The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has confirmed that train fares will increase from August 2025, marking the first fare adjustment since 2015. According to PRASA, single-trip tickets will rise by R2,50, while return tickets could cost up to R6 more, depending on the distance travelled. The increase
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will prioritise economic reform, tackle crime, and strengthen the state’s ability to deliver quality services. Speaking during the Presidency budget vote in Parliament, Ramaphosa emphasised that all departments must work collaboratively to stimulate growth, reduce poverty, and improve service
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced that the government is finalising a new Cybersecurity Bill aimed at strengthening defences against online threats. She stated that this bill will follow the completion of the national cybersecurity strategy, which emphasises improving digital safety, raising public awareness, and protecting critical infrastructure. Ntshavheni
Over 100,000 beneficiaries have received SMSs stating they are under review by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). SASSA has clarified that the process is to ensure that money is paid to those who truly need it, noting a trend wherein individuals would receive SASSA grants but still apply
The Saudi Arabia Ministry for Hajj and Umrah has announced a significant change to hajj logistics for the upcoming 2026 Hajj season by announcing that the only hajj operators allowed to operate in the kingdom for South African hujaaj are ones based in Saudi Arabia, seemingly ending the hajj operator
“We strongly condemn the Zionist aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of army soldiers, security forces, and innocent civilians.” This is according to the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. This statement comes as Israeli occupation forces escalate their aggression against Syria. Hamas described
Early reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump announced new weapons for Ukraine on Monday, July 14, 2025. He also threatened sanctions on anyone purchasing Russian exports unless Russia agrees to a peace deal. In an interview with VOC News, international relations expert and Mail & Guardian columnist Donovan Williams
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo stated that the Police Ministry believes the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek involves more than one person. This announcement came during a media briefing on Monday, July 14, 2025, following the revelation that the victim’s mother, Tiffany Nicole Meek, is implicated in her son’s death.
A community in Wallacedene is reeling after a tragic fire claimed the life of a six-year-old girl and destroyed dozens of informal settlements on Tuesday morning. According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, emergency services received multiple calls at approximately 10:15 on
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.
