Table of contents for 2024-03-06 in Post

1 cup cooked rice 2 or 3 sausages precooked, sliced ¼ onion a few pieces of pepper, any colour frozen sweetcorn slices of baby potato oil for frying spices dhania Fry the sausages and slice. Slice the potato thinly. Steam in the microwave for 3 minutes. Fry the potato in the same pan that the sausages were cooked in. Add the spices and let them brown. After 2 minutes in the pan, add the onions. Add the sweetcorn, sausages and rice. Mix well. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Season. Add the dhania and turn off the heat. Tips: Leftover rice works well. Add frozen mix veg. Chicken fillets can be seasoned before frying. Vegetarian products can be used.…

VERUSHKA Ramasami is always reading cookbooks and online publications, as well as watching food shows, to further her knowledge. And social media motivated her to create meals that are delicious and interesting for an online audience. Ramasami, also known as the Spice Goddess, hopes this will inspire others to cook. “The feedback that I get from the aunties, especially on Facebook, is priceless. I love how they are keen to try out new meals with their families,” said Ramasami, a lecturer and lifestyle content creator from eManzimtoti. “As a child, I was influenced by watching my granny cook. My teaching qualification teamed up with chef training. My cooking is also inspired by my travels. “During the lockdown, I spent more time in the kitchen and started sharing my recipes on…

IT WAS in 2018 when one of Bollywood’s most-loved couples, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, got married. They have now announced on Instagram that they are expecting their first child. How their love story took off is one of the most interesting facets of their storied relationship. The star couple, who got married at Lake Como, Italy, fell in love during the shoot of their first film together, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Romeo and Juliet adaptation, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, which was released in 2013. It was on Koffee With Karan that Singh and Padukone, who had been tight-lipped about their relationship, spilled the beans. Host Karan Johar slowly turned the conversation to how they fell in love. Singh revealed that initially it was Kareena Kapoor Khan who was supposed to…

KARAN Johar has unveiled the teaser of the Sara Ali Khan-starrer Ae Watan Mere Watan, which pays homage to freedom fighter Usha Mehta who, at the age of 22, used an underground radio to broadcast news exposing the British Raj during the 1942 Quit India Movement. The teaser begins with Johar standing in a museum and looking at old pictures, including a board with Ae Watan Mere Watan written on it. He then looks at a vintage radio receiver. Johar then says: “1942. The Britishers were crushing the Quit India Movement. But then came Usha. At the age of 22, she was the ray of hope in our struggle for freedom.” Then there is a glimpse of Khan in a white khadi sari, sporting a red bindi. Johar continues: “She…

NAYANTHARA, who is known as the Lady Superstar in the southern pantheon, shared a cryptic message on her social media that left her fans worried. Her Instagram text read: “She’s gonna forever say ‘I got this’ even with tears in her eye.” The cryptic message comes after it was rumoured that Nayanthara had unfollowed her husband, Tamil director Vignesh Shivan. A Reddit user shared the screenshot of Shivan being absent from the list of people whom Nayanthara followed on Instagram. Last week, on Instagram stories Nayanthara shared a black-and-white picture standing beside her husband, who has his arms wrapped around her. She didn’t write anything and attached Prateek Kuhad’s song Kho Gaye Hum Kahan to her story. Nayanthara last shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan.…

A FORMER Pietermaritzburg doctor who collapsed and died while on a hike in Cape Town, has been remembered for his love of helping people. Vishal Moodley, 46, was a general practitioner at the Intercare Milnerton Medical Centre in Cape Town. The former Northdale resident relocated 20 years ago. His niece, Nirvana Anandram, said Moodley had spent the night at the Ananda Kutir Ashram in Cape Town, where he had participated in a satsang (devotional gathering) before having dinner on February 24. “The next morning, he awoke early to prepare for a hike in Constantia Nek with about 10 people from the ashram. “He made roti rolls with a curry, which he had prepared that morning. He packed the food and the group left for the hike.” Anandram said while hiking,…

I am grappling internally with the unintended ripples of a delicate, in-person conversation I had with an acquaintance. I made a subtle suggestion that was intended to encourage but was, instead, received as being condescending, evoking some anger and hurt. On reflection, perhaps I could have offered an affirmation, not a suggestion, or just listened silently, with empathy. So often we think we are being helpful by slipping in an opinion or suggestion, without being fully aware of where someone is at on the textured spectrum of vulnerability. In an online conversation, the flow of human chemistry and rapport are short-circuited. Social media platforms are the new public square, connecting billions of users who are geographically spread and socially diverse. Everyone has a voice, from leaders, influencers and brands to…

