Table of contents for 2023-08-16 in Post

MISS Deaf South Africa (MDSA) is aimed at providing contestants with a transformational journey through leadership development. The pageant, which will be held in Cape Town on September 9, also strives to assist with personal and skills development. It will be hosted by MDSA, a non-profit company. For two of the 10 finalists, Portia Naidu and Nikita Pillay, the contest is about empowering the deaf community. l Naidu, 34, is formerly from Chats- worth in Durban. She now lives in Midrand in Johannesburg. While she previously worked in accounts and management, she is now studying toward a degree in education through Wits University. She said she began to lose her hearing at the age of 1. “There is no conclusive report of how I could have lost my hearing. My…

SHANE Govender, the owner of the tow truck that killed three children in Chatsworth last Friday, has conveyed his condolences to their families. Busani Nyamela and brothers Dimpho and Thato Maboee were killed when a tow truck, owned by Lacoste Towlines, crashed into them in Umhlatuzana Township. They were on their way to school. In a video clip of the incident, the children are seen walking with their other siblings, Sinothando Nyamela and Kifuwe Maboee, both 13. A low-bed tow truck loses control on a bend and crashes into them and a tree. Busani, 7, and Thato, 9, were trapped under the tow truck and died at the scene. Dimpho, 11, was thrown to the side of the road and died on his way to hospital. Sinothando and Kifuwe escaped…

WHEN former president Jacob Zuma was our head of state, he would have spent a lot of time in Pretoria. At some point during those years, he must have travelled along Nellmapius Drive and passed the Irene Farm, a popular family destination for those who live in Gauteng. The road is named after Alios Hugo Nellmapius – a Gupta-like individual who lived between 1847 and 1893. In those 46 years he made a fortune thanks in large part to his association with (then) president Paul Kruger and other influential government officials of the Transvaal Republic. One of the things he acquired was the Irene Farm, which he named after his eldest daughter, and where Kruger was a regular visitor. Nellmapius was the beneficiary of the Transvaal government’s concession policy. Simply…

THIS is an attempt to add some clarity to what Thillay Naidoo seeks in his letter “More clarity sought’’ (POST, August 2-6). One must respond to letters after reading them carefully and in full context. In my earlier letter, “Book checked for authenticity’’, I never mentioned that I had any doubt about any religion imported into India or elsewhere in so far as religious truth is concerned. Just as beauty is within the psyche of the beholder, only relative truths exist in religion, except perhaps the possible reality of an actual creator. Each religion sees microscopic details of its own doctrine as being the only truth. Naidoo writes: “There is no need for the presence of any foreign religion in India.” I would venture to ask: What need is there…

AfriForum considers the Department of Correctional Services’ decision to grant Jacob Zuma remission of his sentence an insult to justice and the rule of law. Time spent on parole that was granted unlawfully does not count towards a sentence served. In 2023, the Constitutional Court upheld the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling that former Correctional Services commissioner Arthur Fraser’s granting of medical parole to Zuma in 2021 two months into his 15-month sentence was unlawful. The department’s narrative that Zuma was one of thousands of inmates who were granted special remission of sentences in an effort to alleviate overcrowding in prisons appears to be nothing more than a smokescreen to help a powerful politician escape justice. There is no more privileged and protected a position in South Africa than being…

JAYSHREE Parasuramen, a traffic reporter on East Coast Radio (ECR), was recently involved in a car accident in Silverglen, Chatsworth. It is believed that members of her family were in the car with her at the time. In a statement read out on the breakfast show on Tuesday morning, host Darren Maule said: “(ECR) decided to refrain from the announcement until her privacy and the privacy of her family was ensured. Although her injuries were severe, she is receiving the necessary medical attention and is currently in a stable condition.” The incident came shortly after an event, organised by Parasuramen, was cancelled at the last minute. Called the Durban Annual Motor Expo (DAME), it was billed as KwaZulu-Natal's biggest women-led car event. It was due to take place from July…

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) This is a busy week, so be careful to get some rest in between creative projects and business expectations. Get help to bring a business goal into fruition. Delegate if you can, so that you are not overwhelmed. Lucky colour: blue. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Use your intuition to guide you this week, especially if something does not feel right. Practise compassion and patience with those less fortunate than yourself. Make yourself available to listen to a friend or…

