Table of contents for 2022-11-30 in Post

Kusmara Village, Jalaun District, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, India: February 1910 Jagat Thakur briefly closed his weary eyes and sighed deeply before opening them again. As he gazed at his wife, he released the mournful air that was the only witness to the despair that prowled within his chest. Anjani was his succour in a life of toil. His rapture with her had begun in their youth with the song that escaped her sweet lips as she hung the damp dhotis and saris that flapped gently against her in the mild breeze. At that moment, however, her expression was pained as she softly tapped Dharam, their six-year-old boy. Overwhelming shame made Jagat turn the other way, the charpoy, a woven jute rope bed, creaking as he changed position.…

The Constitutional Court’s ruling that Janusz Walus be granted parole has evoked conflicting emotions in Struggle stalwart Mac Maharaj. Walus shot dead Chris Hani in 1993. At the time Hani, an icon of the liberation Struggle, was the leader of the South African Communist Party. After his arrest, the police searched his home. In the top drawer of a desk, they found a list with nine names on it. They were: Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo, Maharaj, Karen Brynard, Hani, Pik Botha, Richard Goldstone, Ken Owen and Tim du Plessis. The police believed it was a hit list. At the time, Maharaj was involved in the negotiations to end apartheid. After democracy he served in the Cabinet, and later as a special advisor and spokesperson in the Presidency. Now retired, the…

Dhashen Sevenundan, a journalism student from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), won joint first place in a Chinese essay-writing competition in Tshwane recently. Sevenundan, 19, won alongside Ziphezinhle Khonyane, 31, an applied management student. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa awarded the students for submitting outstanding essays. The theme of the competition was Xi Jinping’s Thoughts Through South African University Students’ Eyes. Xi has been the president of the People’s Republic of China since 2013. “The competition was aimed at educating South African students on the political and social governance of China and the significant changes that were made by their current president Mr Jinping,” said Sevenundan, a first-year student, from Phoenix. “I found out about the competition via an email from DUT. So…

ONE of the world’s leading HIV/Aids researchers, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, was recently made president of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). The academy’s main aim is to promote scientific capacity and excellence in developing countries. Abdool Karim is the seventh person to hold the post and the first woman to be elected president. “It is a real honour and privilege to be elected as president of TWAS, and to have the opportunity to build on the strong foundations established over four decades by my predecessors in realising the aspirational vision of the founder, Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, on the use of science to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the developing world,” she said. Abdool Karim is the associate scientific director of the Centre for the Aids…

Hope on the horizon? Two incidents in the last few days highlighted what a depraved society we have become. The first involved Belinda Magor, who, while defending pit bulls, labelled every single black man a rapist and thief. During her rant she also called for black women not to be allowed to have children. Magor was arrested and is likely to stand trial next year. But how is it possible that almost three decades after apartheid ended, we live among people who think the way Magor does? Then, over the weekend, people praying at a church were accosted and robbed of their personal belongings like wallets and cellphones. The robbers, who were armed, entered the church while the pastor was at the podium. They also took the cash offerings that…

Regrettably, we have come to that time of the year when far too many schools become embroiled in the unlawful activity of withholding the academic reports of those learners whose school fees are not paid up. There is an equal responsibility on parents to pay school fees as there is for schools to collect these fees. Schools need fees in order to provide an efficient educational environment. For this very reason, fees must be paid. It is, however, illegal for schools to refuse to release results when the fees are not paid. Principals know this. They receive annual notifications from the Department of Education (DoE) not to do this – and they must not. By the same token, parents also need to step up. Those who owe school fees must…

FOR several months, residents across Phoenix have been subjected to constant water cuts. Low water levels at reservoirs in Phoenix 1 and 2 are known to be the main reason for this challenge. However, having identified the problem one would expect that the ward councillors in Phoenix, all of whom belong to the DA, would be proactive and find solutions to rectify this issue. Instead, what we find is that our elected councillors are busy playing the “blame-game” saying that the ANC has failed us, the residents of Phoenix. Any reasonably minded person would understand that as ratepayers in this community and, as the electorate, we trusted the DA to advocate our plight. Hence the DA won all five wards in Phoenix. Perhaps one should remind our honourable DA councillors…

THE judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal regarding the azaan is a victory for the right to propagate one’s religious duties within reasonable bounds. With the dust of litigation now settled, let us exercise tolerance and moderation with other religious groups. Islam teaches moderation and tolerance in executing its mandate to humanity. We must not let a clash of symbols of worship become a clash of civilisations. Religious tolerance is the highest evidence of culture in a people. It has led and continues to lead to some of the most degrading violations of human rights. These violations aggravate historic mistrust and threaten regional and international security. Recognising the divisive effect of religious intolerance, the United Nations has sought to protect and promote freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief.…

