Table of contents for 2023-12-20 in Post

There were three major comebacks in Bollywood in 2023. Perhaps the most important was the return of audiences to cinemas in large enough numbers to justify producers investing in movies again. The second was the return of Shah Rukh Khan, who started off the year with Pathaan, continued it with Jawan and is set to end it with Dunki. The final comeback was that of the pure escapism that most audiences expect in spectacular ways, with the technology for special effects that artificial intelligence has brought into the industry. But linked to this last point is the concern over the ever-increasing violence, blood and gore as the heroes of the YRF Spy Universe and others set about killing scores of people with heavy artillery on both sides and always emerging…

Actor Arjun Kapoor has opened up about his box-office failures, and shared how the box office could not be controlled, but he could control his effort and sincerity. Marking his acting debut with Ishaqzaade, Kapoor has delivered hits like 2 States, Gunday and Ki & Ka. However, his recent movie The Lady Killer, starring Bhumi Pednekar, reportedly made only a fraction at the box office of what it cost to make. On the chat show Koffee With Karan, Kapoor and host Karan Johar discussed box-office failure and how they navigated their way through it. Johar said: “We all have public perceptions. We all have Instagram that shows a part of our personality that may or may not be accurate at times, but we are also combating box-office pressures, industry dynamics.…

sponge cake: 250g butter 2 cups castor sugar 4 eggs 3 tsp vanilla essence 2 tsp cream of tartar 3 cups flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 cup milk Cream the butter and castor sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs together with the vanilla essence in a separate bowl. Then add to the creamed mixture. Add the sifted dry ingredients and milk, and fold in until combined. Pour the mixture into a greased tray and bake for 30 minutes on 180ºC. Chocolate syrup: 2 cups boiling water 125g butter 6 tbs cocoa powder 2 cups icing sugar Mix the above ingredients together and boil for about five minutes. Once the cake has cooled, cut into squares, dip into the chocolate syrup and then dip into…

125g butter ¾ cup castor sugar 2 eggs 1½ tsp vanilla essence 1 tsp cream of tartar 1½ cups flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ cup milk Cream the butter and castor sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs together with the vanilla essence in a separate bowl, then add it to the creamed mixture. Add the sifted dry ingredients and milk. Fold them in until combined. Pour the mixture into a greased tray and bake for 30 minutes at 180ºC. This mixture fits in a 20cm round cake tin. Once cooled, slice the cake in half, spread strawberry jam and whipped fresh cream or butter cream icing. butter cream icing: Combine 60g of butter, 3 tbs icing sugar and a drop of vanilla essence. Once sandwiched…

1kg chicken fillets, cut into cubes ½ cup oil 1 large onion, sliced 3 aniseed 3 alcha (black elachi) 2 sticks cinnamon 2 tsp crushed ginger and garlic 3 green chillies 1 stem curry leaves 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp dhania/jeera powder 2 tbs Kashmiri masala 2½ tbs Kashmiri chilli powder 8-9 grated tomatoes salt to taste Heat the oil. Add the onions and the whole spices, and allow to fry until the onions are light brown. Add the ginger, garlic, chillies and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds, then add all the powders and masalas. Allow the masalas to roast for a few seconds. Add the chicken and stir well. Cook for about 10 minutes. As the chicken cooks, add about 1 to…

IT’S common knowledge that a slow metabolism can make losing weight more difficult. Not everybody has a rapid metabolism. Your metabolism can be increased if weight loss is your objective. Some beverages that will speed up metabolism: Green tea: Drinking green tea can help you lose weight. It contains catechins, an antioxidant with a reputation for enhancing metabolism. Sip on a cup or two each day. Fennel tea: Fennel seeds, also known as saunf, are excellent for digestion and boosting metabolism. Because it not only gives your tongue a mint flavour but also helps with digestion, it is often served as a mouth refresher. To make fennel tea, boil two cups of water and pour it into a pan. Add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, bring it to a…

1 sheet ready-made puff pastry ¼ cup melted butter +/- 3 tbs brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon powder ½ tsp mixed spice Brush the defrosted puff pastry with the melted butter. Sprinkle over a mix of the remaining ingredients. Roll the pastry tightly lengthwise like a Swiss roll. Pinch the edges to seal. Slice into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece into a hole in a greased muffin pan. Brush with melted butter and bake at 190ºC for +/- 20 minutes until golden brown on the top and under. While still warm, drench with icing, and sprinkle over with pecan nuts. Icing: 4 tbs milk 1 tsp butter +/- 1 cup icing sugar 1 tbs lemon juice Warm the first two ingredients in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mix…

enough Tennis Biscuits for 1 layer 1 box Ultramel Custard 1 can peaches 500g fresh strawberries (sliced to your liking) 1 pack greengage jelly 1 pack strawberry jelly 250ml fresh cream ¼ cup icing sugar ¼ tsp strawberry essence Flake to decorate Cover the base of the trifle dish with strawberry lamingtons (recipe is bottom right). Top the entire cake layer with a generous layer of Ultramel custard. Place peaches evenly over the custard layer. Place slices of whole strawberries around the sides of the trifle dish and on the peaches. Place a layer of Tennis Biscuits over. Cover with more custard. Top the custard with both jellies (prepared according to package instructions and smashed into pieces). Place in the fridge covered for a minimum of 6 hours. Cover…

