South African experts say the recent escalation between the US and Iran reflects miscalculations by Western powers rather than instability within Iran. Ahmed Jazbhay, a researcher at the Media Review Network, told VOC News that portraying Iran as a weak or fractious state is misleading. “It speaks to the audacity
The Western Cape Education Department has announced that the on-time admissions window for Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2027 school year opens tomorrow and will close on 14 April 2026. Parents and guardians are being urged to apply early to ensure their children are included in
More than 500 residents have been displaced after fires tore through the informal settlements of Imizamo Yethu and Masiphumelele over the weekend, destroying around 100 structures. Firefighters managed to contain both blazes, while the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre continues to coordinate emergency services on the ground.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says preparations for the National Health Insurance (NHI) are progressing rapidly despite a court decision to suspend its implementation. In the latest update, Motsoaledi noted that at least 14 cases are currently before the courts challenging the implementation of the government’s strategy for universal health access.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 15 years in prison for raping one man and attempting to rape another at a shelter in Akasia. The offences occurred in the shelter’s bathroom in July and November 2023, during a period when Niel Klein and both victims were
Government has allocated R1.4 billion to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease across the country, with additional funding requested to support ongoing containment measures. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen confirmed that the state will cover the full cost of vaccinating livestock as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at limiting
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has disbursed over R7 billion to support students in the 2026 academic year. Universities received R3.56 billion on 2 February and R2.82 billion on 2 March for tuition, allowances, and accommodation, while TVET colleges received R679 million in February and a further R591
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services responded to two devastating early morning fires on Friday, resulting in fatalities and significant property damage. A fire at the corner of Main and Sandelhout Road in Delf South destroyed several structures and tragically claimed the lives of four adult males.
Unverified reports have claimed that Russia and China plan to provide Iran with arms amid ongoing warfare against the U.S. and Israel. The veracity of these reports has been questioned due to conflicting remarks from various sources. Middle East Eye published a report stating that three officials aware of the
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.