THE trial of Fenton Pillay, one of the accused in the July 2021 unrest, has been adjourned to August next year. In June 2021, the Constitutional Court sentenced former president Jacob Zuma to 15 months’ imprisonment for contempt of court. Soon thereafter, the looting of businesses and burning of trucks started in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, allegedly as a result of his imprisonment. Communities conducted patrols and barricaded their roads to prevent looters from entering their properties. During the unrest, more than 300 people died nationally. Pillay, 35, was charged with murder following the death of Lindani Mthethwa on July 12. It is alleged that Mthethwa, 28, was walking on Ireland Street in Verulam after finishing work at a nearby warehouse. At the time, Pillay was working as a…

THE Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has started a new project in Wentworth aimed at capturing the social history of the community from its inception in the 1950s to the present. At a community engagement on Saturday, Dr Gregory Houston, the project leader, said: “I have lived in Wentworth all my life. “Even when I lived in other provinces, I would always come back home at least once a year. “I have seen how the place has changed. It has been depressing. “There is the increasing realisation that people are blaming their failures and disappointment in life on race. Racist micro-aggression is seen on every level, every day. “If for example someone didn’t get a job, (they say) it’s because of affirmative action. If they go to university, they are…

Durban Gaol, Port Natal, September 1878 The sun tiptoes toward twilight until the dark settles, suffocating the last light of day. The air is damp. It matts my hair to my face. I cannot be bothered to brush it away. The sweat of a labourer fills my nostrils – the stench of my own body. My palms and feet are calloused, this body I inhabit a constellation of scars. I cannot quite tell if it is still my body; whether I have surrendered it, or had it stolen from me. On nights like this, the mosquitoes will not let us sleep. People fear this prison, but I have made peace with its four walls. This is my last home in this life. I can now say, “I am a prisoner.…

SONAM Kapoor Ahuja and her husband Anand Ahuja have named their son Vayu. Kapoor Ahuja explained on Instagram why they chose the name. “In the spirit of the force that has breathed new meaning into our lives … In the spirit of Hanuman and Bheem who embody immense courage and strength … In the spirit of all that is sacred, life-giving and eternally ours, we seek blessings for our son, Vayu Kapoor Ahuja,” she wrote. She added: “In Hindu scriptures Vayu is one of the paanch tatvas. He is the deity of breath, the spiritual father of Hanuman, Bheem and Madhav and he is the incredibly powerful lord of wind. “Praana is Vayu, a guiding force of life and intelligence in the universe. All the deities of Praana, Indra, Shiva…

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has silenced Chandra Giri Ellaurie, the Hindu man who wanted to muzzle the Azaan – the Islamic call to prayer. The court also ordered him to pay some of the legal costs which are likely to amount to hundreds of thousands of rand. In 2020, Ellaurie, who lives 200m from the Madrasah Taleemuddeen Islamic Institute in Isipingo Beach, obtained an interdict from the Durban High Court against the Madrasah broadcasting the Azaan. The Madrasah runs a school for Islamic studies and has about 340 students living in boarding facilities on the property. There is also a mosque and every day, five times a day, prayers are performed. Each prayer is preceded by the Azaan to remind the faithful that it’s…

ADVOCACY groups in South Africa are intensifying their efforts to prevent the country’s Education Department from creating safer environments for children of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Some of the advocacy groups have ties to conservative US Christian groups. Representing conservative organisations, Freedom of Religion South Africa, the Family Policy Institute, the African Christian Democratic Party and Freedom Front Plus are creating controversy about draft guidelines on sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. The guidelines have been made public through consultations with communities that began earlier this year. The groups are zeroing in on two elements of the guidelines to stoke panic. These are the provision of unisex toilets, which would not replace existing single-sex toilets, and the elimination of gender pronouns. Claiming the guidelines are “godless”…

THE Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs recently held a public lecture on World Disorder in Durban. While a trilogy of political predators and conspirators are now dead – Mugabe, Gadaffi and Hussein – a new breed is at the nexus of world disorder. Leading the pack is Russia’s Vladimir Putin, followed by North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and, to a lesser extent, China’s Xi Jinping. I call them the three horsemen of the political apocalypse. They play human chess games to advance their own casus belli (an act or situation that provokes or justifies a war), where every move can have deadly consequences for the world. All three leaders are exalted in their respective countries with almost God-like invincibility through decades of ideological indoctrination. Their ambition is…

