The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has applied for leave to appeal a Labour Court ruling that reinstated Heathfield High School principal Wesley Neumann. The court ordered Neumann’s reinstatement after finding his dismissal for alleged misconduct linked to the Covid-19 pandemic to be unfair. The WCED confirmed that its application
By Daanyaal Matthews Scholar transport has become a national topic of discussion following a horrific incident in Gauteng, where 14 children lost their lives due to alleged driver negligence. The tragedy has reignited concerns around learner transport safety and the government’s role in regulating the industry. Speaking to VOC News,
The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi resumed hearings this week following the festive season recess, with testimony shedding further light on deep-rooted challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS). This week, the committee heard evidence from SAPS Head of
By Aneeqa Du Plessis The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has condemned the viral incident in which a woman was forcibly removed from its Tyger Valley branch, calling the episode both “distressing” and “unacceptable.” In a statement, DHA confirmed that the woman did not have a valid appointment on its
Nearly 27,000 people were treated for violent injuries at Western Cape public hospitals over a six-month period, placing severe pressure on already strained emergency and trauma services. Provincial health authorities have warned that a surge in gunshot and stabbing cases is overwhelming the health system and have urged the South
As gang violence continues to devastate communities on the Cape Flats, concerns have been raised over recent remarks by Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, who conceded that law enforcement is not yet in a position to defeat gangsterism in the Western Cape. Cachalia made the comments while chairing a crime-focused
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called on residents to remain alert and cautious as the province grapples with an escalating combination of severe wildfires and mounting water shortages. According to Winde, the 2025/2026 fire season has been the most destructive in the past decade, with more than 132 000
Across Africa, a renewed slide into electoral authoritarianism is steadily eroding the democratic gains made during the post–Cold War era. While elections continue to take place, many are increasingly manipulated to entrench incumbents in power. This trend is weakening democratic institutions, undermining accountability, and posing serious risks to long-term economic
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
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.