INDIAN communities in KwaZulu-Natal are being targeted by criminals who are kidnapping businessmen and ordinary citizens, and holding them for ransom, starting from R5 000. Several cases of Indian foreign national businessmen being targeted by syndicates demanding protection fees in exchange for their safety have also been reported in recent months. Prem Balram, owner of Reaction Unit South Africa, said in the last three months, more than 20 cases of kidnapping – several involving Indian victims – had been reported in the province. “Initially, local and foreign businessmen were being targeted. But we are now seeing a trend where ordinary people are also being kidnapped and held for ransom,” said Balram. “We find criminals are hijacking their victims and holding them hostage for days. They use the victim’s banking apps…

A 16-YEAR-OLD oThongathi (Tongaat) boy attempted to end his life last week, after his school report said he had failed. The incident has thrust the issue of depression and anxiety over the festive season, into the spotlight. According to Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), the teen’s friend discovered him trying to hang himself. Rusa spokesperson, Prem Balram, said the teen, who apparently lived with his grandmother at her flat until she died in September, continued staying there alone so he could go to school. He went to his parents on weekends. “His friend informed our officers that he received his year-end report, which confirmed he had failed. Officers then made contact with the boy’s uncle, who arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that he would arrange for the necessary counselling for…

“PASTORS need code of conduct” (the POST, December 13-17), refers. This is the way to go. This outrage has made headlines in the media for the wrong reasons and has flared public discourse. Fear and frustration perpetuated my response. Fear as leaders do not realise the impact of their derogatory statements on society, as more division will prevail rather than unity. Frustration because we are led to believe humans are inherently good, but it evidently does not seem so. While most Hindu organisations were asleep, it was encouraging to see the swift and firm stance of Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, on the matter. Trikamjee denounced Pastor Pakreesamy’s (aka Bob Perumal) utterances and laid an official complaint with the chief executive officers of the…

AS CHRISTMAS draws near, our hearts overflow with joy and excitement as we prepare to celebrate the miracle of Jesus Christ’s birth. This is a time of hope and new beginnings, a time of joy and togetherness, and, most importantly, a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. As we celebrate this festive season, we must remember the struggles and challenges that many South Africans face every day. Racism, poverty, crime and intolerance continue to be major challenges that divide and hurt us as a society. In times like these, we must look beyond our differences and embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ, who reminds us that we are all equal in the eyes of God. Regardless of our background, social status or skin colour, we are all…

MY DEAR dear friend, Frank Goveas, a Mumbai-based pioneer of the travel trade between South Africa and India, was a good Christian. Despite his unwavering faith in Christ, he also embraced religious universalism. For him, all religions held elements of truth; different paths could lead to the same destination; and there had to be tolerance, understanding, and respect for diverse religious beliefs and practices. Despite the absence of diplomatic ties between India and South Africa during the dark days of apartheid, Goveas’ firm, Trimurti Holidays, became a household name for local Indians wishing to tour India during four decades. Although Trimurti Holidays closed after Goveas passed away in December 2016, there was a time when it was the travel agency of choice in India for many leading local travel agents.…

A DAY before his 18th birthday, matric pupil Thaveshan Tristan Govender was killed after being hit by a car while crossing Himalayas Road in Merebank. His uncle, Pat Pather, said Thaveshan was walking to a garage in the Navy area to use an ATM on December 8. “He was due to leave for Johannesburg on December 12 to visit his maternal grandmother and needed to withdraw money. A witness told us that while on Himalayas Road he went through the first pedestrian crossing and stopped on the island. As he began to cross at the second pedestrian crossing, he was hit by a BMW allegedly travelling at high speed.” Pather said Thaveshan sustained serious head injuries, his left leg was broken and left arm was injured. “Residents from the area…

A TIKTOK video of a young couple having sex in public at the Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga, has sparked concern about moral degeneration in society and the impact of social media. It appears that the young couple were unaware of being filmed by someone in a nearby office block. The video was shared on TikTok and Facebook, and some social media users created memes poking fun at the couple. Emma Sadleir, a leading expert on social media law, warned creators and sharers of such content that they could face a R300 000 fine and/or four years in prison. She said sharing a private sexual image or video of a person without their prior consent was a criminal offence under the Film and Publications Amendment Act. “It is a very…