FANS, coaches, commentators, journalists, referees, sporting administrators and other stakeholders regularly also receive online abuse. Ethnic minorities are more likely to be targeted by, and exposed to, online abuse. Appearance is the leading cause of online abuse for teenagers and females, being responsible for 38% of such incidents. About 28% of children around the world have experienced cyberbullying that is racially motivated. In the 2019/20 Premier League season, the Professional Footballers’ Association found that 43% of EPL (English Premier League) players had “experienced targeted and explicitly racist abuse on public Twitter”. During the 2022 World Championships, female athletes received 60% of all online abuse via Twitter and Instagram. 19 636 posts confirmed as abusive, discriminatory or threatening, have been reported to platforms during the Fifa World Cup in Qatar in…

A MEAL of stale dhal and rice is what Kanamma, Nesan, Beta, Chandra, Tara and Sunder have eaten all their lives. They know no other food. Without a shadow of doubt, a morsel of meat or a bone would never have touched the mouths of these stray dogs that roam the streets of Chennai in India. India has the world’s highest population of stray dogs and the largest number of deaths from rabies. The street dog population is reckoned to be as high as 70 million - and they present a variety of health and safety challenges. The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 200 million stray dogs worldwide and that every year, 55 000 people die from rabies. A nip on the ankle by a stray…

THE brutality of the conflict in Gaza has no precedent in warfare. The ongoing battles are consuming the lives of innocent people at an alarming rate. What will the legacy of diplomatic efforts be? It will be severely and harshly judged, as the merciless slaughter of men, women and children continues unabated in many parts of the destroyed enclave. The abject failure of the UN in halting this 21st-century holocaust has cast a dark shadow over humanity. The whole of mankind has turned a blind eye to the human tragedy unfolding in Rafah, by choosing not to respond to their plight or to relieve their solitude by offering aid or refuge. From our collective memory, in denying them their humanity we have betrayed our own. The world should be…

WORLD Obesity Day was observed on Monday. Did you observe it? Obesity is a growing global problem but more so in First World countries. The world’s human population passed the eight billion mark in January this year and according to recent statistics, a billion are not just fat but obese. The World Health Organization says it is alarmed that there are so many obese people on Earth. The worst affected are women. The World Obesity Atlas predicts that 50% of the women in South Africa will be too fat by 2030. Joining them are the children. But you don’t need the figures to show that obesity is a growing concern in the country. Go to any mall and watch the number of people not only pushing their loaded trolleys but…

THERE I was, whistling a happy tune while cruising along a busy Durban highway on Sunday, when I was pulled over by a traffic officer. Uh oh, here we go again. I knew I was well within the legal speed limit and waited in anticipation for what we’ve almost come to expect in such situations. It’s a hot day, the cop is thirsty and needs a Coke. You know the story. I paused momentarily to figure out how to react. Should I stand my ground and threaten to report him for attempted bribery, or just avoid unnecessary trouble by slipping a R100 note into the cubbyhole? To my pleasant surprise, it turned out he wasn’t a thirsty cop out to make a quick buck. He had stopped me with honourable…

SOCCER legend from Pietermaritzburg and the “Gentle Giant” Moses Allie passed away on March 1, the date of his birth. He was born in 1929. Allie was the owner of one of the oldest professional soccer teams, Maritzburg City, from 1962. He single handedly ran the club. Allie was unique in his character. He was unique in his strength. He was unique in his style of administration and, most importantly, he was unique in the non-racial professional football world. He had no sponsor, no financial backer, or no group of officials in the club to assist him. He ran the club in the South African Soccer League and later in the Federation Professional League, on his own. Moses would arrive at the ground to fulfil a fixture with five…

THIRTEEN municipal employees were arrested on Monday, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala, a provincial police spokesperson. The suspects, aged between 36 and 59, were charged with contravention of a court order, damage to infrastructure and malicious damage to property. Gwala said the employees had gathered at the municipal offices in Electron Road, Springfield. They allegedly put sand on the floor and burnt trees. They also allegedly forced other employees out of the offices and damaged the gate, she said. The suspects were expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.…