The front page headline “Indian languages are dying” (POST, November 23-27) is a reminder of the pain some in the Hindu community have long been going through for many years. There are several reasons for the tragedy we face. They begin with the attitude to the problem in the Indian community itself. Our education system does nothing to assist. To the contrary, it advances the apathy that encourages the lack of interest in our languages. While it is true that English is more practical, it is love for our languages that needs to be enhanced. Little is done in this regard. The words “language”, “religion” and “culture” are often bandied about within the community but little genuine efforts are made to solve the problem. Second to the love that we…

THE front page article “Devotees angry over ‘club’ selling booze next to temple” (POST, November 30-December 4), was a topic religiously and passionately debated on social media. In my opinion, the present situation is that we have a crisis and it must be resolved. The name of the Shri Vaithianatha Easvarar Alayam (Umgeni Road temple), which is one of the oldest and largest temples in the southern hemisphere, is about to be tarnished. Values such as God-consciousness and spirituality with some of these building owners are thrown out of the window in terms of financial gain. Regrettably some people become less tolerant towards people of different religions. Selvan Thavar, the temple chairperson, must be commended for leaving no stone unturned to stop the opening of the nightclub. It saddens me…

THE men accused of killing Cohan Mariemythu were granted bail in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Friday. In November, Mariemythu, 27, from Foresthaven in Phoenix, was stabbed during an altercation. He later died in hospital. Mariemythu, a plumber, was due to leave South Africa on November 17 and start a new life in New Zealand. Shortly after his death on November 8, Phoenix police arrested Olwyn John, 23, a casual worker at a retail company, and Shivek Tathee, 20, who is self-employed. Both accused are from Phoenix. They were charged with murder and intended on pleading not guilty. During the bail application, it emerged that they were the sole supporters of their homes. The court heard that Mariemythu was seated in his vehicle with three other occupants in Phoenix when…

THE family of Devanathan Perumal Pillay is seeking help from the community, security companies and the police to find whoever is responsible for his death. Pillay, 77, a pensioner from Northdale in Pietermaritzburg, was stabbed to death during an alleged house robbery. The incident occurred last Monday. His son, Prenesh Pillay, said his father lived alone and had an arrangement with his neighbour, who received the newspaper daily. “My father would wake up early and pick up the newspaper, read it and then pass it to his neighbour. Last Tuesday, the neighbour noticed that the newspaper had not been picked up from his yard. The neighbour called for my father, but he did not respond. The neighbour became concerned and contacted my sister. My sister sent her fiance to check…

VANDALISM has resulted in the municipal swimming pool in Verulam closing indefinitely. This is according to a statement by councillor Johnston Chetty on Facebook. Chetty said the facility was in an appalling condition. “There was no water or electricity there. There were missing windows, cupboards and doors. Copper pipes and electrical cables were also stolen. There is a gaping hole in the ceiling, to name a few issues.” Chetty said he suspected sabotage. “At the time of this theft and vandalism last week, there was no security at the facility. “Somehow, the company responsible for the security wasn’t there. In that gap, this is what happened.” Chetty said he was not optimistic that the pool would be ready for the festive season. “Things happen very slowly when the municipality is…

Post-Indenture there was a drift to the periphery of towns and cities in search of better economic opportunities. Some indentured made great strides in the economy. Between 1885–1872, the indentured set up 68 stores in the city of Durban (Meer 1980:315). Migrants to the city settled in peripheral areas such as Riverside, Bluff, Cato Manor, Magazine Barracks and Clairwood where they assimilated through social networks and contacts. Many settled in small towns in the colony. The lack of adequate housing, infrastructure, lack of skills for formal employment were sources of poverty and social disorganisation pervading the community. Settling down to family life led to a natural population increase and resulted in a larger household to support financially. The industrial revolution of the 19th century led to the establishment of the…

Aurets is a healer, psychic medium, intuitive mentor, masseuse and regression therapist who also teaches meditation and breath work. She practices in Upper Highway. Contact her at 079 356 4657 or email theeternalbreath@gmail.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) It’s time to find a balanced state. Release wanting and regret to restore a healthier balance, thereby finding greater peace within yourself. A happier disposition returns. Your spiritual life is part of every day. Own your power by honouring yourself. Magic number: 6. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Embrace the changes that are upon you. New opportunities, adventures and abundance flows freely if you accept that nothing is fixed. There is beauty in all things. Choose to see it. Magic number: 8. GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) A valuable…