AS THE country celebrates Women’s Month, police are investigating the death of yet another woman, allegedly killed by a man she knew. Overport resident Jessica Pillay, 60, died after she was shot in the head in the food court at the Blue Lagoon on Monday afternoon. The grandmother of three was employed at one of the restaurants. It is alleged that she had an argument with Krish Budooram, who shot her before allegedly turning the gun on himself. Tyron Powell, of Marshall Security, said the emergency dispatch centre received calls about a shooting. “According to preliminary reports, a tragic turn of events unfolded. It was alleged that a female employee at the business premises was fatally shot by her companion. “The individual then turned the firearm on himself, resulting in…

BRYONI Govender, right, the first runner-up in the Miss SA 2023 contest, says her empowerment journey has not ended. On Sunday, Natasha Joubert was crowned Miss SA and Nande Mabala was the second runner-up. Govender, a 26-year-old trainee attorney from Gauteng, said: “To have the ability to stand and walk on that stage, perform extremely well, share my advocacy for women empowerment with South Africa and feel all the love and support from everyone was truly a blessing. “As a South African Indian, to be the first runner-up in Miss SA is truly humbling. I feel like I’ve not only represented myself but also my culture and heritage, and every woman who felt her dreams were not valid after not making it through the first time. Moreover, I have…

THE recent revelation by Julius Malema, the EFF leader, that the party received a surprise allocation of R35 million from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for its 10th anniversary rally at the FNB Stadium in Joburg shines a spotlight on the corruption and lack of accountability in the political party funding allocation managed by the IEC. The allocation of funds by the IEC gives political parties that are represented in government an unfair advantage over those that are not. Established political parties can essentially use the IEC as a feeding trough to fund their campaigns and keep their parties afloat. It is no wonder that the same parties come out on top after every election with the same old, worn-out faces occupying parliamentary seats. Money is undoubtedly a…

August is a special month. It’s a month in which we remember and pay tribute to all the women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our democracy. As we celebrate women’s strength and resilience, we must not forget that on August 9, 1956, about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the introduction of the apartheid pass laws for black women. As a nation, we owe so much to them. They wrote the history books in our country. Many women endure abuse. We have increased gender-based violence as men, who are physically stronger than women, take advantage. Many incidents of domestic violence are not reported because of fear and women being treated unequally. Let us all work together to ensure that women are always…

India has taken over the prestigious G20 presidency amid a complex and challenging environment. The crises of today are of varying shades and degrees – be it climate or geopolitical – and have presented us with a unique opportunity to lead the charge, as G20 president, towards an inclusive, human-centric world order. As a G7 partner, a member of BRICS and QUAD, the current chair of the SCO and G20, and also the “Voice of the Global South”, India has the distinctive honour to offer lasting and meaningful solutions and perspectives to collectively address global concerns, while acting as a bridge between developing countries and advanced economies. Great expectations There is a welcome expectation from India that as a large emerging economy, which has implemented innovative and far-reaching measures to…

FAMILIES who are mourning loved ones are struggling to deal with the fact that it is taking longer for the cremation of bodies. This is because some furnaces owned by the eThekwini Municipality are not working. Clive Moodley, the president of the Professional Progressive Funeral Practitioners Association and the owner of Pinetown Funeral Services, said undertakers were also taking strain as there was only one municipal furnace for cremations. He said there were only two crematoriums in eThekwini. “The Mobeni Heights Crematorium has two furnaces, but for years only one has been working. “The Tongaat Crematorium has not been in operation for months. Families from both these areas have to pay high prices to use private crematoriums. They also have to travel longer distances to the private crematoriums.” Moodley said…

AUSTRALIA coach Tony Gustavsson says self-belief and massive fan support could make the difference when they meet England for a place in the Women’s World Cup final today. The co-hosts have already created history with their run to the last four, and are determined to keep breaking barriers and go even further. Gustavsson said Serena Wiegman’s world No 4 England would be favourites at Sydney’s Stadium Australia but the Matildas had something the Lionesses did not. “If you look at rankings they’re favourites, if you look at where their players play in top clubs in top leagues all over the world,” he said yesterday. “If you look at all that and the resources financially, obviously they are a massive favourite going into the game. “But if you add the belief…

THIS year is flying past… The cooler weather is being broken by some warmer spells in Durban. Let’s hope summer comes soon so we can start hearing some drags scream. Some bigger seas but plenty of fish caught for the offshore guys. The garrick and snoek continue to be the stars of the show. The North Coast has seen a lot of fish. From the guys travelling further north to Cape Vidal and Sodwana all the way to Durban, there have been fish. The snoek have been feeding very well in the early mornings along the backline along the entire North Coast. Westbrook and Umdloti have produced good results while Jex estate has been the pick of the venues. The shark tax has been high so try to get your…

