Table of contents for Wednesday, July 8, 2020 in Post

Pregnant woman killed Family terrorised as farm attacks rise CHARLENE SOMDUTH CATTLE farmer Ayoob Ismail and his wife, Zakiyya, were looking forward to the birth of their third child in December. But on Saturday night, 26-year-old Zakiyya’s throat was slit during a robbery at their farm in Weenen, near Estcourt, killing her and their unborn child. Ismail, 33, was assaulted as he tried to protect his family during the attack and sustained back injuries. An attempt was made to strangle their daughter, Hajra, 8, while their son Hamza, 2, was kicked several times. The children survived the attack. The suspects fled with cash and nobody has been arrested at this stage. Soon after the attack, Ismail contacted his cousin, Ally Jamaloodeen, for help. Jamaloodeen said the Ismail family had been…

Education key to destigmatising virus CHARLENE SOMDUTH EDUCATING yourself about the coronavirus could curb stigmatisation and alleviate the fears of those who are infected, says Dr Sherona Rawat, a clinical psychologist. Rawat said it was normal to experience a range of difficult emotions in response to the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. She said people who were infected suffered sadness, anger, anxiety, loss of hope, feelings of helplessness and regret or guilt about how they might have done something differently. They might also feel ashamed of causing their families to suffer isolation and possible stigma. Covid-19’s unknown nature and lack of a cure, she said, added to the trauma. “It’s important that people who stigmatise those infected educate themselves about the illness. They need to assess their own feelings and…

Concerns raised over burial space CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE eThekwini Municipality is ready to handle the impending influx of Covid-19-related deaths and infections, but political parties are concerned about the limited burial space and cremation facilities. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, the leader of the Minority Front, said: “In terms of cremations, the incinerator has been delivered to the Mobeni Heights Crematorium and when it becomes operational it will relieve the congestion at the Clare Estate Crematorium. But burial space remains problematic.” While one furnace at the Mobeni Heights Crematorium worked intermittently until 2017, the other was reportedly inoperable for six years. A new furnace, that was shipped from the US, arrived at the facility in February. At the time Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini’s spokesperson, said they were busy with its installation. Thakur-Rajbansi said in…

‘BE DISCIPLINED IN YOUR BUSINESS’ PROFESSOR Dilip Garach, financial expert and the chief executive of Garach Corporation, a financial advisory services firm, said it was important to have passion and knowledge of one’s business venture. “When going into any kind of business venture you must have an idea or a concept that you are passionate about and be confident about its success.” Asked if one needed a business licence to operate a small business, he said it was generally preferable that the business started on an informal basis first to see how it went. “To comply with all the formalities when you’re starting a small business venture may prove to be rather frustrating. If the business starts to be successful, then consider registering the business and proceed with the relevant…

Sentenced for phone theft CHANELLE LUTCHMAN THE man who was found in possession of the cellphone of a kidnapped Durban businesswoman 38 days after her disappearance, was fined R5 000 or two years’ imprisonment for theft. Jerry Ejikwe Ogbuana, 36, appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Monday and pleaded guilty. Sandra Munsamy, a mother of two, was allegedly kidnapped by armed men on May 30 last year while travelling near the M13 and Stapleton Road intersection in Pinetown. She was found shackled in a house in Witbank by Hawks detectives 162 days after her disappearance. Four men were arrested and are scheduled to apply for bail next week. This week, Ogbuana submitted a plea statement to magistrate Sophie Reddy. He said he was a second-hand goods dealer operating in…

‘Anti-Hindu’ Netflix shows elicit warning AFTER warning film-makers and OTT platforms (over-the-top media services) against anti-Hindu content, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has now written a letter to Netflix warning of both a legal battle and street protests. The VHP cited five instances that it said had hurt religious sentiments and where Hinduism was allegedly portrayed derogatorily. Leila, Ghoul, Chippa, Sacred Games and Krishna & His Leela were cited as examples, along with the names of producers and directors. The VHP said: “In the name of creative freedom selectively only Hindu religion is targeted.” Shriraj Nair, a VHP spokesperson, said if the OTT platform continued to air such content, it would not only face legal action, but “we will be forced on to the streets for peaceful agitations demanding a…