ON MONDAY, radio in South Africa turned 100. It certainly is cause for much celebration. The first broadcast, on December 18, 1923, was heard in Johannesburg. Stations were established in Cape Town and Durban the following year. Nobody, during the humble times for radio, ever imagined the power and beauty it would command over the next century. It was dubbed the “wireless”, and the government of the day, through various agencies, took charge of all three stations. After a few years, entrepreneur IW Schlesinger purchased them and ran the services into the 1930s until his application for renewal was refused. The Broadcasting Act, which gave rise to the SABC, came into being in 1936. The initial language of broadcast was English (several programmes were imported from overseas) and by virtue…

NOBODY can better understand what a home needs to function than a housewife or stay-at-home mom. But it’s important that they balance what is needed with the money available. Decades ago, there was generally one earner – the man of the house. His salary was what the home survived on. These days wives or even children who choose to live with their parents may also be working. It’s important that a discussion is had to determine how much those earning a salary are willing to contribute to household expenses. It’s only fair that those who consume also contribute. The golden rule when it comes to budgeting is that you should never spend more than you earn. At best you should be able to save some money every month and at…

SEASON’S greetings and best wishes to all for the festive season. Happy holidays to those on vacation. May you all enjoy happiness, peace, safety, good health and some rest during this time. Share love, joy and compassion, as and when you can, and assist especially the needy, destitute and less fortunate. Let us practise Ubuntu this time. In all of your fun and merriment, be mindful of those who will not be celebrating due to various circumstances, such as the death of loved ones, ill health, financial constraints and work commitments. People are urged to spend wisely, avoid debt and non-essentials. Seek advice from those in the know and undertake due diligence prior to finalising issues, especially where money is involved. It is vital to be vigilant and not let…

MUMBAI Indians (MI) took South African pacer Gerald Coetzee for Rs 5 crores (about R11.119 million) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction in Dubai yesterday. Coetzee had a base price of Rs 2 crore (R4.449m). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) placed the opening bid for the South African, later MI came into the fight. Then Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) joined the bidding war after CSK moved back. In the end, the Mumbai-based found success and included Coetzee in their squad. The 23-year-old is yet to make his debut in the T20 tournament. However, he had a stellar ODI World Cup 2023 journey with the Proteas. Coetzee played four T20I matches where he scalped six wickets. He played his last 20-over match against India in 2023. On the other hand,…

KNOWN for her work in Malayalam cinema, actress Parvathy Thiruvothu, who was recently seen in the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer Kadak Singh, recently spoke about acting in various languages and regions, and added that she adored the change. The thriller drama Kadak Singh is directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and stars Pankaj, Jaya Ahsan, Sanjana Sanghi and Thiruvothu. She plays the role of Ms Kannan in the movie who helps Pankaj Tripathi’s character Arun solve his case. The actress is also known for her work in Tamil, Kannada, English and Hindi films. “The balance of acting across various languages and regions is not at all difficult for me. It’s probably one of the top five most exciting reasons I love my job. Embracing different languages is something I adore. I enjoy learning…

FOR a gravy that pairs perfectly with the leg of lamb, turkey or roast chicken, follow these steps: Option 1: Easy gravy from roast drippings Keep the remaining liquid from the roast in a pot. This liquid contains all the flavourful elements such as garlic, onions, rosemary and carrots. Quick blend: Liquidise the mix and bring it to a boil. Serve as is, enhancing it with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Flavourful simmer: Transfer the liquid to a pot, bring it to a simmer, and add a cup of vegetable stock. Introduce a thickening agent: choose from 2 teaspoons of gravy powder, corn-starch, or a teaspoon of flour. Season with fresh parsley and serve. Finishing touch: Strain the gravy for a smoother texture, and arrange the excess veggies around…

350g butter 1 tin condensed milk 400ml water 3 cups cake flour 1½ tsp baking powder 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp almond essence 1 tsp vanilla essence 2½ cups Safari cake fruit mix ¼ cup citrus peel 125g glaced cherries 1 cup chopped pecan nuts Combine the water, condensed milk and butter in a pot and heat for a few minutes until the butter melts. Allow to cool. Pour the vanilla and almond essence into the cooled mixture. Sift the dry ingredients and add together with the remaining ingredients to the milk mixture. Gently fold in. Bake at 160ºC for one hour or until golden brown. Glaze with apricot jam and decorate as desired.…

1 slab Madeira cake Ultramel custard small tin of canned peach slices or fruit cocktail 1 tin Nestlé dessert cream Cadbury’s Flake chopped pecan nuts Slice the Madeira cake in a large casserole and assemble flat. Drain the syrup from the canned fruit and pour over the Madeira cake to soak. Pour half the box of custard and spread over the Madeira cake. Place the canned fruit over the custard. Leave in the fridge for an hour, remove and pour over the dessert cream. Sprinkle the Flake and pecan nuts over, and decorate with berries if desired. Leave to set in the fridge for a least four hours before serving.…

