Smoking is often defended as a matter of personal freedom. However, when that choice exposes children to second-hand smoke, the debate shifts from individual rights to public responsibility. Mounting evidence links passive smoking to asthma, respiratory infections, and long-term health risks in children. This prompted us to ask listeners in
The Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police in gang-affected communities in the Western Cape. The deployment forms part of a broader intervention that will also see soldiers assist in addressing illegal mining activities
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support SAPS in gang crime hotspots, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement at Thursday’s State of the Nation Address. “Any short-term relief for families in gang-impacted communities is most welcome, and our City
Civil society groups and opposition leaders are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) translates into real improvements in the lives of South Africans. The Budget Justice Coalition (BJC) says ordinary citizens will have little to celebrate if the president’s announcements are
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), education is expected to feature prominently, with the government likely to highlight improved matric pass rates, expanded infrastructure, and ongoing investment in schools. Yet, for many learners across South Africa, experts warn that where a
As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, political leaders are calling for urgent action on local government, crime, and economic growth. Political analyst Sanusha Naidu told VOC News that the address will be closely scrutinised. “The SONA is about more
For more than 28 million South Africans, social grants are not merely a safety net; they are a lifeline. Yet in recent years, that lifeline has repeatedly frayed, with delayed payments, biometric verification failures, and confusing review processes leaving vulnerable families in crisis. As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says 2026 marks 30 years since South Africa’s Constitution came into effect, celebrating the nation’s democratic achievements and progress in governance. She highlighted the Constitution’s role in promoting human rights, equality, and accountability, urging Parliament to reflect on these values during the State of the
Cape Town marked the one-year anniversary of the Tafelberg matter in the Constitutional Court on 11 February — a date that also commemorates 60 years since District Six was declared a White Group Area and 36 years since Nelson Mandela’s release. The case continues to highlight the city’s ongoing struggle
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.
