South Africa continues to feel the impact of funding cuts for HIV and TB programmes made during the Trump administration. However, some relief was announced on Wednesday, as Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that Treasury has released R750 million to help bridge the funding gap. Motsoaledi tabled a R64.8-billion
A devastating fire tore through parts of the Mfuleni community early on Wednesday morning, destroying several vital community structures, including the Mfuleni Masjid, Community Centre, feeding scheme, and the Imam’s home. Spokesperson for the mosque, Isghaan Higgins, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss, with the community now urgently appealing
The Department of Basic Education revealed that over 7,000 Grade R educators are not qualified for their positions in a recent parliamentary committee meeting. This revelation has placed greater focus on the introduction of Grade R, given that the grade is made compulsory by the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA)
Early reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Truth Social. In the letter, Trump informed Ramaphosa that South Africa will face a 30% tariff on all products exported to the U.S. starting August 1, 2025, unless a new trade deal is negotiated
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that negotiations to end the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza are “going along very well.” This remark came as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C. During an interview on VOC’s PM Drive show, Anwar Jhetam from the Media Review Network
The Fire and Rescue Service of the City of Cape Town reported that between June 27 and Sunday, July 6, it attended to 74 events involving pedestrians and 162 motor vehicle accidents. Furthermore, law enforcement officials issued more than 3,200 notifications for a variety of offences and made 91 arrests.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has acknowledged public commentary surrounding its ongoing social grants review process. The Agency stressed that the review aimed to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries suspected of having undeclared additional income. SASSA emphasised that the process is aimed at ensuring that only qualifying individuals
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called for an urgent, independent commission of inquiry into explosive allegations of corruption involving top officials in policing, the judiciary, and correctional services. This comes after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made public claims implicating high-ranking figures, including Police Minister Senzo
South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States has come under pressure following Washington’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all South African exports, effective 1 August 2025. The move forms part of a broader U.S. trade realignment impacting multiple global partners. Professor Siphamandla Zondi, an international relations and politics
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.
