Table of contents for 2024-08-28 in Post

AS WOMEN, we have become so comfortable talking about empowerment and celebrating ourselves for two months a year, getting dressed up in March and August, attending beautiful functions with other incredible women, listening to uplifting speeches, and thereafter returning to our cyclical lives during the other months of the year. In November, we share statistics on violence and femicide, and create awareness of these phenomena. In December 2023, the UN declared South Africa as among the countries which were highest in the world for violence against women and girls. The current femicide rate is five times higher than the global average. This global campaign began by activists in 1991, gained support from the UN in 2008, and was launched in South Africa in 2010. We stand on the shoulders of…

BRITISH actress Amy Jackson, who works in Bollywood and is known for films like Thaandavam, I, Yevadu and the recently release Crakk, is now married to her partner Ed Westwick. He took to his Instagram page and dropped several pictures featuring himself, Jackson, her son and their friends in a private jet. He wrote in the caption, “You’re gonna need to change your IG handle ;) @iamamyjackson. We did a little chilled Pizza and Pasta night to welcome our family and the wedding party. The temperature is perfect, the vibes. Let’s go @biancobouquetweddings we love you.” In March, Jackson and Westwick shared pictures of their engagement dinner party. In one of the pictures, the actress was seen holding her son’s hand. The last picture in the carousel showed her and…

Maddock Films, the innovative creators of India’s first “horror cinematic universe” are back with a sequel to their blockbuster Stree released in 2018. This is a masterclass in the horror-comedy genre, boasting creativity and artistic excellence. The writing talent of Niren Bhatt, who previously wrote Bhediya, combined with the execution by director Amar Kaushik and his talented cast, make this one of the most satisfying sequels. Plot: Set in the fictional of Chanderi, the ghostly spirit returns to torture the inhabitants. This time, it’s the women who are being mysteriously abducted by a powerful and terrifying male spirit – a headless ghost named Sarkata. Ladies’ tailor Vicky (Rao) is given the task to save the town’s womenfolk and win back their freedom. He sets out to achieve this with the…

1½ cups chana flour (gram flour) 1 cup cake flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbs maize flour 1 tsp salt 1 tbs green chillies 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp red ginger masala 1 tsp methi masala (pickle masala or atchar masala) 1 tsp fine dhania ½ tsp fine jeero 1 tsp whole jeero ¼ tsp turmeric 1 egg a handful of fresh green dhania (chopped) 1 onion, grated 1 potato, grated Mix the above and then add just enough water to make a thick batter. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and mix well. Drop spoonfuls in medium hot oil and fry until cooked through. Drain well and place in a dish lined with a paper towel.…

Vetkoek: 7 cups cake flour 7 tbs Cremora (or any other coffee creamer) 2 level tsp salt 2 tbs sugar 2 packets or 10g instant dry yeast 2 tsp baking powder ½ cup oil 2 ¼ lukewarm cups water 1/3 cup milk Sift the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Add the sugar and yeast, and mix well. Add all the liquids and knead well for about 10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Let it rest in an oiled bowl, covered for about two hours. Knock it down and break off 28 to 30 pieces. Make balls, then shape and pull it into squares. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. Deep fry in medium low oil until golden brown, and drain well. Place in a…

ANGRY parents are calling for a Chatsworth school principal to be fired after he allegedly hit all the matric pupils, bar two, with a plastic pipe last week for not attending the maths revision classes. And in a separate incident in Reservoir Hills, also last week, a teacher at the Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School was arrested after she allegedly hit several pupils, including striking a 14-year-old girl more that 20 times on her hand with a stick. In the Chatsworth school incident, a matric pupil at the school, who did not want to be named, claimed the incident happened last week, soon after an announcement was made during their lunch break for all the Grade 12 pupils to report to the library, “The principal was in the library with…