2.5kg extra-large crab ½ cup oil 1 tsp roasted jeera seeds 1 tsp crushed methi seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds 2 large onions, sliced 2 tsp crushed ginger/garlic 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely 1 stem curry leaves 4 green chillies 1 tsp turmeric powder 3 tbs Kashmiri hot masala 3 tbs Kashmiri chilli powder 3 ripe tomatoes, blanched and grated 1 tin tomato purée salt to taste coriander Heat the oil. Add the jeera, methi and mustard seeds, and sliced onions. Fry until the onions are translucent. Add the ginger/garlic, finely-chopped garlic, green chillies and curry leaves. Add the crab pieces and cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Add the turmeric powder, masala, chilli powder and salt. Allow to cook for a further 10 minutes. Add the grated tomatoes…

SOUTH Africa’s long summer holiday brings welcome relief after the hard-working, high-pressure year as well as well-deserved opportunities to fully enjoy festive traditions and indulgences. You want to make the most of the special times but also find the balance with healthy lifestyle goals and habits. Three dieticians, registered with the Association for Dietetics in South Africa, shared how they are going to approach personal and family well-being. l Dietician Kelly Scholtz: “I have a handful of anchor habits that I keep track of, to ensure I am staying focused on wellness and that keep me feeling in control of my health when I’m busy. For example, I aim to drink two litres of water or herbal tea and to consume 500g of vegetables and fruit every day. “I aim…

NEW DELHI: As social animals, we are exposed to stimuli, negative and positive, every day. How we deal with them, while holding our heads high as dignified human beings, shapes our identity and interpersonal relationships. Our scriptures teach us to denounce anger as the primary obstacle to man’s spiritual growth. A well-behaved man is generous, compassionate and kind. However, we must ponder: is it always wrong to experience anger? Anger often functions to uphold and preserve our dignity. In today’s high-paced world, virtues like patience and empathy are rapidly diminishing, with an outburst of frustration, aggression, and power imbalance in society. Aggression is not anger, but merely a physical manifestation of the emotion. The wisdom of our classical texts teaches us that anger for the sake of upholding morality and…

Malva Pudding: 80ml softened butter 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 3 tbs apricot jam 1 tbs vinegar 2 cups self-raising flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 can Nestlé Ideal Milk In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and airy. Beat in the eggs thoroughly, one at a time. Add the apricot jam and vinegar. Mix well. Add the sifted flour and bicarb to the wet mix, alternating with the Nestlé Ideal Milk. Fold together until just combined. Don’t over mix. Pour the batter into a greased, medium-sized square oven-proof dish and bake for +/- 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 180ºC, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Serve with a salted caramel sauce . Salted Caramel…

1 medium-size sponge cake (or Swiss roll) 1 packet red jelly (strawberry, raspberry or cherry) 1 packet green jelly (cream soda or greengage) a litre of medium-consistency custard (not pouring) 1 large tin fruit cocktail pieces (drain the syrup) pecan nuts chocolate grated or chopped strawberries fresh cream, beat until firm Use a trifle bowl or any other glass serving dish. Layer pieces of the cake, which you have dipped in the syrup from the fruit cocktail. Add a layer of jelly, custard, fruit, nuts and chocolate. Repeat this until you have used up all the ingredients. Pipe the cream over and garnish with the chocolate, strawberry and nuts. Let it set for a few hours in the fridge. This helps it stay intact when it is being dished out.…

500g fruitcake mix ¾ cup whole glacé cherries ½ cup walnuts ½ cup pecan nuts 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup brandy 250g butter Step 1: Combine the above ingredients in a heavy-based pan and bring to a gentle boil for about 15 minutes. Cool completely. Dry ingredients: 1 tsp bicarb 1 tsp baking powder 2 cups cake flour 5 eggs 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp mixed spice Step 2: Add the dry ingredients to the cooled fruit mixture. Mix well and pour into a prepared 25cm tin. Cover with foil and bake at 150ºC for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Brush the warm cake with apricot jam diluted in brandy.…

ON December 29, three veteran employees will bid farewell to their employer, the SA Police Service (SAPS), after a cumulative 114 years of duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Usha Pillay, Captain Rajini Kistnasamy and Jane Govender are looking forward to retirement – spending time with their families, travelling and living stress-free lives. They served 37, 36 and 41 years respectively. Their colleagues at the Mountain Rise police station in Pietermaritzburg held a joint farewell for them at the Eddels Sports Club recently. “I joined the police in 1986 because I needed a job at the time,” Pillay said this week. “I had to help my dad pay for my siblings’ university fees. My brother was studying law and my sister was teaching at the time. When I told my father about my intention…

