By Mogamat Amen Strydom The recent protests in Iran began as legitimate expressions of public frustration over worsening economic conditions but later escalated after being infiltrated by armed local and foreign elements, according to senior researcher Na’eem Jeenah. Speaking to VOC News, Jeenah said the initial demonstrations were driven by
The United States (U.S.) President, Donald Trump, has stepped back from plans to impose new tariffs on European trading partners, announcing instead that he and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte have agreed on a framework for a future deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region. The surprise shift has brought
The Boorhaanol Islam Movement is set to breathe new life into a centuries-old tradition with the launch of its Kufiyah (Fez) Making Project this Saturday, 24 January, at the Bo-Kaap Cultural Hub. Abdul Muhaimin Bassier, chairperson of the movement and project coordinator, said the initiative is a deliberate effort to
Concerns have been raised over salary increases for public office-bearers, with members of the public expressing widespread outrage over the decision. President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% pay hike for members of the executive, increasing the salaries of ministers, deputy ministers and Members of Parliament. The increase follows a
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has begun registering residents affected by a fire that tore through Masiphumelele on Tuesday. The process is being carried out in partnership with the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch to assess the full extent of the damage and identify those in
President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for stronger support in every classroom, stressing the need for a coherent curriculum, well-trained teachers, and quality, age-appropriate learning materials. Addressing the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Boksburg, Gauteng, the president said the government is intensifying its focus on evidence-based teaching, particularly in literacy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% salary increase for the deputy president, ministers, deputy ministers, and parliamentarians—a move that has reignited public debate around political accountability and economic priorities. The increase, published in the Government Gazette, comes at a time when many South Africans are struggling with rising living
Premier Alan Winde has pledged to strengthen policing and improve safety in Kraaifontein following an oversight visit to the local police station in Cape Town. The visit forms part of a broader programme targeting high-crime precincts across the Western Cape. “The residents of Kraaifontein are understandably concerned and frustrated by
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to a spate of violent incidents across the Cape Flats that left at least 26 people dead over the weekend. In the latest incident, eight people were shot and killed, while two others were injured, during a mass shooting at the Marikana Informal Settlement in
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.
