi, secretary of the
Nigeria expressed its openness to US assistance in combating armed groups, provided its territorial integrity is upheld, as President Donald Trump maintained threats of military intervention in the West African nation regarding the alleged persecution of Christians. On Sunday, officials and experts in Nigeria rejected Trump’s assertions of widespread Christian
Animal welfare group Four Paws has called on communities to consider pets and wildlife when using fireworks for Guy Fawkes. Guy Fawkes is commemorated every year on 5 November, although it lacks official recognition in South Africa, many neighborhoods still engage in informal firework activities. Speaking to VOC News, Tanya
With the festive season approaching, Western Cape residents are being urged to exercise caution at the province’s popular beaches, particularly at the eight Blue Flag beaches, including Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, and Muizenberg. The Blue Flag designation is an internationally recognized status awarded to beaches that meet strict safety, environmental,
Zohran Mamdani has made history as New York City’s youngest mayor since 1892, becoming the first Muslim and first African-born leader of the city. His victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa is being hailed as a major win for the Democratic left. Mamdani’s rise was notable
For decades, trade unions have stood as the cornerstone of workers’ rights in South Africa, advocating for fair wages, safer working conditions, and broader social justice. Their legacy is deeply tied to the country’s struggle for equality and democracy. But as the world of work evolves, shaped by automation, the
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.