Remember, the exams are just one part of your journey. By adopting healthy habits and seeking support when needed, you can master not only your exams but also your own mental well-being. Structuring your study time can alleviate feelings of chaos and improve focus. Break down your study material into manageable chunks. Create a timetable that allocates time for breaks and relaxation. Having a clear plan helps reduce anxiety because it creates a sense of control over the situation. Sleep is often compromised during exam season, but it’s essential for cognitive function and emotional stability. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. A lack of sleep exacerbates stress and impairs memory and concentration. Eating nutritious foods can influence your mood and energy levels. Avoid excessive…

RISING costs are impacting everything from food, electricity and water, to fuel, school fees and health care. It is challenging to find anything unaffected by inflation. The POST has also faced price increases. But for the past three years, rather than pass hikes on to readers, we have taken most of our cost increases – for newsprint, energy for print sites, salaries and transportation – on the chin. Now after keeping the cover price locked down for as long as we could, absorbing the increases in our operating costs to insulate our loyal readers from extra expenses, print copies of the POST will cost a little more from September 1, going up from R12 to only R15. While we were left with no choice but to put up our sale…

THE brazen display of weapons and acts of defiant violence are forcing teachers to leave the education profession. Pupils have now become gangsters leaving teachers with no choice but to abandon educational institutions across the country. In many schools such brazen acts of defiance are normalised as stakeholders feel powerless to deal with the problem. Many dangerous assaults have left teachers shaken and nervous about the potential for violence in other schools. The 2024 school year was a shocking and frightening one. Unless we implement zero-tolerance policies, thuggery and crude intimidation will spread across all educational institutions. It is only a matter of time before unruly scholars brandish pepper spray and stun guns to intimidate pupils and teachers. School violence represents unacceptable and unethical behaviour within the educational sector. Gun…

CONGRATULATIONS to the Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium Society (CEUHCS) on achieving 120 years of existence. I recall some 70 years ago when I was a little boy, accompanying my grandfather on a Sunday to collect donations from residents in the neighbourhood. My grandfather, Mr S Bagwandeen, was one of the founder members. When he passed on my uncle, Premduth Bagwandeen, also got involved. There were many other pioneers who devoted their time to the crematorium project as indicated in the POST article. My neighbour, Uncle Jagger Singh used to also get involved like many others. His elder brother, Inder Singh, was the first furnace operator as far as I can recall. I think he was followed by Louis Joshua, the famous boxer. The old entrance to the crematorium…

The 120th anniversary commemoration, at the Clare Estate Crematorium hall on Sunday, was a resounding success. All those who attended praised the board members for their excellent essential service to the community and the 120 years of existence of the crematorium. It was a prestigious gathering that brought together the most influential figures. The crematorium has stood as a pillar of support and service within the Hindu community since its establishment in 1904. As we reflect on the day’s event, which was filled with inspiring speeches, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made the function possible. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. To all guests who attended, your presence and enthusiasm made the day special. Once again, to the board chairperson,…

Floyd Shivambu has jumped ship. He ditched the leaking EFF and hopped onto the bigger, sounder MK Party. While Shivambu has dealt a nasty blow to Julius Malema and the EFF, other parties have greeted the news with glee. The EFF’s radical policies and its antics had backfired. But Shivambu had good reasons for abandoning Malema. He felt hurt that the man whom he had trusted so much had stabbed him in the back by negotiating a deal with President Cyril Ramaphosa, hoping to get the second deputy president’s post for himself. In the dirty game of politics, friendships do not matter. It was a brilliant move by Shivambu. And the icing on the cake for him is that he could now become the MK Party president. How delicious that…

WITH the implementation of the two-pot retirement system around the corner, retirement funds and their members have certain expectations come September 1, 2024. The new system allows members to withdraw one-third of their retirement savings while still employed, and the remaining two-thirds are only accessible when they reach retirement age. Here are seven useful things that members should know: Retirement contributions plus investment return until August 31, 2024, will be placed in the “vested component”. The vested component can be saved until retirement or accessed when a member resigns, is dismissed, or retrenched. These savings are, in general, not subject to the new system and cannot be accessed while the member is still employed. Two-thirds of contributions on or after September 1, 2024, will be placed in a “retirement…