SHE may come across as feisty but Devi Sankaree Govender is a friendly face with a warm smile. I once bumped into her at a famous Fourways eatery, which made the best Cornish chicken curry on a Saturday. She posed for a selfie. But get on her wrong side and one would easily become a dog’s breakfast. The many tales of woe from those who have crossed paths with her cannot make for happy reading. But that is what happens when you play with fire. One of the country’s foremost investigative journalists and consumer champions, Govender is fearless. She made her name during 18 momentous years on Carte Blanche and is stirring up a hornet’s nest among baddies on Devi, her self-titled 30-minute weekly blast on e.tv on Sundays at…

IT’S Christmas morning. All eyes in the house are wide open before the sun rises. The squeals of delight echo through the passageways to awaken parents in the hopes that Father Christmas made it down the chimney the night before, bearing gifts from each wish list. The shrieks get louder as each child sees the perfectly wrapped present, the bicycles with bows on, and the remains of Santa and his elves having been there the night before. Wrapper after wrapper comes off, and so begins the much anticipated Christmas celebrations, where family and friends come together, and eat in abundance, laugh in abundance and create another year filled with magical memories. Except, this is a movie. There are millions of children without families on this day. They don’t have the…

“TAKE off your blinkers, Mr Buccus” (the POST, December 13-17), refers. I agree with Duncan Du Bois when he states “no self-respecting nation is going to tolerate its heritage and values being thrashed by migrants to whom they provided charitable asylum.” Exactly. Kind, peace-loving Palestinians should never have allowed the British to allow Jews from Europe into Arab countries. This has plunged the entire Middle East into a potential nuclear war zone. Du Bois is also correct in his assertion “… by imposing alien cultures on historically homogenous nations and cultures, polarisation is inevitable.” Absolutely. Europeans, led by the Spanish Armadas, the Italians, Christopher Columbus and British Queen Elizabeth should not have been “entertained” so warmly by South America and Canada. India should have been punished for permitting the Portuguese,…

FOR decades, the KZN Sharks Board has been deploying nets along our coast to safeguard beachgoers and swimmers from the deadly jaws of the great white, Zambezi and tiger sharks. The horror film Jaws has played a large role in blackening the great white as an evil monster, which should be wiped out from the ocean. While the shark nets have been effective in keeping the bathers safe and promoting tourism for KZN, they also have been death traps for the sharks, killing thousands of the ocean’s top predators. According to the latest statistics, 4 000 great whites are killed every year along our coast. But the great white, Zambezi and tiger sharks are not the only marine creatures that are trapped in the nets and die an agonising death.…

“VANAKKAM Periakka. How you? How are the children and Ganas?” “All good Thumbie. We all good and how are you and Rajes? Weather is terrible. It always rains in Durban on Christmas… ” “Sorry, I couldn’t come by this year. Rajes wanted to spend time with her family, ‘watmusIdo?’.” “Aiyoh don’t worry Thumbie. Just make sure you spend time with Amma.” “Ok Akka. What your’ll had for lunch. I’m stuffed. These people made so much food and all…” Silence followed with an “um” from Periakka: “Nothing special Thumbie, just a roast chicken and some vegetables.” “Oh, Ok Akka. Have to go now, Rajes is calling. I will come by in the New Year. See you soon…” The call ended with tears rolling from Periakka’s face. That year, Ganas was…

AS WE enter the height of the festive season, emergency blood supplies are critically low across the country, with KwaZulu-Natal reporting the lowest stocks. Ravi Reddy, CEO of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), said they needed to maintain a minimum of five days’ supply of Group O blood – the universal blood type used for transfusions – to meet the demand. “Currently, the SANBS has three days stock of Group O blood nationally and KZN has 1.6 days. We anticipate that over the next few weeks, there will be continued pressure on blood stocks, particularly Group O and Group B.” Reddy said it was particularly difficult to collect sufficient blood between mid-December and mid-January. “We collect a significant proportion of blood from schools, tertiary institutions and workplaces. These…

AS THE curtain comes down on yet another year, we at the Chatsworth Regional Hospice Association reflect with gratitude the generosity of spirit of our benefactors and volunteers who fuel our efforts to be a beacon of hope, and comfort to those afflicted and affected by terminal illnesses. While we grappled with challenges, we were able to articulate our vision and goals to serve with compassion and love. We are thankful for the partnerships we have made and those who supported us despite also being burdened by financial constraints. This is the ultimate measure of selfless service and we are truly grateful for these Earth angels who give us hope when things seem bleak. We record our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our volunteers, sponsors and well wishers, and pray…