During August, there is a burgeoning number of events celebrating women. For Hindus, the period is even more powerful as it overlaps with the auspicious and powerful time of Amman or Shakthi prayers. Shakthi is energy, feminine energy that is responsible for creation, and for that which gives rise to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Shakthi represents the driving force for creation, preservation and transformation in the universe. She is simply divine energy. This month is a manifestation of women using Shakthi for the greater good of humanity. On August 9, 1956, about 20 000 women marched on the seat of apartheid power, the Union Buildings. Not only did they march, but they remained standing outside the Union Buildings in silence for 30 minutes in a non-violent, powerful display of unity.…

A MOVIE celebrating the life of Pinky Mothie, a promoter and cultural activist, will soon release in cinemas. The film, Never Give Up, is written by Sarah Mahabir and produced by YFDP and Big M Productions. Mothie, who was born and raised in Northdene, moved to Shallcross after marrying her husband, show promoter D Mothie. She now lives in Morningside. Recalling her love for culture and stage, the 73-year-old said: “I was born into a music and cultural family. My dad (Gokul Rambharose) and siblings were among the founder members of the Divine Life Society in South Africa. When I married D Mothie, who was a renowned show producer, I became involved in his lavish productions. “We initiated the Eastern Band and Sari Queen contests that many people looked forward…

Vishal Mothilall, an artist from Chatsworth, unveiled his latest art piece at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, India. More than 200 art enthusiasts from India attended the event called “Rang Raag”. The centre is a performing arts and multidisciplinary cultural and exhibition space which opened in March this year. It was founded by Nita Ambani, a philanthropist, and the chairperson of the Reliance Foundation which preserves and promotes Indian arts. Mothilall, of Crossmoor, said the unveiling marked a milestone in his artistic journey. He showcased his depiction of Lord Krishna in the form of the deity, Sri Nathji. “The first inspirations of the famous Sri Nathji painting, which is a form of Lord Krishna, started while on yatra (pilgrimage) in Vrindavan in December 2022. I picked up…

THE world is in crisis. South African townships and marginalised communities mirror the strife that plagues many poor and working-class communities across the globe. France is in flames: immigrant communities, that French society has failed to integrate, protest police brutality and the death of a 17-year old immigrant. The scenes are from a war zone, with skyscrapers, Renaissance libraries and official residences and buildings blazing. It’s reminiscent of the Blitzkrieg bombing of World War II. The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off in France in September. France, which is home to the Tour De France and the drama of the French Open tennis championship, is no stranger to extravagant sporting spectacles. It forms part of the Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) family, thrilling millions of fans the world over.…

AN OPEN letter to Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini mayor. I HAD an opportunity to visit and do an in loco inspection of the suburb of Clairwood last week. I was shocked, appalled and saddened but also angry. I recall visiting Clairwood as a child. It was a bustling residential precinct, with viable infrastructure and a source of both beauty and pride for the residents. It is now a dilapidated quagmire of destruction and degeneration. The roads are a sight to behold, not in awe but in utter frustration as to their condition. The proliferation of squatter camps and the filth and squalor accompanying such settlements that pervade the area is a sight for sore eyes. While there is robust commercialisation of the area in terms of the trucking industry, understandable…

ACTIONSA rejects with contempt President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political solution to former president Jacob Zuma’s re-incarceration, which has seen the release of 9 488 criminals back into society to save him from serving further prison time. This move makes a mockery of the criminal justice system in South Africa by demonstrating, once again, that Ramaphosa puts the ANC first and the country second.The criminal and civil justice system relies on the principle of ensuring that there are consequences for unlawful acts. Zuma knowingly and deliberately defied our apex court, and publicly demonstrated his disdain for the legal system. Instead of affirming the supremacy of the rule of law in South Africa by ensuring that Zuma accounts for these actions, Ramaphosa’s government has bent over backwards to allow him to evade the…

BY signing for Chelsea for €133 million, Moises Caicedo became the third most expensive transfer in football history. Here are the 10 biggest fees, including potential add-ons, in prices at the time: ● €222m: Neymar. Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, 2017. ● €180m: Kylian Mbappe Monaco to PSG (loan 2017, transfer 2018). ● €133m: Moises Caicedo. Brighton to Chelsea, 2023. ● €126m: Joao Felix. Benfica to Atletico Madrid, 2019. ● €122m: Declan Rice. West Ham to Arsenal, 2023. ● €121m: Enzo Fernandez. Benfica (Por) to Chelsea, 2023. ● €120m: Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool to Barcelona, 2018 and €120m: Antoine Griezmann. Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, 2019. ● €117m: Jack Grealish. Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2021. ● €115m: Eden Hazard. Chelsea to Real Madrid, 2019. | AFP…