THE summer is trying to push winter out of the way with the fight causing quite a lot of interesting weather. Garrick and brusher, need we say more; both of these species are under threat so enjoy the fight and consider letting them see tomorrow. The North Coast has seen some early-season summer fish with a few rays making their way on to the catch reports. There has also been a large amount of kob being caught with various methods. The most productive way of targeting these sluggish predators is with a paddletail. Make sure to keep your lure close to the bottom and keep a slow, steady retrieve. The central coast has seen a good mix of species in the past few weeks. The basin area continues to produce…

RANI Mukherji has talked about why she loves her character, Shivani Shivaji Roy, in Mardaani, which completed 10 years in Hindi cinema. “Shivani Shivaji Roy is my favourite on-screen character. She is a defiant, fierce force of nature who will stand up for what is right. She is someone who subverts gender norms in cinema and shows how a woman can also lead from the front in a male-dominated field,” said Mukherji. As the film celebrates its 10th anniversary, Mukherji is grateful for all the love and acclaim she has received. “I’m truly proud of my Mardaani franchise. It is a franchise that keeps on giving. The love, adulation and the respect that I have received from Mardaani is truly humbling.” Last week, the makers of the film teased fans…

New Delhi: Breast-feeding could potentially reduce the risk of postpartum depression, said experts. While the benefits of breast-feeding are widely acknowledged, there is a less discussed but crucial connection: Its impact on maternal mental health, specifically postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is experienced by many women within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last up to two weeks. It is characterised by strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and tiredness. It also includes mood swings, crying spells and difficulty sleeping. Research says that postpartum depression and anxiety were often overlooked as challenges faced by many new mothers. A recent study published in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine showed that women who breast-fed their babies were found to have a lower risk of developing postpartum depression. The…

3 to 4 big potatoes, boiled and mashed salt to taste 3 tsp green masala, green chillies and garlic 1 tsp dhania chutney, optional 1 tsp fine dhania ½ tsp fine jeero a dash of black pepper a pinch of white pepper ½ tsp peri-peri spice 1 tsp Cajun spice a pinch of barbecue spice chopped dhania a generous handful of frozen corn ½ to 1 cup cooked chicken 1 tbs lemon juice 2 tbs flour some cooked spaghetti small blocks of cheese Mix all the ingredients together except the cheese. Form a small patty. Press a block of cheese in the centre and close it in a ball around the cheese. Shape it in a thick patty. Dip in eggs and Kellogg crumbs and deep fry. Ensure the oil…

Saucy steak filling: Marinate 1kg steak strips in: 1 heaped tsp garlic 1 tsp ginger masala 1 tsp green chillies 1 tsp barbecue spice ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp Cajun spice ½ tsp lemon pepper 1 tsp Kashmiri masala 1 tsp rombo rossi masala ½ tsp mustard powder 2 tbs soya sauce 2 tsp vinegar 1 tbs lemon juice salt to taste, if necessary Marinate the above for an hour. Braise 1 onion until translucent, then add ¼ each red, yellow and green peppers (cubed). Braise for a few minutes and add the steak. Cook the above until soft. Add: 2 tbs peri-peri marinade 1 tbs chilli sauce 2 tbs Nando’s sauce 1 tbs samoosa dip, optional Cook for a few minutes and then take it off…

1kg steak mince, slightly rinsed and drained well. Step 1 6 slices of lightly toasted bread, crisp but still white, cooled down completely Soak the toast in tap water and squeeze out the water then let it drain 2 big onions, grated 1 tomato, grated ¼ of a green, yellow and red pepper, grated Slightly drain the excess water and add it to the mince. Add the drained bread, and salt to taste. Step 2 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp peri-peri spice 2 tsp crushed dhania 1 tsp crushed jeero 1 tsp whole jeero 2 tbs crushed green chillies 1 tbs red ginger masala 2 tbs crushed garlic ½ bunch fresh green dhania, chopped Mix the ingredients and the mince well. Let the mixture rest for a…

