President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced urgent support measures to cushion South African businesses and protect jobs in the face of looming US tariff hikes. These reciprocal tariffs, initially scheduled to take effect on August 1, will now take effect on August 7, 2025. Speaking at the union buildings, Ramaphosa warned
Professor Firoz Cachalia has officially been sworn in as South Africa’s Acting Minister of Police. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement nearly two weeks ago that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu would be placed on special leave, as a commission of inquiry investigates allegations of corruption within the police service. Cachalia’s
By Kouthar Sambo Early reports indicate that South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to finalizing a trade deal with the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical, domestic, and trade challenges. Speaking to VOC News, geopolitical analyst Ashraf Patel explained that South Africa approached the negotiations not as a united team, but
By Kouthar Sambo Recent reports indicate that residents and businesses in Cape Town are grappling with the impact of revised water and sanitation tariffs, which came into effect on 1 July 2025. According to the City of Cape Town, the updated fees are intended to fund essential services and support
Cape Town Metro Police have arrested five suspects in Ravensmead after discovering Mandrax tablets worth an estimated R180,000. The arrests were made on Thursday afternoon after officers received a tip-off about two vehicles allegedly transporting drugs and firearms. Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons said officers spotted a Honda and a
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced a reduction in the repo rate to 7%, effective from Friday (1 August 2025). The decision follows growing concerns over weakening business and consumer confidence amid persistent economic challenges. Delivering the Monetary Policy Committee’s statement, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the
COSATU in the Western Cape has strongly criticised the 4% fare increase announced by Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), warning that the move will have a devastating impact on workers and low-income commuters. According to COSATU provincial secretary Malvern de Bruyn, the fare hike comes at a time when many
By Rachel Mohamed The Cape Mazaar Society, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), and the Muslim Cemetery Board have condemned the vandalism that occurred at the Mowbray cemetery, specifically at the Kramat of Sayed Moegsien Bin Alawie (R.A). The damage to the Kramat includes the removal of burglar bars, ceiling cornices,
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to announce on Thursday whether South Africa’s repo rate will be increased, decreased, or remain unchanged at 7.25%. In May, the MPC opted to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. Since then, however, inflation has edged higher, with the June figure
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.
