Members of Parliament have raised concerns about SASSA’s new grant verification process, which requires in-person reviews and biometric checks. The new approach has made it increasingly difficult for many low-income and rural beneficiaries to access their grants. The National Treasury has warned that it may withhold funding if SASSA fails
By Daanyaal Matthews The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has launched a public-private sector think tank aimed at developing an innovative universal healthcare policy for the province. The initiative was unveiled to address challenges in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Provincial MEC for Health and Wellness,
The Western Cape government has launched Phase 2 of its ‘Getting You to Work’ Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, aimed at easing the burden of transport costs for unemployed residents seeking work in the province. Since its introduction in February 2024, the Department of Mobility has reported that more than 3,700
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Constitutional Court as a symbol of South Africa’s enduring commitment to justice, equality, and transformation. His remarks came as the country’s apex court marked its 30th anniversary in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Friday, 20 June. The day’s programme featured a series of dialogues and reflections
Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, is calling for public nominations to appoint new members to the Central Drug Authority (CDA). The deadline for submissions is June 30. The CDA advises government on strategies to combat substance abuse and monitors the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan. According to
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and several activists have been served with court papers by retail giant Cape Union Mart, which is seeking an interdict and restraining order from the Western Cape High Court following months of pro-Palestine protest action. The company’s legal application, submitted this week, claims that weekly
By Rachel Mohamed The Russia-Africa Summit is an annual event designed to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations—particularly significant at a time when the Russian Federation faces mounting international pressure over its actions in Ukraine. Speaking on VOC’s airwaves, Dr. Paul Kariuki, Director of the Democracy Development Programme at
By Rachel Mohamed The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has confirmed that its wage dispute with Denel remains unresolved following recent discussions with the company’s executives. The union is demanding a wage increase and has rejected Denel’s proposed 7% offer, citing the fact that workers have not
Concerns are mounting over a surge in gang-related violence and crime sweeping through Cape Flats communities—from Mitchells Plain to Philippi and Delft—with multiple killings reported in the past week alone. Among the hardest-hit areas are Valhalla Park, Philippi East, Nyanga, and Lentegeur in Mitchells Plain, where residents are grappling with
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.