THERE is sometimes a consideration and discussion or debate as to which exam is more stressful and strenuous: Is it the matric trial exam or the matric final exam? As pupils are stepping into the penultimate exam of their high school lives, let us look at some simple, yet effective mindset and scheduling strategies to help them get through this stressful period. l Mindset: This forms an important aspect of our lives. The way we think, perceive and respond to any given situation is an integral part of our daily functioning. During exams (especially the more important time of trial and final school exams), the mind works in overdrive to keep afloat. There is often feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration and self-doubt. To tread through this time, we need…

INSULIN resistance is a metabolic disorder, which is a result of the modern-day lifestyle. Insulin resistance is linked to a higher likelihood of developing several metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. This suggests that timely treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and other significant health risks in the long term. Insulin resistance can be reversed by changing your diet, adopting a healthier and balanced lifestyle and consuming specific herbal preparations. The condition is essentially a form of abnormally high blood glucose levels, where the pancreas produces more insulin than usual. However, blood glucose levels remain normal as long as enough insulin is produced by the pancreas to clear glucose from the blood. Once the…

JUST as the EFF was still licking its wounds after the devastating and, frankly, embarrassing election results, Floyd Shivambu, its deputy president who co-founded it, jumped ship. He then joined the umKhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which had just replaced the EFF both as the third-largest party and the most populist party. These developments leave the EFF in turbulent territory and raise questions about its future and direction. Is the EFF facing the same fate as the other splinter parties whose support stagnated and are gradually losing electoral support? Does Shivambu’s departure signal that the EFF is turning out to be another one-man show party as is the case with Holomisa’s UDM, Lekota’s Cope, and Meshoe’s ACDP? Just how long is the EFF’s visible presence in legislatures going to remain under…

THE Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium society operates under a constitution detailing its purpose, governance and operational guidelines. It is the domestic law that keeps the members, users and officials in-check, ensuring smooth operations and preventing descent into disorder. Vital in fostering trust among its members and society, it clearly articulates rules, objectives and ethical standards, and provides a foundation for trust. Everybody knows what to expect, and understands the rules. Trust is crucial, especially in our multicultural society. Its constitution prevents misuse of the society’s resources and protects against actions that could harm its reputation. Its objective is to maintain and preserve the crematorium. It is not just about following rules – it is about a group of people associating more than 120 years ago to ensure that a…

IT IS A given that people here and abroad would take sides in any religious or political conflict. Hindutva will definitely feel that India, for all the reasons – mostly unproven and mythological – belongs only to Hindus. All others, Muslims, Dalits, Christians and atheists, must either toe the line and be quite content to accept second class citizenship, or vamoose and exit the country. This stance may be understood from the viewpoint of some, although definitely not acceptable by others . And so, the idea would extend itself to other areas in the ongoing conflict in that country. Some local Indians would side one way or the other. Most are too busy with their day to day existence to give these “foreign” problems even a thought. But there is…

PERSONALLY, I have never been a supporter of the GOAT (greatest of all time) but millions like myself will agree that Jacob Zuma’s capacity for rebirth was grossly underestimated and his resurrection has astounded and confounded his critics and arch rivals. Always with a content smile, he leads the country’s official opposition, the MK Party. They chomped off a massive 14.6% of the national vote in the recent election, relegating the ANC to coalition politics. So, when I heard that they had given marching orders to 15 of their MPs and that they were making way for a trio of political actors, I wondered what the script was here. Then I thought of the global brand of film producers, MGM Pictures (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). But MKP believes local is lekker and so…

ON AUGUST 31, a grateful nation says goodbye to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and welcomes our first female Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. If you asked me to think of the first word that comes to mind when you mention Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s name, it is dignity As he bows out before a nation grateful for his upholding the principle of the rule of law and also that Lady Justice is blind to the character of people or their Struggle credentials before her but true to justice, we must acknowledge Justice Zondo, the man. Justice Maya dons a mantle that Justice Zondo dignified and while I have the highest confidence that she will take the office higher, it is a grateful nation that says farewell to true…