Police probe pastors CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE South African Hindu Dharma Sabha has opened a case of crimen injuria against two Chatsworth pastors for their remarks about Hinduism. Ram Maharaj, the president of the Sabha, reported evangelist Simeon Bradley Chetty and Reverend Llewelyn Joseph to the Chatsworth police station. Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said the case was being investigated. In May, a video was posted on Facebook of Chetty testifying about his conversion from Hinduism to Christianity. Chetty said: “My father was a Telugu, my mother was a Tamil and while they were growing up they said, you know what? They have no meaning, they worship idols, they worship other gods, but I am here to tell you that the name of Jesus is above every other name. “Let me…

Observing guidelines at temples POST REPORTER WITH the rise in Covid-19 infections and deaths, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha said it was important for worshippers to be cognisant of the guidelines at temples. In the coming weeks, Hindus will observe the Mariamman Prayer, Shravan Maas, Naag Panchami and Gita Week. Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the Sabha, said at all religious gatherings, the maximum number of persons attending could not exceed 50. This included priests, temple officials and staff. “Devotees that are 60 and over must stay at home. By using digital media, like WhatsApp, an advanced register of attendees can be developed, and, if the capacity is reached, this can be communicated to the congregation to avoid possible unpleasant situations.” He said a Covid-19 subcommittee should be established.…

Time to end shaming of victims, protecting of perpetrators Nazley Sharif of the DA delivered this speech during Parliament’s debate of national public importance on the scourge of femicide and gender-based violence against women IT SOMETIMES feels like we live in a society that hates women. You may disagree, and that’s all right, but in the absence of kindness and empathy, all we are left with is hate. It will take more than a global pandemic to redesign the social fabric and dismantle the systems of oppression we currently find ourselves in. This social fabric is riddled with pain, trauma and violence that has been built with a conscious decision of deliberately leaving women out. We must rip up this invisible social contract we all seemed to have signed unknowingly…

New perspective on metro police issues I RECENTLY commented on a story regarding the rise of drag racing in Durban after the lockdown eased to level 3 (the POST, July 1 – 5). First, I must thank the POST for highlighting this issue. I had a fantastic telecommunications with Senior Superintendent Parbhoo Sewpersad, the spokesperson for metro police, and your paper made that possible. Second, I want to place on record my sincere thanks and apologies to Sewpersad, and I would like to withdraw my comments as I now see issues from the metro department’s side and I am also glad to work with Sewpersad on this issue. NETHRAJ RAMPERSAD Chatsworth…

The kind of leader SA needs EIGHTY-seven years ago, the 32nd president of the US, Franklin D Roosevelt, delivered his inauguration address. It was at the height of the Great Depression. We can draw similarities between that time and what we are going through now. This was an extract from his speech: “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. “In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigour has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. “And I am convinced that you will again give that support to…

Does life begin at 40? Comedian finds out POST REPORTER Riaad Moosa POPULAR comedian Riaad Moosa’s latest comedy special, Life Begins, is now streaming on the popular video-on-demand platform Netflix. In Life Begins, Moosa tries to figure out whether life truly does begin at 40 – a snapshot into his life as a 40-something, father of four kids, husband, comedian and actor with cultural and political issues thrown in. “In many ways, I feel like I’m still crawling and I’m looking back at my journey from being an aspirational doctor, coming from a relatively conservative Muslim background, where both my parents were doctors, and how I actually journeyed to becoming a stand-up comedian,” said Moosa. As an award-winning comedian, actor, writer and presenter, Moosa is one of South Africa’s most…

RECIPES Get cosy! Audette Vengetas shares some warm comfort desserts for those nippy winter nights, and a few other sweet treats. Follow her on her blog: www.allyandbug.co.zaand Instagram: @ally_and_bug Sticky Pudding 1 cup all-purpose flour 100ml white sugar ½ cup milk 1 egg 2 tbs butter 1 tbs apricot jam 1 tbs white vinegar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp vanilla essence SYRUP 1 cup sugar ½ cup hot water ½ cup milk 1 tbs butter 1 tsp vanilla essence Grease a muffin pan and set aside. Beat the sugar and butter together until it is pale. Add the egg. Mix well. Add the apricot jam. Sift in flour and salt to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined. In a bowl, mix bicarbonate of soda in milk. Add…

