The Cape Town Council has adopted its 2025/2026 “Invested in Hope” Budget, despite strong opposition from civil society organisations, residents, and political parties, who have criticised the projected increases in property rates and the introduction of new fixed charges as unjust and unaffordable. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis hailed the budget as
In response to the United States joining Israel in its attacks on Iran, the National Security Council of Iran confirmed that it launched a strike on a major U.S. military base in Al-Udeid, Qatar, on the evening of June 23, 2025. Hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed an immediate
The recent spell of inclement weather has prompted several NGO partners and organisations to begin mop-up operations and offer relief to communities affected by heavy rainfall over the past 36 hours. “Currently, the Mustadafin Foundation is providing aid in Valhalla Park; Ashraful Aid is lending assistance in Gugulethu, specifically the
By Daanyaaal Matthews Relations between African states and the United States have remained strained since Donald Trump assumed office as President of the United States. His administration’s isolationist policies have weakened health departments in several African nations, while his tariff strategies have cast uncertainty over the African Growth and Opportunity
As South Africa enters salary review season, both employers and employees are grappling with ongoing economic challenges. While inflation has slightly eased compared to 2023 and 2024, the cost of living — driven by fuel prices, food, electricity, and healthcare — remains high. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Thursday morning,
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services responded swiftly to a hazardous incident on Rooshoek Road, just outside Wellington, involving a tanker carrying nitric acid. The tanker veered off the gravel road and overturned on Wednesday night. Fortunately, the vehicle remained intact, and all diesel was successfully contained. Municipality spokesperson
The City of Cape Town (COCT) has confirmed that it is responding to localised flooding in several areas, including Parkwood, Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg, and Overcome Heights. According to the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, flood kits have been requested for several informal settlements following persistent heavy rainfall across the metro.
By Rachel Mohamed A recent report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals a year-on-year decline in total employment, with 74,000 fewer jobs recorded. Full-time employment also decreased by 0.6% between December last year and March this year. Speaking on VOC’s airwaves, independent economist and founding director of the Centre
A 68-year-old man was arrested in Strand yesterday for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by police to prevent crime and ensure community safety. According to Swartbooi, members of the Anti-Gang Unit acted on information
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.