ALMOST four years after a Chatsworth father was robbed, shot in the head and thrown over a bridge, two of his killers were convicted and sentenced in the Scottburgh High Court last week. However, the family of 75-year-old Dougie Nelson say they will only have closure and believe that justice has been fully-served after a third accused, Gadwin van Peer Chetty, who is now “on the run”, is nabbed. Adriano Everts, 24, of Cape Town, and Previn Gounder, 39, of Chatsworth, and Chetty, 40, of Malvern, were arrested and charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and theft. A fourth man, Yashan Nair, who was charged with theft and pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, in the Durban High Court in February…

Generations nurtured from my seed will clasp their hands and say our ancestors carved those fields which have given us meanings meanings to stand tall This land is ours too. Land ownership remains one of the most fiercely contested debates well into 30 years of South Africa’s democracy. The right to own land has pitted title deed holders against the landless masses who were historically dispossessed of it by colonial and apartheid policy. Historically in KwaZulu-Natal when it governed as a British Colony in 1847, Sir Theophilus Shepstone developed and managed a native policy that inhumanely attempted to categorise and ‘civilise natives’ in the Locations System. This system, went on to influence the racist legislation of the 1913 Natives Land Act that systematically forced black people into ‘native reserves’, thereby…

THE recent launch of the India SA Chamber (ISACC) by prominent Indian and South African business leaders, heralds a new beginning to re-purpose and re-define trade relations between the two countries, chairperson Lebogang Zulu said. The chamber was inaugurated by Minister Parks Tau. High Commissioner designate to New Delhi, Professor Anil Sooklal along with more than 250 business leaders from both countries, government representatives, universities, social and religious bodies and the diplomatic corps, attended the launch at Emperors palace. Sooklal said that a consolidated representative membership driven business chamber was needed to assist him to meet the targets which were set in the past to reduce the $2.4 billion (R4.2bn) trade deficit between India and SA. He said the launch of ISAAC by the private sector was opportune…

MANY rugby pundits and Springbok supporters would have opted to start Handré Pollard ahead of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf against the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday (5pm start). Perhaps even fans of the young Stormers star may have felt that it was too much of a risk to throw Feinberg- Mngomezulu into the Ellis Park cauldron against a fired-up New Zealand looking to make a statement under new coach Scott “Razor” Robertson following their defeat to Argentina a few weeks ago. But this 22-year-old pivot – much like Pollard himself at a similar stage of his career – is made of sterner stuff. He handled the pressure of wearing the No 10 jersey with aplomb in the two wins over the Wallabies in Australia – despite making a few…

THIS past weekend saw an exciting end to the Ladies British Open for 2024. Lydia Ko continued her great form by clinching the trophy from Nelly Korda, who again had the win in her hands but double bogeys and bogeys in the last five holes crushed that Major dream. Her first error in the collapse came on the par-five 14th hole, where she would make a double-bogey seven. For any level of golfer, a par-five should never be the hole you lose shots on. A par-five is the longest hole in length, averaging between 490 yards and 560 yards. There are many obstacles and out of bounds markers placed to make it all the more challenging. The key to this play is to know your strong parts of the game…

ROYAL AM head coach John Maduka has expressed that his team is still one of the best clubs in KwaZulu-Natal despite the team’s long-standing transfer ban. Thwihli Thwahla are kicking off a second successive season without making any new signings having been banned by the Football International Federation Association (FIFA) back in 2023. This comes after the club were embroiled in a much-publicised spat with former player Samir Nurkovic (who now plays for TS Galaxy) over reported unpaid salary when the Serbian left the club. Since then, the club have been doing their level best to retain some of their most prized assets whilst mixing them with some of the most promising youngsters from their academy. Maduka attended the launch of the 2024 Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup yesterday (Tuesday) in…

VETERAN actress Saira Banu, who celebrated her 80th birthday recently, shared how “life can be measured in many ways”. Taking to Instagram, Banu shared a string of pictures from her birthday celebrations. She captioned it: “How do we truly measure a life? Is it measured in the milestones or those fleeting moments that quietly slip by, only to be remembered later? Maybe it’s in the anniversaries that come around each year, like an old friend who never fails to visit you. “If you ask me, life can be measured in many ways. I believe it’s in the company of your own people, people who love you. I consider myself blessed, graced by the affection and support of my family and friends.” She said that there are many ways to measure…