Pandemic shows we need to change how we work DAVID SPENCER Pexels. com THE coronavirus pandemic has exposed the deep-seated problems of how and why we all work. It has shown how many of us perform jobs that are not essential. Lists of “key workers”, from cleaners to nurses and delivery drivers, shows society can get by without corporate lawyers, lobbyists and telemarketers. But the crisis has also revealed the pressing need most of us face to work. We might not carry out work that is necessary, but we still need to work in order to live. Work remains an obligation in society and something the majority of us have to do, whether the work we do is vital or not. The question for the present is whether people can…

Beaten and abused by gym coaches LIZZIE DEAN A GOLD medal-winning star is among dozens of leading British gymnasts who claim they suffered horrific bullying and physical abuse at the hands of coaches. The elite competitors have spoken of being “beaten and starved” and paint a picture of a sport riddled with a toxic culture of bullying in accusations against governing body British Gymnastics. Lisa Mason, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1998, alleged she endured shocking abuse tantamount to torture as a girl of just 10 years old. “I was put on the bars until my hands ripped and bled. My hands would then be pulled down and surgical spirit would be poured all over them,” she told ITV News. “I would also have AstroTurf put under…

SLEDGING DITCHED ENGLAND’S Test series against the West Indies may be “sledge free” after players were warned that anything they say in the middle is likely to be picked up by microphones. Under stand-in captain Ben Stokes, England begin their three-match series against the tourists at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl today. No spectators will be present and any sledging is likely to be relayed to the television audience. The International Cricket Council will be among those monitoring events and anyone who steps out of line could be fined and banned. Officials from both sides have discreetly made players aware of the situation and told them to watch what they say. Broadcasters Sky are set to use a “Lord’s hum” for background noise, but it’s unlikely to drown out any on-field back…

Loneliness of a Covid-19 death NADIA KHAN KOGIE Naidoo sat alone in her car, grieving, after the death of her husband of 26 years. Everything had happened so fast. During the lockdown, she and her family were spending quality time together at home. Then, one morning, her husband woke up with a cough and when he battled to breathe, had to be taken to hospital. Several days later he messaged her that he had tested positive for Covid-19. It would be their last conversation. Now she was in her car outside the crematorium, watching as her children prepared to say their final goodbyes to their father. She could not hold them. She could not comfort them, because she had tested positive for Covid-19. Her husband, Jayson Perumal Naidoo, 49, an…

Pandemic could push unemployment to 50% To date only 20% of businesses have escaped unscathed CHANELLE LUTCHMAN SINCE the start of the lockdown, 1.5 million South Africans have been left unemployed and the figure is set to rise. That is according to experts who believe the country has not yet seen the true devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Gerhard Papenfus, chief executive of the National Employers Association of South Africa (Neasa), said Neasa) recently conducted a survey and found that 15% of businesses nationally did not open after the lockdown started easing up. “Sixty-five percent introduced changed conditions to their terms of employment, like reduced salaries, and only 20% of businesses escaped unscathed,” said Papenfus. Neasa assists employers and represents them at various bargaining councils and throughout the retrenchment process.…

Lockdown leaves TV, movie industry reeling JANINE MOODLEY THE entertainment industry is said to be among the sectors hardest hit by the national lockdown. Television and film actors as well as production staff who earn a fixed income from this sector have been severely affected. Award-winning film producer Anant Singh said the lockdown affected their administrative offices and all productions, including the drama series Imbewu: The Seed. The series is co-produced by Singh and Leleti Khumalo, and broadcast on e.tv. “Not being able to continue production was a huge challenge, as it affected our schedule and the delivery of episodes to e.tv for broadcast,” said Singh. “This has had a knock-on effect on the entire production schedule, which now needs to be extended. Fortunately, we are now back and viewers…

Growing ties with Indonesia NADIA KHAN DURBAN businessman Ebrahim Patel, who has been appointed the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in South Africa, hopes to strengthen the ties between the countries. The founder and former president of the Minara Chamber of Commerce said the appointment was conferred by Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia, last November. In March this year, it was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and officially announced last month. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be selected by the president and the Embassy of Indonesia to represent Indonesia in South Africa. I am humbled to have been appointed and look forward to the responsibilities the office holds,” said Patel. An honorary consul is designated by a foreign government to look after the affairs of…

