Voice of the Cape Radio - VOC

27/03/2025

The Technology Innovation Agency has introduced a new initiative to uplift women entrepreneurs in South Africa’s innovation space. The Women Technology and Innovation Programme seeks to close funding gaps, enhance support, and promote inclusive innovation.

Acting CEO Ismail Abdoola highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving progress and ensuring women-led innovations gain visibility and market access.

Photo: Pexels

27/03/2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concern over South Africa’s increasing water insecurity, citing rising demand, climate change, and deteriorating infrastructure. Speaking at the National Water and Sanitation Indaba in Midrand, he warned that sub-Saharan Africa is projected to face the sharpest surge in water demand by 2050, with South Africa already consuming over 80% for domestic use.

“At a global level the climate crises will further exacerbate not just South Africa’s but the world's water security. Now these factors make for what is called a perfect storm,” stated Ramaphosa.

Photo: X/

27/03/2025

Visit our store at no.14 Bamford Ave. for some amazing Eid Specials valid till this Sunday 30th March 2025. Eid Mubarak

27/03/2025

As construction progresses on a major section of Jakes Gerwel Drive, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate is urging residents to remain patient

Commuters from Mitchells Plain expressed frustration earlier this week over severe morning traffic congestion caused by the ongoing roadworks.

Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, assured residents that the project is on track for completion by the end of the year.

As construction progresses on a major section of Jakes Gerwel Drive, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate is urging residents to remain patient Commuters from Mitchells Plain expressed frustration earlier this week over severe morning traffic congestion caused by the ongoing roadworks. Rob Quinta...

27/03/2025

The first term of the 2025 academic year has officially ended, with learners eagerly awaiting their report cards.

The first term of the 2025 academic year has officially ended, with learners eagerly awaiting their report cards. From Friday, all schools will close for the Autumn break, and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is urging communities to help protect school properties from vandalism, which t...

27/03/2025

In an unexpected political shift, Banele Majingo has joined the Democratic Alliance (DA) after resigning his set as leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in the City of Cape Town Council on Thursday morning.

Majingo stated that he believes he can be a greater asset to the DA, citing a stronger alignment with the party’s values.

“After careful consideration, I have come to realize that my personal values and principles now align more closely with those of the DA. I am committed to their pursuit of clean governance and economic growth. Their dedication to delivering for poor residents and the unemployed continues to impress me.”

Stay tuned to Newsbeat from 12 PM to 1 PM for more details.

Image: Screenshot

27/03/2025

Police have successfully arrested on suspect for being in possession of an illegal firearm as well as ammunition. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the suspect was arrested on Thursday morning in Khayelitsha.

“Members of the Western Cape Public Order Police descended on a premises in Mlonji Street, Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha, where they searched a premises following information about a male who is in possession of a firearm at the premises. The members found the suspect and searched him upon which they found a revolver in his possession,” he said.

Image: SAPS

27/03/2025

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released its Quarterly Employment Statistics, revealing a net decline of 91,000 jobs between December 2023 and December 2024. The report shows a drop of 26,000 full-time jobs and 65,000 part-time jobs over the year.

Despite the overall decline, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomed a marginal employment increase in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Read more: https://vocfm.co.za/cosatu-welcomes-slight-q4-uptick-in-employment-statistics/

Photo: Pexels

27/03/2025

A minor is due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ court on charges of possession of hijacked vehicle, possession of imitation firearm and business robbery. Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday by members of the Maitland Flying Squad.

“Members assisted a tracking company following a hijacking of a vehicle in Kuils River. The vehicle was tracked at a Somalian shop in Khayelitsha area. The driver of the vehicle who went into the shop, ran out of shop and fled upon seeing police members approaching. The members gave chase on foot and arrested the suspect with an imitation firearm in his possession as well as a cellular telephone that was robbed from the owner of the shop. The 17-year-old suspect was detained at Khayelitsha SAPS,” she added.

