VOC News

Energy analyst: “Funds allocated by the National Treasury to municipalities for free basic electricity never reach the poor and are misappropriated”

Impoverished households in South Africa could soon receive up to 150 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of free electricity per month. The current Free Basic Electricity (FBE) allocation stands at 50 kWh per month. However, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa told Parliament that the department is evaluating options to expand the programme

IEC Gears Up for June Voter Registration Weekend Ahead of 2026 Local Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa says preparations for the voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June are well underway as the country gears up for the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November. The registration drive will give eligible South Africans an opportunity to register to

CODETA Launches Cashless Payment System on Pilot Taxi Routes

The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) has piloted a new cashless payment system aimed at modernising fare collection across its taxi services. Under the system, which came into effect on 1 June, commuters are required to use prepaid smart cards that are scanned when boarding a taxi,

Israel-Lebanon Discussions Underway to Secure Ceasefire

Discussions between Israel and Lebanon are set for today and tomorrow in Washington, DC, where Lebanese representatives aim to achieve a cessation of assaults and occupation in the south. US President Donald Trump states he requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cease his planned bombing of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital,

RFA Welcomes Diesel Price Cut but Raises Concern Over Sharp Petrol Increase

“We note the fuel price changes effective 3 June 2026. While the reduction in diesel prices — approximately R3.25/l for 0.05% sulphur diesel and R2.62/l for 0.005% sulphur diesel — is a welcome, if partial, reprieve for long-haul freight operators, the RFA notes with concern that petrol prices have increased

Home Affairs Accelerates Smart ID Rollout Amid Surge in Identity Fraud

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber stated that the department is accelerating the rollout of smart ID cards through banks and digital systems as part of efforts to combat identity fraud. The move comes amid growing concerns over the continued use of South Africa’s green barcoded ID books. According to

FIFA Introduces New World Cup Rules and Officiating Changes

FIFA has approved a series of new rule changes for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The regulations include faster restart time limits, stricter disciplinary measures, mandatory hydration and medical breaks, and expanded VAR powers to correct major refereeing errors. The World Cup is expected

European Powers Condemn Israel’s Escalation in Lebanon

France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have condemned Israel’s expanded military operations in Lebanon following the reported capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle, a historic site that has long played a key role in controlling surrounding areas in southern Lebanon. French President Emmanuel Macron said nothing justifies the escalation currently

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.

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