Choreographer Khan dies at 71 after cardiac arrest BOLLYWOOD choreographer Saroj Khan died after a cardiac arrest on Friday. She was 71. Khan was diabetic and had complained of breathing problems. She was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital. She tested negative for Covid-19. The last rites were performed at Malad burial ground. Only a few members of her family were allowed at the burial owing to physical distancing. Khan won the National Award three times. In 2003, she received the honour for the song Dola Re Dola in Devdas, featuring Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan. In 2006, she was a recipient of the award for all the songs she choreographed in the Tamil film Sringaram. In 2008, she won the award for the song Yeh Ishq Haaye filmed with…

Refugees promised visas UNION Home Minister Amit Shah has assured Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in New Delhi that they would be provided with long-term visas as well as enabled to settle in India. The minister said the grant of citizenship would be expedited as per the provisions of the law and all Hindu refugees would be accepted as the country’s citizens. He said the head of the family would get a certificate and it would be valid for the rest of the family. Hundreds of Pakistani Hindus fled the neighbouring country after facing religious persecution. They went to India on tourist, pilgrim or visitor visas and want to settle in the country. These families did not return to Pakistan as they felt unsafe there. As many as 750 Hindus are…

Covid-19 appeal to communities THANDEKA MGQIBI THE South African Muslim Network and the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa have advised communities to be cautious as the Covid-19 infection and death rates are rising. In a joint statement, they said the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal had widespread community-based transmission of the virus, adding that communities needed to take responsibility by working hard to reduce the spread and protect those most vulnerable. “We should operate on the basis that we are still in lockdown level 5, and we urge the government to consider stricter measures to reduce the spread in areas worst affected,” read the statement. “We are far from the peak, and the proportion of infections and deaths in the Muslim community is disappropriately higher than expected.”…

Hospice pleads for public assistance Verulam facility in ‘financial crisis’ THANDEKA MGQIBI THE Verulam Hospice is appealing to the public and to businesses to assist it in continuing to provide palliative care to cancer patients. This comes after the service was stopped due to the Covid-19 lockdown in March. Professor Chandru Kistan, the chairperson of the hospice, said the pandemic forced it to discontinue its home visits, which provided free palliative care health to 88 terminally-ill patients in Verulam, Tongaat and surroundings areas. “We’re in a dire financial crisis,” said Kistan. “As such, the board of management was forced to retrench three staff in May. With no funds forthcoming from our normal sources and the general public, the hospice will be forced to place the other remaining staff on part-time…

During this life-threatening crisis, faith asks you to pray at home THE delighted shouts of jodhi, thunee, double or khanuck under the mango tree or the carport will be absent at hundreds of homes over the next few Sundays. The enthusiastic calls for points during the fun and trick-taking card game of Thunee, which become louder as the empty whisky bottles multiply and the platters of braised chicken giblets and crispy vades get wiped out, have been silenced by Covid-19. The holding of Mariamman prayers is a common tradition at South Indian homes and temples during July and August, especially on Sundays. Irreverently referred to as porridge prayers because of the fermented mealie-meal porridge that is offered to Goddess Mariamman for her protection against calamities, this year the popular religious…

Loyalty to Reds misplaced IT ALWAYS makes me chuckle when football fans claim certain foreign clubs as their own. With Liverpool FC officially being crowned English champions, certain fans are acting as if they were born and live in the city and have relatives there or some other pertinent connection. Sadly, you have virtually no connection whatsoever, except for maybe an admiration of some sort. You were taught to like or support the team by your dad as he was by his dad. Or you were perhaps influenced by school friends and it simply stuck. Most people began supporting certain clubs merely because of the club’s success at the time. The reason I touch on the topic and why it irks me is that many show more love and affection…

Take a leaf from Ganasen’s book IT MAY be a bit late but a commendable article on Lendl Ganasen “The senior metro police constable who kept his eye on the prize” (the POST, June 10 – 14). You have spent years studying and burning the midnight oil to provide a service to the people of South Africa with pride and honour. Your dreams are today a reality and we salute and congratulate you for your achievements. Young men and women should take a leaf from Ganasen’s book and pursue their studies for a brighter and better future. We must also salute this young man for boosting people’s confidence in policing. Leadership qualities are rare in the marketplace and it’s people like Ganasen who go out and make the difference for…