Images: SAPS

27/03/2025

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has urged all Hujaaj (pilgrims) traveling for Hajj 1446AH/2025 to adhere to Saudi Arabia’s health regulations, particularly the Covid-19 vaccination requirement.

Speaking on Ramadan AM, SAHUC President Moaaz Cassoo emphasized that the Saudi Ministry of Health has repeatedly stressed the importance of these regulations.

“SAHUC has received the Ministry of Health’s guidelines for Hajj 1446 three times already, highlighting the critical need for compliance, especially regarding the Covid-19 vaccine certificate,” said Cassoo.

Read more:

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has urged all Hujaaj (pilgrims) traveling for Hajj 1446AH/2025 to adhere to Saudi Arabia’s health regulations, particularly the Covid-19 vaccination requirement. Speaking on VOC Breakfast, SAHUC President Moaaz Cassoo emphasized that the Saudi Minis...

27/03/2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Saldanha Bay Mayor André Truter have pledged to revamp the small harbours of St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay to boost economic growth in the region.

Truter welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for clear action plans and implementation timelines. Macpherson has directed officials to develop a master plan focusing on fishing and tourism as key drivers of economic development.

He pointed to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town as a successful model for job creation, stating:

“Small harbours like St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay should be redeveloped to serve as economic engines for their communities. The V&A Waterfront has helped create over 60,000 jobs. We can replicate this success across the country, generating jobs and opportunities for communities like Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay.”

Photo: / X

27/03/2025

Three suspects are set to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a jamming device, and possession of car-breaking implements.

Three suspects are set to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a jamming device, and possession of car-breaking implements. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed that the suspects, aged between...

27/03/2025

SASSA has confirmed the April payment dates for social grants:

Old Age Grant – 2 April 2025

Disability Grant – 3 April 2025

Child Support Grant – 4 April 2025

Additionally, all social grants (except the SRD grant) will increase from April:

Old Age Grant: R2,185 → R2,315

War Veterans Grant: R2,205 → R2,335

Disability Grant: R2,185 → R2,315

Foster Care Grant: R1,180 → R1,250

Care Dependency Grant: R2,185 → R2,315

Child Support Grant: R530 → R560

Grant-in-Aid: R530 → R560

These changes aim to provide better financial support for beneficiaries.

Image: SASSA

27/03/2025

South Africa’s commitment to universal health care has been reaffirmed through the National Health Insurance (NHI), according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.

South Africa’s commitment to universal health care has been reaffirmed through the National Health Insurance (NHI), according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. Speaking at the second G20 Health Working Group conference in KwaZulu-Natal, Motsoaledi emphasized that health spending is an economic ...

27/03/2025

Western Cape police have made significant strides in their efforts to combat drug-related crime, with two separate arrests in Manenberg and Khayelitsha on Wednesday.

In the first operation, Western Cape Public Order Police arrested a 26-year-old man in Manenberg for drug possession. Acting on a search warrant, officers raided a residence in Jenny Schneider Street, Tambo Village, where they discovered 1,026 mandrax tablets hidden inside the home.

Read more: https://vocfm.co.za/two-arrested-in-cape-town-drug-busts-2/

Photo: Supplied

27/03/2025

Grassy Park police have opened a murder investigation following the discovery of a 25-year-old woman's body in Eland Avenue, Lotus River, on Wednesday (26 March). Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg stated that officers arrived at the scene and found the victim with a fatal wound to the back of her head.

"The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet," said Twigg.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Grassy Park SAPS at 021 700 3900 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Photo: VOCfm/Stock

27/03/2025

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27/03/2025

Three suspects, aged between 37 and 52 years old, are due to appear in the Kuils River Magistrate's Court for being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the trio were arrested and detained at Brackenfell police on Wednesday.

“Members swiftly responded to a complaint of a vehicle robbery in progress in Brackenfell. The members managed to pull over the stolen vehicle as well as the getaway car the suspects were driving. The members searched the vehicles and, in the process, found jamming devices inside,” she added.

Images: SAPS