THE Clare Estate Crematorium Society has stood as a pillar of support and service within the Hindu community since its establishment in 1904. Over the past century, it has evolved, grown and overcome numerous challenges to become the esteemed institution it is today. From its humble beginnings to its modernisation initiatives, the society’s journey reflects a profound commitment to serving the community with compassion, dignity and environmental stewardship. Foundation and early years (1904 – 1930) The Clare Estate Crematorium Society was born out of necessity and a communal spirit in the early 20th century. Founded in 1904, it was established by pioneer residents of Clare Estate who recognised the need for a dedicated burial ground for the Hindu community. However, it was not until 1916 that legal steps were taken…

WHEN lists of all-time fast bowling greats are being drawn, it is hard to imagine one without a number of South African names in it. To this day, the fast bowling department is the strength of the Proteas Test team with Kagiso Rabada leading the charges. However, outside of Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger, the bowling stocks are drying out in the domestic scene and test coach Shukri Conrad is concerned. “If you look at the final (CSA 4-Day) that just took place now, I don’t think you saw anyone bowl above 136km/h, and that is a massive concern, especially for a country like ours where we’ve always had good fast bowling stocks,” Conrad told Independent Media. “You take Nandre (Burger) out of…

TWO months in and 2024 is treating us fisher folk pretty well with plenty of fish being caught and some decent conditions. Top tip: there are laws we have to follow but there are no rules that say a fish will only eat a single type of bait/lure. Experiment and try to figure out what you prefer. Fishing is both frustrating and relaxing, but you will get out what you put in. Listen to the common ideas and then adapt them to suit your style of fishing. The offshore fishing has been fantastic this past week. There have been plenty of fish caught and a lot of methods that have been productive. The North Coast has seen very good tuna fishing around the Ballito to Salt Rock area. Live bait…

MAMITHA Baiju, who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema, has levelled serious allegations against director Bala, with whom she worked in the film Vanangaan. Baiju said she endured mental harassment and physical assault from Bala, while working on the film, which also featured Tamil superstar Suriya. She claimed she was scolded and beaten while on set. “He had told me beforehand that he would be like that and advised me not to take it seriously even though it might be hurtful at that time. “So, I had mentally prepared for this while on set. He used to beat me too. Suriya sir already knew about it (Bala’s ways) because they had worked together before. So, their rapport was good and I was the new one in this dynamic.“ Suriya later walked…

MATHIMARAN is an unusual movie in that a real life actor, who suffers from a condition called dwarfism, is cast as the protagonist. Never before in Indian cinema has anyone who has dwarfism, been cast as the lead actor. But debutante director Mantra Veerapandian cast aside all inhibitions and decided on Venkat Senguttuvan to play the role. This is Senguttuvan’s second movie after debuting in Sivakarthekeyan’s alien movie, Ayalaan, earlier this year. Mathimaran is based on the challenges faced by a man because of his physical appearance. The movie depicts the controversial subject of body shaming. Social media is awash with memes and videos of people with physical deformities being ridiculed. Hopefully, Mathimaran will educate the masses that people with deformities are humans too, with feelings and would be easily…

A DURBAN man who attempted to board a flight from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg on Sunday was arrested after airport scanners detected five rounds of ammunition in his bag. Soon after his arrest at Robert Mugabe International Airport, Cuan Reed Govender, 25, was accused of being the “John Doe” who had reported a bomb at Victoria Falls International Airport on Friday. Flights at the airport were suspended following the alleged bomb threat. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was aboard his Falcon 7X, made a U-turn back to Harare. He was on his way to Victoria Falls to address the opening of the 56th UN Economic Commission for Africa. Govender’s arrest was confirmed by Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, on X. “Our security services have traced the so-called John Doe to one Cuan…

THE Ford Motor Co was founded by American innovator, industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford in 1903. In 1908, he wowed the world with his Model T revolutionising both the transportation and American industry. Henry Ford was born in a farmhouse in Michigan’s Springwells Township in 1863, leaving home at 16 to find work in Detroit, which later emerged as the motoring capital of the world. He experienced the first automobiles in the 1880s, while working at the Edison Electric Corporation. Having got his company off the ground with radical motoring and industrial methods, he was soon to become one of the richest and best known men in the world. Ford Motor Company is today headquartered on One American Road in Dearborn in the US state of Michigan. It designs,…