Five ways Jürgen Klopp’s leadership style helped Liverpool to the top IT IS 30 YEARS since Liverpool FC were last crowned champions of English football. In those three frustrating decades, there have been highs as well as lows, including last year being tantalisingly close to topping the table. But their time (slightly delayed by a pandemic) has finally come. Under Jürgen Klopp, their charismatic German manager, Liverpool have won the Premier League. How have Liverpool’s fortunes been transformed? Here are five leadership tools that explain how Klopp inspired his team to become champions again. 1. Create a clear vision and identity When Klopp first arrived at Liverpool in October 2015, he outlined a positive and exciting blueprint identity to inspire players and fans when Liverpool were not performing well. “I…

Get your streaming mojo on RAZEEN GUTTA IMdB.com AS ANOTHER week of scrolling through OTT (streaming) platforms in search of the perfect film begins, we have some recommendations to make things a little easier. Netflix is the venue, so it is time to make some popcorn and get comfortable! Bulbbul Take a trip to a dark night in 1800 Bengal. Produced by Anushka Sharma, Bulbbul is a feminist fable of love, magic and darkness. After releasing on Netflix recently, I knew it was a film I had to see. It features the pairs from Imtiaz Ali’s Laila Majnu, Tripti Dimri and Avinash Tiwari. The latter is in fine form with his classical look, while Dimri’s performance is arguably one of the best I’ve seen this year. She is the embodiment…

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE FORMGUIDES RACE 1 PREVIEW: GOLLY MISS MOLLY (11) found good market support in her Durbanville debut. She was disappointing but should be able to do better here. EYE CATCHING (10) improved nicely at her second start and looks ready to produce her best. CELTIC VISION (8) made a promising debut in a useful field and is sure to come on from that effort. Keep an eye on the first timers. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-8-3). RACE 2 PREVIEW: BURNING WINGS (1) found some market support on debut and finished a close-up second. He can go one better here. CELESTIAL LOVE (3) takes on males. She was a distant second on debut behind runaway winner Winter Smoke and she should come on from that effort. GLORY AND SUNSHINE (2) found good…

Hamilton suggests racism an issue in F1 FORMULA 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, pictured, has claimed some top drivers “don’t fully understand” racism as six refused to take the knee before the weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix. All 20 drivers gathered on the starting grid – but only 14 knelt in the anti-racism gesture common during the Black Lives Matter protests. Six drivers – including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen – refused to take a knee, feeling Hamilton was applying undue pressure on them to prove their anti-racism credentials. He had controversially claimed that “silence is complicity”. Hamilton is prepared to “take a knee” again on Sunday, at the next GP at the same venue. However, he will not force any of his fellow…

VEDAN’S EPL VIEW Reds’ win ups stakes for next season ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za THE Premier League title race may have been one-sided this season but that will not be the case next term. Manchester United and Chelsea are playing exciting football and could build title-challenging sides during the off-season. Chelsea will bolster their side with the additions of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Frank Lampard’s young side, which has exceeded expectations this season, will likely be even better next season. United are a different outfit since the January acquisition of Bruno Fernandes and completed their fourth consecutive league match win by thumping Bournemouth 5-2. The irony is that the Red Devils’ defence carried them during the first half of the season but the attack has started to carry the side…

Tributes for community stalwart CHANELLE LUTCHMAN Supplied THE leader of the Hindu Unity Movement, Jayraj Bachu, has been described as a selfless community leader by his family and friends. Bachu, 75, died in hospital on Friday, six days after he tested positive for Covid-19. His funeral took place on Saturday at the Clare Estate Crematorium. His wife, Renuka, who also tested positive, could not attend the funeral. The coffin was sealed while the last rites were performed. Bachu’s daughter, Reshma Harrinarain, said: “My dad was one in a million. He was our pillar of strength. Our lifeline. We are taking his passing one day at a time.” Harrinarain said she and her three siblings were being strong for their mom, who was asymptomatic. “We have all tested negative. At the…