The Mumbai to Durban Bollywood dance party, by AC Events, will be held on December 17 at the Liberty Arena on North Coast Road. It will feature DJ Reme billed as Mumbai’s Soulshaker and DJ Manick Thor, the Bhangra King. Reme is also a music producer and remixer. He fuses Bollywood melodies with electronic dance elements like electro, progressive, tech house baselines and disco house beats. According to his blog, he was among the first main room DJs from India to use Digital DJ technology from native instrument Traktor Pro, to appeal to clubbers in countries including Germany, Australia, Dubai and Hong Kong with his live remix sets. Tickets are R200 per person and are available through Ticketpro. For more information, call 079 890 9017 or email aceventsbookings@gmail.com…

APSRA Panchoo has been challenging male-dominated spaces since she was a young girl. The 47-year-old won the gold medal at the KwaZulu-Natal Blackball Association Provincial Championships at the weekend. This was her 16th provincial title in the sport. Panchoo recently also competed in the Blackball Pool World Championships in Tangier, Morocco. Her team won gold at the event, making Panchoo the only South African woman to have been in every world champions gold medal-winning South African team – 2008, 2010, 2016 and 2022. Panchoo is a business manager in the chemical engineering field by profession. She has a chemical engineering degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She said she had always challenged the status quo. “I have been challenging men and boys from a young age. My interests have always…

dr sHEETAL bHOOLA SOUTH African higher educational institutions were founded during the pre-apartheid and apartheid eras. The majority of our 26 state universities were established during the colonial period. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, clearly articulated in his address at the University of Zululand’s inaugural conference on African Thought that the era when these institutions were established mostly determined curricula, teaching pedagogies and knowledge production. During this time, there was no room for developing indigenous African knowledge, and the colonial and apartheid education model presided. Indigenous African knowledge systems are inclusive of our worldview and cultural influences. It allows us to comprehend, analyse and interpret knowledge, life and circumstances with an African lens. It's about being able to locally contextualise and reflect on global perspectives and challenges with…

ANGIE Motshekga should not be running the Department of Basic Education. Instead of focusing on improving the quality of our children’s education, she wants to modernise and revolutionise school life by introducing unisex toilets in schools. What about pit latrines in rural schools? Should she not prioritise this before embarking on some scheme that shakes our education foundations? We have already had the disastrous outcome-based education, which rocked our schools, leaving a generation of children illiterate and innumerate. Then, the Education Department introduced condoms in schools in a bid to curb teenage pregnancy. But handing out condoms to school children had the opposite effect. It liberated them and encouraged them to make babies instead of focusing on their studies. Teenage pregnancy shot up. In reply to a question in Parliament,…

THE abolition of slavery from 1833 gave rise to a labour crisis in the British colonies – as this free service came to an abrupt end. Sugar at this time dictated a large share of the world economy. The termination of slavery gave rise to an incarnation of slavery called the indenture system. This was the world’s second-largest organised movement of people. Since September 9, 1834, planters in Mauritius were relatively successful in importing contract labourers from India, and their model soon spread to the labour-hungry British colonies, including the then Natal. When the flames of the Indian mutiny were suppressed in 1858, India became a jewel in the crown of Queen Victoria, and control of India now passed from the English East India Company to the British Imperial Government.…

THE April 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal wreaked havoc and death in numerous families, and many lost their homes as flood water destroyed everything in its wake. But there are good stories to tell even out of the woes of tragedy. The informal residents of Reservoir Hills, many of whom lived on the flood plains of a river, were affected, having had their houses washed away and their belongings destroyed. The goodwill of a church community in Reservoir Hills led to housing of these victims on the understanding that they would have to vacate the premises by July 2022, which they did. Disaster Management (KZN) then identified the Duffs Road Community Hall to relocate these victims as of August 2022, until suitable accommodation could be found. About 70 of these victims,…

THE rock and surf fishing has been interesting ... The fish have been around, but the fishing has been tough. Put the time in and you will reap the rewards. The North Coast has seen the bulk of the early summer flatfish and sharks. There have been some decent blackfin and sandies hooked already with the fish leading the scoreboard. Bigger, meaty baits have been the trick to get the bite. Remember that the shad season is still closed so please do not disturb them. The central coast has seen a patchy catch report. There have been some spots like Glen Ashley and Blue Lagoon that have seen consistent results over the past week. Then, the rest of the central coast has been very quiet with not much to mention.…