Mumbai: Celebrities Kareena Kapoor Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Riteish Deshmukh and Soha Ali Khan have expressed their fondness for the live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Adventure. After two seasons of 82 shows across 11 cities in India, the much-loved theatrical for children is set to return in September. Kapoor Khan said: “All our kids are huge fans of Peppa, and that’s why we’re here. Taimur loves it.” D’Souza felt nostalgic and said: “I wish I had Peppa Pig in my time.” Deshmukh commented: “The kids had a wonderful time and it was just wonderful to be here.” Ali Khan was elated for her daughter Inaaya, and said: “We’re having so much fun and we got to meet Peppa.” The new season promises a snout-standing spectacle complete with bucketful of surprises and…

Step 1 Samoosa mince: Braise ½ kg chicken mince add ½ green pepper, green chillies to taste, and salt to taste Now add: 1 tsp garlic ½ tsp ginger masala ½tsp fine dhania ½ tsp fine jeero Braise until it’s dry. Then add 1 big onion, finely chopped. Step 2 Braise the ghee with 1 tsp whole jeero until transparent and all the water burns out. Add this to the mince and cook for a further 5 minutes or until all the water burns out. Take it off the heat and cool it down, uncovered. Place a net over it. When it’s cold, add a lot of chopped dhania. Before making the puris, make ping-pong sized balls with the mince. If it’s too dry to form a ball, add a…

1kg fillet steak, cut into strips white bread Step 1 Steak filling: ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp barbecue spice ½ tsp Cajun spice 1 tsp rombo rossi masala 1 tbs green chillies 1 tbs garlic 1 tsp ginger masala 1 tbs soya sauce 1 tbs vinegar salt to taste Mix the above and marinate. Step 2 1 small onion a handful of pepper (green, yellow and red) Braise the onion in a little oil until it is translucent. Add a handful of colour pepper cubes and braise for a minute before adding the steak filling. Lower the heat and cook until the steak is soft, then let all the water dry out. Add the marinating sauces that makes up ½ a cup. Mix it through and take…

1 kg chicken mince 4 slices of bread (soaked in water and squeezed) 1 small tomato, grated 2 onions, grated and squeeze some of the water out a handful of fried onions, crushed ½ green pepper, grated ½ red pepper, grated 2 eggs 1 tbs crushed garlic 1 tbs crushed green chillies (or to taste) 1 tsp red ginger masala 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp Aromat 1 tsp ground dhania 1 tsp ground jeero a dash of Worcester sauce ½ tsp rustic garlic and herb 1 tsp Portuguese peri-peri spice salt to taste 1 cup fine bread crumbs chopped dhania Mix all the ingredients well and leave to marinate for a few hours, or overnight for better results. I cut chicken fillets in small pieces and…

AS THE matric exams approach, the pressure on pupils is reaching its peak. These exams represent a significant milestone, not just for the pupils but for everyone involved in their journey – teachers, parents, family and the learners themselves. The weight of these exams can trigger significant anxiety and stress, a reality I’ve seen firsthand as a registered counsellor and the founder of Ingage Support. It’s crucial that we all come together to recognise the signs of anxiety, understand how to manage it, and support our matric pupils through this challenging time. Anxiety during exam season is more common than many realise. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or friend, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference. The physical symptoms often include headaches, a racing heart, sweating,…

PHOENIX, a suburb in Durban, has drawn extensive coverage in the media in recent years due to an increase in violent crime. But what marked the turning point was severe civil upheaval in July 2021, which resulted in the loss of 36 lives. Phoenix experienced one of its most chaotic eras in its history, marked by violence, rampages and destruction. It has provoked and raised underlying societal issues, such as safety and community issues, by bringing these events to public attention. In the most recent incident, one man was fatally shot and another was critically injured in a drive-by shooting earlier this month. According to reports, the police could not confirm the circumstances or motive for the shooting. The latest incident occurred a week after a report on the causes…