Positive cases spike as peak infection looms NADIA KHAN FAMILY practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal have noted a demand for Covid-19 testing and a spike in positive cases since June. During a media briefing on Sunday, Sihle Zikalala, the KZN premier, said the province had registered more than 7 780 confirmed Covid-19 cases and more than 110 deaths by June 28. But those numbers had grown to more than 13 980 positive cases and more than 180 deaths by July 5. “This represents the biggest jump to date, which once again bears testimony to the fact that we are well and truly on our way towards reaching our peak of Covid-19 in the province and indeed in the country,” said Zikalala. Speaking on the hot spots in the province, he said the…

The man in the golden mask A PUNE businessman and connoisseur of yellow metal got himself a “gold mask” in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic raging across Maharashtra. The man with the golden mask is Shankar Kurade of adjoining Pimpri-Chinchwad town, who got the mask made for a cost of around Rs 2.90 lakh (about R68 000). As pictures of him went viral on social media, he admitted that though it had minute holes to breathe and was comfortable to wear, he was unsure if it provided any safety against the coronavirus. The mask is made of thin gold leaf along with golden threads to tie it and the cost is roughly equivalent to that of more than 175 000 ordinary disposable masks or more than 700 items of…

India braces for major locust attacks THE UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned India of major locust attacks in the coming days. After the announcement, the government intensified its efforts to tackle the menace. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said on Sunday that a new dimension had been added to fighting the locusts by using helicopters for the first time in control operations. According to information, helicopters were used on Saturday to spray chemicals in the 65 RD Banda area of Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The FAO, in its July 3 report, stated that breeding in the India-Pakistan border areas had already begun. This will create large number of locusts this month and will emerge as a major threat by mid-August. According to the FAO,…

India’s big celebration goes virtual THIS year, the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15 may not be as grand as in previous years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing. This means the gathering will be limited and the emphasis will be a virtual transmission of the event. “The gathering might be limited to one-third or even less this year. This means the security agencies would strictly adhere to social distancing norms,” said an official at the Red Fort. The Delhi police would secure the outer layer of the security ring as the protection of the Red Fort has been taken over by the Defence Ministry and the prime minister’s security. The seating arrangements for the dignitaries would be according to the social…

Mourners urged to follow rules JANINE MOODLEY A HINDU priest from Merebank has appealed to families attending the funerals of Covid-19 victims to adhere to proper health and safety regulations. He said he had to highlight funeral etiquette after a devotee at his temple died from the coronavirus. The funeral was held on Friday. The priest, who declined to be named, said the grief-stricken family tried to touch the body. He said the body was placed in three sealed body bags and a coffin and the dead person’s face was visible through plastic. According to the regulations, families can only view the body one at a time at a hospital or a mortuary. “I understand the family is grieving and cannot come to terms with their loss, but they simply…

EDITOR’S VIEW Should we worry about Mogoeng’s faith? JACOB Zuma is a devout Christian and has never been shy of making this known. In 2003, while answering questions in the National Council of Provinces, Zuma said: “I arrived from Jordan this morning just after 5 o’clock… I must say I took advantage of being in Jordan to go to the River Jordan where Jesus was baptised – I was around there. Jericho and Jerusalem were just across the Dead Sea. So, if I look at anyone, he or she will be blessed.” A year later came a line that became more popular: “The ANC will rule South Africa until Jesus comes back.” Some comments got Zuma into serious trouble. “Same-sex marriage is a disgrace to the nation and to God,”…

People have the right to cancel a contract SOUTH Africa has been on lockdown since March. Some stages of the lock-down regulations required citizens to stay within their residences, to only leave their homes to obtain essential services and to refrain from most forms of work. With our country now under level 3 of the lockdown, most economic sectors and types of work are either reopened or will gradually be phased in. The economic effects of the lock-down have been hard-hitting. Many people have had to take salary cuts and some have lost their jobs. The economic climate, which has and continues to ensue from Covid-19, has made paying rent and buying essentials and food difficult. People are unable to meet their usual monthly payment commitments and have to restructure…

