festive season Archives - Voice of the Cape

Western Cape sees rise in fatal crashes as festive season traffic peaks

The Western Cape has experienced 56 fatal crashes between the 2nd and 15th of December, leading to 62 deaths. This worrying increase in fatalities reflects a broader national trend. To improve road safety, 85 national traffic officials have been deployed to the area. Isaac Sileku from the province's Mobility Department urged road users to comply with traffic laws and prioritize safety, especially as traffic volumes are expected to peak. "The […]

20 December 2024

Local

Western Cape adds 940 officers for festive crime crackdown

As part of its holiday crime prevention strategy, the Western Cape has welcomed 940 additional officers, part of the 2,700 new police recruits recently graduated from various police colleges nationwide. These recruits aim to bolster efforts to curb criminal activity during the festive season. Llewellyn Macmaster, Chair of the Cape Crime Coalition, commented on the reinforcements, saying, “I think given the reality, it is not enough. On the other hand, […]

19 December 2024

Local

Western Cape Health gears up for festive season emergency surge

As December begins, commonly referred to as the 'silly season,' the Western Cape Health Department braces for a spike in health emergencies. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Monday, the Western Cape Department of Health’s Chief Operating Officer, Saadiq Kariem, shared insights into the department’s readiness for the festive season. Reflecting on last year’s festive season, Kariem noted, “From December 15 to January 15, our emergency centres handle approximately 120,000 cases. […]

2 December 2024

Local

Demolition of informal traders’ kiosks paused for festive season

By Ragheema Mclean The National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa recently met with the City of Cape Town to negotiate arrangements for the festive season, following notices that several informal traders' kiosks in Bellville were slated for demolition. Speaking on VOC Breakfast, the alliance’s President, Rosheda Muller, confirmed that the planned demolitions have been postponed while the City develops an operational plan. “We have overcome that; the kiosks will […]

19 November 2024

Local

Festive season neglect: Elderly caregivers and Vulnerable groups left struggling

By Ragheema Mclean As the festive season brings cheer to many, a darker reality persists for numerous individuals in need on the Cape Flats. When the holiday season rolls around, amidst celebrations, several caregivers allow themselves to be fully consumed by the holiday season, forgetting their crucial responsibilities towards their own families and dependents. Speaking on the VOC Breakfast show, Director at Ihata Shelter Nuraan Osman emphasized the cyclical nature […]

27 December 2023

Local

Mashatile urges motorists to exercise caution during festive season

In his Christmas message Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged motorists to exercise caution during the festive season. With numerous reported collisions, 719 fatalities were recorded in the first three weeks of December. Whilst, this is a decline from the previous period last year, authorities expressed concern over the conduct of motorists. Mashatile called on motorists to adhere to the rules of the road. “We further urge motorists to adhere to the rules of […]

25 December 2023

Local

Over 3000 roadblocks conducted across the country: Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele says since the 15th of October, police have conducted over 3000 roadblocks across the country. Cele gave a media briefing in the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on the countrywide crime statistics for the festive season thus far. He is in the province as part of the police’s festive season operations. Cele breaks down the number of arrests for major crimes since October 15th: “This includes 560 murder suspects; […]

24 December 2023

Local

Navigating the festive season: A closer look at mental health and public sentiments

By Lee-Yandra Paulsen The joyous holiday season, typically marked by celebrations and merriment, has taken on a different tone for many South Africans this year. As reports indicate, a prevailing sense of gloominess has settled in, leading individuals to approach the festive season with caution and frugality. The National Bipolar Support group leader for SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), Mogamad Nackerdien, sheds light on the phenomenon commonly referred […]

19 December 2023

Local

Motorists warned of accident hotspots

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned festive season travelers to be cautious on roads especially at what it terms as hazardous hotspots. Traffic volumes have started to increase on various national roads leading to popular holiday destinations. The RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane, says these roads were deemed as hotspots, due to frequent incidents that happen. “There are hazardous hotspots on the roads, that we base on incidents that happen […]

16 December 2023

festive season

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