Western Cape Archives - Voice of the Cape

Western Cape Offers Free Vehicle Safety Checks for Scholar and Public Transport

By Ragheema Mclean The Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from Tuesday to Thursday this week as part of efforts to improve road safety for learners and commuters. The Provincial Mobility Department says the initiative aims to encourage drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles before mechanical problems arise. Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said preventative vehicle […]

20 July 2026

Local

Experts Warn Missing Children Cases Go Unreported in Western Cape

By Ragheema Mclean Nearly 100 children were reported missing in the Western Cape over the past six months, raising renewed concerns about child safety across the province. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 98 children under the age of 18 were reported missing during the period. Of those cases, 95 children were safely reunited with their families. However, SAPS has confirmed that 16 cases involving children remain classified […]

14 July 2026

Local

Transport Minister Orders Investigation After Fatal N1 Bus Crash Near Touwsrivier

By Ragheema Mclean Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has expressed her condolences to the families of the 16 people who lost their lives in a bus crash on the N1 near Touws River in the Western Cape. According to the Department of Transport, the bus was carrying 78 passengers from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape when it overturned in the early hours of Thursday morning. Department spokesperson Collen […]

2 July 2026

Local

Activists to march against evictions

By Rachel Mohamed Housing rights activists under the banner of the United Social Congress in the Western Cape are calling on residents to join a mass march against evictions to take place next Wednesday, 29 October, in the city. Speaking on VOC News, Chief John Johnson, Prime Minister of the USCK, one of the Khoi kingdoms in the Western Cape, has blamed the provincial and national governments, stating that they […]

23 October 2025

Local

Western Cape Oversight Bill Faces Scrutiny Over Executive Powers

By Rachel Mohamed The Standing Committee on Local Government met this week to review public hearing comments and raise concerns about the Western Cape Monitoring and Support of Municipalities Amendment Bill. The bill aims to detect early signs of dysfunction in municipalities, but critics fear it could allow members of the executive council (MECs) to abuse their power. Prof (adj) Alex van der Heever of the Wits University School of […]

14 August 2025

Local

Western Cape Launches Flood Damage Repair Projects Across Districts

To restore vital infrastructure, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has launched more than ten construction projects as part of a comprehensive flood damage repair strategy being implemented across multiple district municipalities. Among the key projects is the rehabilitation of the Seven Passes Road in the Garden Route District Municipality. Portions of the road were severely damaged during major storm events and flooding in November 2021, rendering it unsafe and […]

30 July 2025

Local

NAPTOSA denounces assault against teachers

By Rachel Mohamed A recent report has revealed that since the beginning of this year, 50 teachers have been assaulted by students in the Western Cape — sparking outrage across the province, particularly from the trade union NAPTOSA. Speaking across VOC's airwaves, Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), highlighted the role of socio-economic factors and school environments in contributing to such incidents. […]

10 June 2025

Local

Western Cape Records 7.9% drop-in murder rate for Q3 of 2024/2025

The Western Cape has recorded a notable decrease in its murder rate for the third quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, with 103 fewer cases reported a 7.9% drop compared to the same period last year. However, for the families of the 1,198 people murdered during this period, the statistics offer little comfort, as many of these killings remain linked to illegal firearms. Despite the decrease, serious reforms are needed […]

25 February 2025

Local

Four Western Cape municipalities qualify for Eskom debt write-off

Western Cape MEC for Finance, Deidré Baartman, has praised four municipalities for qualifying for Eskom debt write-offs. Matzikama Municipality will have R37.7 million written off, Cederberg Municipality R15 million, Kannaland Municipality R14.8 million, and Beaufort West Municipality R25.6 million. Baartman highlighted the role of the provincial Treasury’s analysts, who provided oversight, support, and advice to help municipalities comply with Eskom’s conditions. Energy analyst Chris Yelland explained the initiative, “National Treasury […]

25 January 2025

Western Cape

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