Voice of the Cape

Radiostation in Kaapstad, Zuid-Afrika - De stem van de Kaap

According to the broadcasting authority, VOC is an interest-defined community broadcaster licensed to serve the cultural interest of the Muslim community. The station’s mandate is to inform and educate the community about Islam, with an inherent focus on religious teachings. Another focus of VOC’s programming is to report matters of cultural, political, social and economic significance.

The idea of a Muslim radio station was born in the early 1990’s by such people as Imam Noor Davids and Imam Gasan Solomon (then Secretary General of the Muslim Judicial Council), for the purpose of community advancement. This brought on board media, technical and academic experts like Anwah Ismail, Moegsien Khan and the late Dr Achmat Davids.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, sharing the frequency with another Muslim radio station. In June 2002, the station was awarded a four-year license on the same basis, one which has been successfully renewed in 2006.