ON DECEMBER 16, India observed Vijay Diwas: 52 two years ago on this day, the Indian Army secured a victory that resulted in the capture of almost 100 000 Pakistani prisoners of war and a new nation was born, Bangladesh. It was the world’s largest surrender in terms of the number of personnel since World War II. The war began, at first, when the Pakistani military junta in West Pakistan, under the orders of Yahya Khan, launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East Pakistan on the night of March 25, 1971, initiating the Bangladesh genocide. Millions of people became refugees. Indira Gandhi’s numerous trips to European countries, the UK, and the US to draw attention to the plight of the Bengali people, the refugees and the humanitarian crises in…

THE Proteas’ Women’s team have not had any harsh words after their shock first-ever ODI defeat to Bangladesh on home soil, but they are determined to bounce back in the second ODI at the JB Marks Oval today, according to young all-rounder Eliz-mari Marx. The 20-year-old enjoyed an admirable personal debut, top-scoring with 35, as the Proteas were bundled out for just 131 in 36.3 overs in pursuit of Bangladesh’s 250/3. The home side can certainly not afford another blowout like that today with the series on the line. Marx claims that the Proteas are ready to raise their level of performance in order to level the series ahead of the final match in Benoni on Saturday. “The coaches are obviously disappointed but there definitely weren’t any harsh words. We…

WITH holidays upon us and some awesome conditions, it’s time to get out there and enjoy the sea. Top tip: snood length. The hook snood length can be a hotly contested topic in most fishing shops. The general consensus is that in the calmer water when you need movement of your bait, lengthen the snood. The opposite is true when the sea is a bit rough or if the terrain is foul. These basic tips are true whether fishing for edibles or inedibles. Offshore: The fishing off Durban has been a bit slow with the colder water but the dorado are starting to show properly and plenty of other fish are being landed. North: The North Coast has seen plenty of fish from the boats and skis. The tuna have…

2kg leg of lamb 10 cloves of garlic, sliced 1 bulb of garlic 6 sprigs of rosemary 1 whole onion, cut into 4 1 large carrot 2 tsp dhania/jeera powder 1 heaped tsp Za’atar blend 2 tsp BBQ spice 1 heaped tsp masala 2 tsp coarse black pepper 2 tsp salt 6 sprigs of thyme 10 mint leaves, sliced 2 tbs mayonnaise ½ cup olive oil 1 cup vegetable stock 1 cup water Trim any excess lamb fat and remove any unwanted skin marked with ink. Wash the leg and pat it dry. Using a sharp knife, puncture the lamb all over, about 2cm deep, on both sides. Insert slices of garlic and sprigs of rosemary into the punctures. For the seasoning, combine the dhania/jeera powder, Za’atar, BBQ spice,…

500g half-shell mussels 2 tbs garlic butter Steam the mussels with the garlic butter on medium heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. I used the Woolworths mussels that came boxed and ready to use, with garlic butter. Lemon butter sauce: 150g butter 1½ tsp lemon rind 2 tbs lemon juice 1½ cups fresh cream (375ml) 2 tsp crushed garlic 1 tsp garlic flakes (optional) ½ tsp fine salt ½ tsp mixed herbs or parsley 1 tsp cornflour Melt the butter in a thick-based pot. Add the lemon rind, crushed garlic and garlic flakes (optional), salt, lemon juice and fresh cream. Simmer on low heat and then whisk in 1 tsp of cornflour to thicken. Whisk rapidly to prevent lumps from forming. Garnish with mixed herbs or parsley. Add in…

1 party size bag of Doritos sweet chilli or any tortilla chips salsa: heat 2 tbs oil. Add ½ chopped onion and 3 sliced green chillies. Allow to fry. Add 1 tsp paprika or 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, a dash of mixed herbs, 3 grated tomatoes, ½ tsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Cook on high heat until the water dries up. 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 avocado, mashed 1 cup sour cream On a large flat plate, place a layer of chips, then add a layer of the salsa, drops of the sour cream and drops of the avocado. Add the cheese. Repeat these layers three times and top the final layer with cheese. Bake at 180ºC for 10 minutes.…

WITH the festive season upon us, it’s only natural that most of us would like to kick back, relax and indulge. While this is normal, it is also important to be mindful of the choices we make, which can be detrimental to our health and well-being. A key principle to keep in mind over the festive season: moderation is key. Overindulgence According to Ayurvedic medicine, overindulgence can disrupt the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). These are essentially the biological factors present in the body that can become imbalanced. For example, overindulgence in alcohol can lead to increased Pitta in the system, which can cause inflammation, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diarrhoea, etc. Overindulgence in heavy and rich foods can weaken digestion and metabolism resulting in bloating, constipation, indigestion, fatigue and weight gain,…

