The United States Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell has accused International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola of insulting him, amid growing tensions between Pretoria and Washington. Bozell’s comments follow a third diplomatic demarche issued against him last week. Lamola expressed concern over the ambassador’s remarks that the
The Western Cape is honouring teachers on World Teachers’ Day, with October declared Teacher Appreciation Month. The provincial Education Department is urging learners, parents and communities to recognise the contribution teachers make to education and society. Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt praised national award winners Mthobi Fihla, Danielle Bosch
By Oyisa George Internationally renowned speaker and UK politician George Galloway has praised South Africa’s decision to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, saying the country had shown “courage and moral fibre” in doing so. Galloway is in South Africa as part of his People
By Ragheema Mclean The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has announced that it will refund Hajj registration fees to eligible pilgrims who have not yet performed Hajj. The decision applies to pilgrims who paid the registration fee between November 2016 and September 2025. SAHUC says the registration fees
By Ragheema Mclean British journalist and prominent Palestinian cause advocate Yvonne Ridley has called for greater efforts to protect Masjid al-Aqsa, describing the mosque as a central responsibility for Muslims around the world. Speaking on VOC Breakfast, Ridley reflected on her personal connection to Palestine and the significance of Al-Aqsa,
Seven leopards have returned to South Africa’s West Coast after disappearing from the region for around 170 years, marking a significant development for conservation efforts. The first confirmed sighting in the West Coast National Park was captured on camera last year, following years of evidence that leopards were gradually returning
An African-led credit rating agency is being proposed amid concerns that international ratings do not always reflect the continent’s economic realities. Supporters argue that an African-based agency could provide more context-sensitive assessments and contribute to a more balanced understanding of the continent’s economies. Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director of the
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will hold in-camera hearings over the next two weeks as it continues investigating criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says the hearings will focus on evidence that cannot be made public because of ongoing investigations or
SASSA is reviewing its November social grant payment dates due to a clash with the upcoming local government elections. Under the original schedule, the Older Persons Grant was due to be paid on November 3, followed by the Disability Grant on November 4 and the Children’s Grant on November 5.
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.
