SASSA beneficiaries still using the old Gold Cards have until 31 August to replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards or risk being unable to access their social grant payments from September. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging beneficiaries to visit designated card replacement sites as
The Western Cape has become the first province in South Africa to receive international accreditation for its forensic toxicology unit, a milestone expected to strengthen criminal investigations and improve confidence in forensic evidence used by the courts. The accreditation recognises the unit’s compliance with internationally accepted standards for quality, accuracy
As South Africa prepares for the final voter registration weekend ahead of the November local government elections, political analyst Professor Lisa Thompson says declining voter turnout reflects growing public disillusionment with local government rather than a weakening democracy. Speaking to VOC News, Thompson, from the University of the Western Cape’s
By Odwa Bafana Mkentane South Africa’s economic recovery is being undermined by growing municipal dysfunction, with failing local government services emerging as a significant constraint on investment, business activity and long-term growth. Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned that while the economy entered the year on a positive footing, rising
By Odwa Bafana Mkentane Police have launched a murder investigation after five young people were shot and killed in a suspected targeted attack at a house in Gugulethu, in the early hours of Monday. The shooting, which also left a sixth victim injured, has prompted an intensive investigation by the
By Odwa Bafana Mkentane South Africa is among 60 trading partners set to face new United States tariffs after the administration of President Donald Trump announced measures targeting countries it says have failed to adequately prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The new tariffs, which range from
Government has urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information about migration, warning that misinformation and disinformation can fuel fear, deepen divisions and undermine public confidence in state institutions. Acting government spokesperson William Baloyi said South Africa manages migration through established laws, policies and institutions while balancing national interests, human
Former head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, has defended her decision to authorise an investigation into senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials, telling the Madlanga Commission that she relied on information presented by investigators. The investigation included allegations against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo,
The Constitutional Court’s decision to temporarily halt Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa has been described as a move that protects due process while allowing legal questions surrounding the case to be resolved first. Speaking to VOC News, Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South
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.