NEW DELHI: Social media has evolved into becoming an inseparable part of our lives, with its substantial role in connecting people, sharing information and expressing creativity. However, the excessive usage of social media, especially by Gen Z, has adversely affected people’s mental health. The unparalleled influence of social media on Gen Z Gen Z is the first generation to have been raised entirely in the digital era, with social media as an essential part of their lives from the beginning. They are consumers and creators who use platforms such as Instagram, X, and Facebook to communicate their experiences, thoughts and imaginings with the world. They often find themselves using these platforms more frequently and for prolonged duration, getting lost in the intricate maze of the digital world. Here are some…

Duff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for more than 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall, KZN. She can be contacted at 072 986 5514 or sharron@quantsoul.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) There is light at the end of the tunnel so be patient. Someone may be coming to help you with some emotional support. Don’t be too proud to accept this. There is a new possibility coming in for love. Be open to accepting this and don’t over think this. Lucky colour: orange. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) It’s time to move on and make peace with the past. Make serious plans around where you want to go in your career.…

Strawberry Lamingtons: 125g butter/margarine ½ cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 cups self-raising flour 1½ cups milk Cream the butter/margarine with the sugar (you can go up to 1 cup sugar depending on your taste). Beat in the eggs, one at a time until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla essence. Add the flour and the milk. The mixture will be slightly thicker than normal cake batters. Mix well and spoon into a greased oven tray. Bake at 180ºC for 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when tested. Cut into squares when completely cool. Dip in syrup and roll in coconut. Strawberry lamington syrup: ½ cup sugar ½ cup water ½ cup strawberry jam ½ tsp strawberry essence 1 tsp…

250g butter, softened ½ cup sifted icing sugar ¾ cup cornflour 1 tsp vanilla essence 2¼ cup sifted flour Preheat the oven for 20 minutes on 180ºC (160ºC for thermofan). Line baking sheets with greaseproof paper. Cream the butter and icing sugar. Add the vanilla essence and sift in the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a firm smooth dough. Roll out to about 1cm thick and cut into shapes. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the bottoms turn light brown. Cool on trays and decorate. Variations: Add chopped nuts. Drizzle with milk chocolate. Dust with castor sugar while hot. Add chocolate chips. Make date rolls. Colour the dough and pipe patterns with chocolate or royal icing.…

1 can Caramel Treat 2 sachets cappuccino 500ml fresh cream +/- 1½ packet Tennis Biscuits 1 cup warm strong black coffee cocoa powder for sprinkling Mix the first two ingredients together. Beat in 250ml fresh cream until well combined and not too thick. Lightly dip the Tennis Biscuits in the coffee and place them in a 20cm×20cm dessert tray. Top with a layer of the cream mix and repeat with the dipped biscuits and cream mix until the ingredients are finished. Whip the remaining fresh cream and spread evenly on top. Refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours. Overnight is best. Top with cocoa powder before serving. Slice and serve.…

FIVE men charged with public violence relating to the July 2021 unrest in Phoenix have been acquitted after it was found that they were “acting in self-defence” and in “defence of their property”. The court further acknowledged that the assembly of people during that period was for lawful purposes to protect their neighbourhoods and not to disturb the public peace, and it found the State witnesses to be unsatisfactory. The judgment underscores the crucial right to self-defence and the protection of property during times of civil disturbance. The verdict marks a watershed moment for individuals seeking to safeguard themselves and their possessions amid the challenges posed by social upheaval. Mehmood Khan, Sholan Reddy, Christopher Pillay, Khalik Mohamed and Rodney Ravi Pillay, all represented by attorney Ravindra Maniklall, were charged with…

WHILE this is the most wonderful time of year for some, it’s also the most stressful time of year for many. The reality is that mental illness does not take a break during the holidays. In fact, some aspects of the festive season can exacerbate mental health struggles. For those who struggle with depression, for example, seeing others in a festive mood and picture-perfect social media posts can leave them feeling even worse about their own lives. Those who are grieving may find it difficult to see others enjoy time with loved ones. Those who are in conflictual relationships or are undergoing a break-up or divorce can find it difficult seeing other couples happy together. Those with family conflict may find it difficult to spend more time with family, meet…

THE recent statements by Pastor Pukreesamy are unacceptable and have caused deep hurt among the Hindu community. It is disheartening to see a religious leader make derogatory comments about the beliefs of another religion, especially when their message should be about love and acceptance. As Christians, we are taught to love our neighbours as ourselves and to treat others with kindness and respect. The Bible is clear that we should not attack or mock the beliefs of others. In fact, 2 Timothy 2:24-25 says: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” It is not our place…