Liverpool win lifts the gloom THE long wait is over. At last Liverpool are champions. Fans all around the world celebrated. In Liverpool, fans were so overjoyed that they forgot about the social distancing rules and gathered in their hundreds at Anfield, celebrating late into the night. They waited 30 long years for this moment, made all the sweeter amid the frustration of the coronavirus lockdown. But some fans became too unruly, spoiling the occasion by setting off flares and firecrackers. Though Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was expecting it, he was overwhelmed when the victorious moment arrived and broke down in tears. With still seven games to go, Liverpool were runaway leaders. Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea guaranteed that no other team in the English Premier League could now…

Answer to bigotry is education CONGRATULATIONS to Yogin Devan on a well-written and thoughtful article, “World needs unity, not this religious bigotry” (the POST, June 24 – 28). It seems that some people are so insecure in their faiths that they find it necessary to denigrate other faiths and their followers to make them feel good about themselves. I’m not sure who I pity more: the fanatical religious leaders who take advantage of the desperately poor and ignorant, or the people who unthinkingly follow them. These self-styled intermediaries to God exploit the fears of their followers, in the process funding their own (often lavish) lifestyles or feeding their bloated egos. We need an education in the broadest sense of the word to focus on a critical approach to everything that…

‘I released it against the odds’ Jerusha drops new single during lockdown LATOYA NEWMAN Supplied POPULAR R&B singer Jerusha Naidoo has released a new single – in between working as a medical director for a company that is working on a Covid-19 vaccine. More popularly known by her stage name, Jerusha, the SA Music Award-nominated singer has been juggling her medical and music careers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Born and raised in Chatsworth, Jerusha credits her late father, Brian Jayendra Naidoo, also a musician, as her inspiration. “He would teach me how to sing and perform in front of audiences. I did my first concert around the age of 4, performing to a crowd in the Mobeni Heights Theatre. “I sang a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody which was adapted to…

Your Stars Aries (March 21 – April 19) A week of exploration and looking to the horizon for new opportunities. They are right there ready for you to grasp. A new journey is about to happen using the resources from your past success. Lucky number: 32. Mantra guidance: When I am honest with myself I feel the security and support of my soul in my heart. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) This will be a week to relax and release tension. Do more to play and be frivolous. When you relax and play you become creative. These new ideas could be lucrative for you if you follow through on them. Lucky number: 4. Mantra guidance: I express clearly the voice and wisdom of my heart. Gemini (May 21 –…

Seismic effect of coronavirus JOHANN FORTWENGEL Pxhere.com THE realisation that life is going to change for a good while is starting to take hold. To flatten the curve of the Covid-19 outbreak, radical measures of social distancing were rolled out in an increasing number of countries. People were urged – or instructed – to isolate themselves at home. In many countries, schools closed. The same applied to theatres, bars and cinemas. Travel for leisure and business is advised against. Borders shut. Most people presume these measures to combat the virus will be temporary and at some point – in two, six, or perhaps 12 months – life will be back to normal and business as usual. To some extent, this may be true. But many changes could be permanent. Social…

‘I learnt my lesson at Dortmund’ Klopp shrugs off fears sparked by Reds’ shocking loss to Man City ROB DRAPER JURGEN Klopp, pictured, has been here before. In 2011 he won the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, finishing 10 points clear of a crisis-ridden Bayern Munich. It was considered an astonishing achievement given that Dortmund had been on the brink of liquidation in 2004. Yet, when Klopp addressed his Dortmund players that summer as they embarked upon defending their title, there was no rousing team talk or psychological trick designed to motivate them to climb the mountain for a second time. “We didn’t expect to win the league again because there was no chance, because there was a big competitor in Bayern Munich and usually, if you beat them, they strike…

Greenwood next English wonderkid? JAMIE REDKNAPP DAVE THOMPSON EPA He said: “Wait for this kid, Mason Greenwood.” We waited, and now we’re seeing what he can do. Full credit to the boy, too. To be tipped as a special talent is one thing. To go and prove it in the Premier League is another. He refuses to be daunted, and the way he can use both feet is serving him well. Right now, he’s being used on the right by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Personally, I see his future as a No 9. But Greenwood won’t care where he is playing. Thierry Henry is the greatest we’ve seen in the Premier League. He started his career on the left wing, but even when he was the striker at Arsenal, he didn’t…