Salt River, Cape Town 9 July 2026

VOC News

Minister Motsoaledi to withdraw regulations prohibiting the sale of cannabis and hemp products

Aneeqa Du Plessis 26 March 2025

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will withdraw the gazetted regulations prohibiting the sale of cannabis and hemp products to facilitate a public participation process. The regulations, issued earlier this month, banned any food products containing cannabis ingredients, hemp seed oil, or hemp seed flour, which sparked a public outcry. President Cyril

EC police force’s strategy for combating extortion has been criticized by the Portfolio Committee on Police

Loushe Jordaan Gilbert 26 March 2025

The Eastern Cape (EC) police’s strategy for combating extortion has drawn criticism from the Portfolio Committee on Police. Ian Cameron, the chairperson of the committee, said that reported cases would be formally followed up to ensure responsibility during an oversight visit to Mthatha. Cameron further stressed the committee’s concern about

Cosatu demands that the budget’s proposed VAT increase be dropped

Loushe Jordaan Gilbert 26 March 2025

The South African Trade Union Congress (COSATU) has urged Parliament to use its legislative power and remove the Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase from the 2025–2026 budget. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana suggested a 0.5%-point VAT increase in 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 in his budget statement earlier this month. In his presentation of

Israeli Apartheid Week: “Too many people are still purchasing brands that support the genocide of Palestinians”

Kouthar Sambo 25 March 2025

By Kouthar Sambo Used as a grassroots mobilization tool to demonstrate global support for Palestinians, this year’s Israeli Apartheid Week comes at a critical time, as South Africa faces mounting international pressure—particularly from the U.S., a key ally of Israel known to be fueling the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Social Development to Host Africa Children’s Summit in April

Aneeqa Du Plessis 25 March 2025

The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, will host the Bi-Annual Africa Children’s Summit (ACS) in Johannesburg from April 4 to 7. The event will bring together 1,300 children from across the continent, with 300 attending in person and 1,000 participating virtually. According

Over 100 people die a day from Tuberculosis in SA

Aneeqa Du Plessis 25 March 2025

By Rachel Mohamed Recent figures from the Department of Health reveal that more than 100 people die from tuberculosis (TB) daily in South Africa. Despite being a preventable and curable disease, TB remains a major public health crisis, often overlooked in everyday discourse. The Department of Health has committed to

Kwa-Zulu Natal witnesses rise in anti-immigration marches

Daanyaal Matthews 25 March 2025

By Daanyaal Matthews Anti-immigration protests have erupted in the KwaZulu-Natal province, with demonstrators linking illegal immigration to broader socio-economic concerns, including housing shortages and crime, particularly in relation to the drug trade. While the protests have been labeled as ‘xenophobic’ by detractors, participants insist that illegal immigration is a pressing

Eskom warns of increased load shedding risk after losing six generation units

Ragheema Mclean 25 March 2025

Eskom has warned that the risk of load shedding remains high after six generation units went offline within 12 hours. Although the power utility had cautioned about a possible Stage 2 load shedding on Monday, 24 March, no power cuts were ultimately implemented. This comes just a week after load

Parliament to Host Public Hearings on Budget as COSATU Raises Concerns

Ragheema Mclean 25 March 2025

Parliament will hold public hearings on the proposed budget on Tuesday, 25 March, with trade union federation COSATU set to make its submission on behalf of workers. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an additional R23 billion to cover a 5.5% public sector wage increase over the next

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