THERE’S a significant parallel between the drivers of the COP28 summit and the construction of the Tower of Babel in the Old Testament. In both cases, the goal of the proponents was, and is, the achievement of “one people, one language, one government” in a borderless world “for the common good”. In both cases, God-ordained human diversity and the elements with which he purposefully endowed the planet were and are being defied. The Babel champions defied convention by substituting baked bricks for stone and tar in place of mortar. The dissembling globalist COP28 climate “experts” seek to eradicate oil, coal and gas from which 80% of the world’s energy is derived and to rely on sun and wind for energy needs. The Tower of Babel project failed as a result…

THE internet – that global network of information and communication which rules our lives – mirrors the social hierarchy of our physical world. For a start, you will always find the naive beginner on Facebook or social media who we geeks (read: seasoned or know-it-all users), call a “newbie”. They try to friend everybody. They then “grow up” and commence the painful unfriending process. We geeks call this “digital right-sizing” – getting the right group of friends you talk to, who listen and talk back with respect. What about other online “bies”? Here are a few festive examples I made while imbibing my favourite beer. Take the wanna“bies”. These are shameless, desperate social climbers who follow and latch onto public figures, walls or groups they want to suck up to.…

A LOCAL businessman has been nabbed and charged with theft and fraud, after he allegedly stole crops of mangoes and litchis worth more than R500 000 from Penare Farm in Verulam. Sivaraj Naidoo has been released on R20 000 bail after spending 13 days in Westville Prison, since his arrest on December 6. Naidoo, 63, is the brother of Sagadava “Manna” Naidoo, the former mayor of Verulam, who was found brutally murdered in May last year. Sagadava, 74, was kidnapped from his home in Verulam and was found in a canefield in the area. He was shot in the back of the head. His hands and legs were bound. He also suffered a broken jaw. Shortly after the incident, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested three men – Ignatius Chihoho,…

A TOW-truck driver, his teenage son, rescue and recovery responders, and a motorist were seriously injured when a vehicle ploughed into them while they were clearing an accident scene. Ismail Mitha, owner of Big Show Towing and Recovery in Tongaat, said the accident happened on the N2 near Watson Highway on Thursday. “Four of my staff were on the scene, where an accident had occurred. The car that was involved in the primary accident scene was off the road and so were my tow trucks. It was around 6.30pm when I went out to the scene to assist my team with the clear-up operation. “By this time, the insurance company had authorised the tow for the primary accident vehicle. We were waiting for a ride service that works with…

WHERE does the sense of duty to one’s family end and commitment to one’s own nuclear family begin? Or are they indeed intertwined with each other? For many, myself included, caring for our parents is an automatic behaviour, not an obligation. Having said that, it does appear to be terribly challenging to balance financial and other duties to family members outside the home while still caring for the immediate family: your spouse and children. Speak to anyone you know, and at least one person will share their frustration of having to share their spouse’s income and time with extended family members, leaving most of the heavy lifting to the other spouse in the family. The issue here is not about being selfish, which has long been the conversation within families…

YEARS back when I went to the funeral of a Christian relative or friend, I was impressed by the sombre dignity and gravitas of the occasion. The officiating pastor/priest would read relevant extracts from the Holy Bible. The most beautiful hymns were sung by the choir – people who were immensely blessed with the voices of angels (Abide With Me is a personal favourite). Speakers would then take to the podium and pay tribute to the deceased and attest to their character. The officiating pastor/priest would then solemnly draw proceedings to a close, with an invitation to the attendees to partake in meals at the residence of the deceased. The pre-eminence of the entire proceeding was laudable in every way. Then you have the version where “pastors” berate those who…

THE Justin Snaith-trained Snow Pilot was probably the right horse to win the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday if logic was applied beforehand, and he duly did it under a superb ride by JP van der Merwe. Snow Pilot’s late sire Lancaster Bomber also sired the winner of the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas this season, the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Beach Bomb. Snow Pilot, like Beach Bomb, is owned and was bred by champion breeders Drakenstein Stud. Beach Bomb’s Dynasty mother Beach Beauty was a winner of the Gr1 Majorca Stakes over a mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, while Snow Pilot’s Captain Al mother Snowdance, also trained by Snaith, won both the Cape Fillies Guineas and the Majorca. Drakenstein had also won last year’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas with a…

GONE is 2023 for the Hollywoodbets Sharks with their only positive being able to boast no less than six Springboks in the Rugby World Cup-winning squad in France, which hardly helped their cause. Here’s a wrap of the Durban franchise’s year. URC: Eighth; EPCR Champions Cup: Quarter-finalists; Currie Cup: semi-finalists The Sharks’ inability to qualify for the Champions Cup currently under way makes 2023 a failure, full stop. They are among the poor relations of the European competition because of their inconsistency in the URC. That was because of the single biggest issue plaguing the Sharks – their distressingly bad recruitment in recent years. They have learnt the hard way that buying top Springboks, who are hardly ever on provincial duty, is foolish. It meant they played several games…