IT IS WITH pride that we witness this unique Hindu society reach a milestone of 120 years, all thanks to the dedicated members who spanned many generations. It’s no coincidence that Indians arrived in South Africa from India from 1860 onwards (over 164 years ago), and carved a special identity in KwaZulu-Natal and later nationally throughout the country and beyond. South Africa’s Hindus have stamped their authority here and internationally. This Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium Society functions on the backs of board members and the entire Hindu community that choose to pay for and utilise the services of this institution. The robust elections that I have conducted over the past four years have brought in many younger board members who serve very well and selflessly. Let me point out…

ANDRE Gregory Mahomed, 54, is a serial rapist who brazenly raped 43 women in Durban and Tshwane. In the early 2000, he was found guilty and sentenced for an indefinite period. He has made a fresh application for parole this month. On other occasions, when he made an application for parole previously, he was deemed to be a dangerous criminal. Unbelievably the Department of Correctional Services supports Mahomed’s parole – what an insult and utter nonsense. Over a year ago I called for a review of the parole system and asked that some or all members of the parole boards be fired, as parolees at that time had committed crimes while on parole, primarily murders and rapes. Obviously, such delinquents need to remain behind bars as they are a threat…

Who are the real revolutionaries in our country today? I’m not sure anymore. The word “revolutionary” is bandied around so cheaply these days, it’s oftentimes worn like a badge of honour by pretenders seeking undeserved recognition and acclaim for their roles in our new dispensation, among them politicians, student activists and soapbox populists. Sure, they may have their hearts in the right place and some are probably deserving of praise for their roles. But are they revolutionaries in the true sense of the word, in the mould of leaders like Oliver Tambo, Phyllis Naidoo or Chris Hani? In my book, our real revolutionaries did not go around seeking praise and commendations for their roles in the Struggle. They lived it. Some even died in pursuit of their revolutionary…

EVERYONE of us, at some point, has someone who influences our lives in ways we realise only much later. William Smith was one such person who influenced mine. As a high school pupil racing to the end of my school career, I pursued extra classes over weekends at the then-University of Natal, in physics, chemistry and mathematics. And it was there where I chanced upon a man who changed my perspective and my love for the above-named subjects. Smith didn’t simply teach physics and chemistry – he policed it, hammered it and enforced it. Even if one hated the subjects, he instilled a dimension of learning and love that one could not ignore. His analogies to real-life situations in his explanations of physics and chemistry to ensure understanding of the…

A VIDEO of a schoolgirl “brutally” assaulting a fellow pupil, has been strongly condemned by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education (KZN DOE), which has launched an investigation into the incident. The video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the Verulam Secondary schoolgirl dressed in full uniform, repeatedly hitting the other girl’s head. The bullied girl struggles to defend herself as other pupils prevent her from running away from the attack. Another female pupil, who videoed the incident, can be heard laughing throughout the attack. The KZN DOE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said: “We are deeply concerned about the recent incident at Verulam Secondary School, where one pupil was the victim of an assault by another pupil. We acknowledge the severity of this incident and want to reassure…

THE two-pot system, well, three pots if you are being technical, is a new retirement system that will allow South Africans to access a portion of their retirement savings in the event of emergencies. This kicks into effect on Friday. A third of retirement funds will be preserved in a savings component that can be accessed at any point, while the remaining two-thirds are reserved for retirement, ensuring financial security. You might ask: What is the earliest you can retire? To access your retirement component, you must be at least 55 years of age, and the full amount must be paid in the form of a retirement annuity. How does the two-pot retirement system work? Your retirement contributions will be divided into different components, or pots. Your accumulated retirement savings…

ENGLAND chief selector Luke Wright said Jonny Bairstow’s international white-ball career is not over despite the 34-year-old’s omission from the upcoming series against Australia. Bairstow and fellow veterans Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan were overlooked with five uncapped players selected for the three T20s and five ODIs in just 19 days between September 11 and 29. An integral part of England’s 50-over World Cup success in 2019, Bairstow has struggled for form since he returned from breaking his leg two years ago. “One of Jonny’s great strengths is how much he wants to play,” said Wright. “We just want him back to being one of the best players in the world. He had that horrific injury, and that’s been the message. “Can we get you back to where you were…