ROSHNI Gajjar has made history as the first South African woman to join a global research team, fighting the online abuse of athletes and sports officials. Gajjar, of Port Elizabeth, who has extensive expertise in motorsport, was one of four women in the world chosen by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of world motorsport, to receive a prestigious Global Research Scholarship, in support of the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign. This month, she joins Ana Rodriguez Armendariz of Mexico, Kimberley Wyllie of Scotland and Maria Luliano of Italy to roll out research programmes at the Dublin City University over two years, with full funding from the FIA Foundation. Through improving the understanding of online abuse against athletes and officials, they hope to drive behavioural…

THE Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 aims to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals. According to the act, animals are defined as domestic (dogs, cats, birds), equine, sheep, goats, pigs, fowls, or any animals including wild, which are in captivity or under control of any person. Some of the factors which constitute animal cruelty and are a punishable offence include a person who: Overloads, overdrives, overrides, ill-treats, neglects, infuriates, tortures, maims, cruelly beats, kicks, provokes or terrifies any animal. Confines, chains, tethers or secures any animal unnecessarily or under such conditions as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering – such as in any place which does not afford adequate space, ventilation, light protection or shelter from heat, cold or other weather…

MANY areas hosted the eagerly anticipated Cansa Shavathon with tremendous support from many communities. This initiative, that raises awareness of cancer, is the most wonderful way of getting support. Shaving, spraying and giving hope to cancer sufferers is definitely the most loved fund-raiser in most malls recently. It was so heart-warming to read that some of these malls showed their unwavering support towards this initiative. With recession taking a tight grip on the pockets of people everywhere, these gallant and dedicated officials from the Cancer Association and members of the public must be commended for their kind gesture. The efforts of these people make the community of Durban proud. Let us not forget the participants who gave hope to cancer survivors by showing solidarity with them in their fight…

THE central business district of Verulam, in the north of Durban, is deteriorating rapidly and it will not be long before destruction is the order of the day. This is what I witnessed last week while visiting the town centre to check the aftermath of the ugly protest action by municipal workers. During their protests for higher wages, they went on the rampage and thrashed the main Wick Street and surrounding streets with litter, broken bottles and waste. The workers emptied the rubbish in the streets without any thought or concern for the environment or for people who were trying to run their businesses. The municipality had to close its offices and they remained shut when I visited again. I also found that a number of businesses were trying…

FOLLOWING a year-long undercover operation, six suspects have been arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs in Chatsworth and Phoenix. The operation was led by members of the Hawks from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation working with Crime Intelligence, Durban metro police and Customs, following a public outcry. During the arrests on Friday, the team recovered heroin capsules and pieces of crack cocaine to the street value of approximately R110 000. Ashwin Hira, 61, a tuck shop owner, from Clayfield in Phoenix, was arrested and charged with drug dealing and money laundering. He appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was released on R20 000 bail. The other accused who were arrested in Chatsworth were Deshan Veersamy, 34, and Klyton Moodley, 30, both from Croftdene; Wesley James Moonsamy, 33,…

POLICE need to prioritise intelligence gathering to solve murders, and provide adequate training to new detectives, crime experts say. Gareth Newham, a crime expert from the Institute for Security Studies, said that last year, police managed to solve only 12.4% of murder cases compared with the 31% they solved in 2012. He said there many reasons for the high rate of unsolved murders. “This is due to the lack of intelligence, corrupt intelligence and the misuse of intelligence during the state capture years, which the country has not recovered properly from. “It is also due to the neglect of the detective services.” Newham said that as far back as 2013, there were detective dialogues in Parliament and they had asked for a turnaround strategy to see that detectives were properly…

1 packet Lemon Creams biscuits 1kg double cream plain yoghurt 1 tin condensed milk 3 tsp rose essence garnish with Biscuit crumbs, pistachios and pomegranate Crush the biscuits and microwave for 30 seconds. Spoon a layer into each glass and press in. Whisk the condensed milk into the yoghurt. Microwave for 2 minutes. Take out and whisk. Then place it back in the microwave for another minute and whisk. Spoon over the biscuit base then sprinkle a layer of biscuits followed by more of the filling. Stir in the rose essence on the top layer. Leave to set overnight. Garnish before serving.…

As the title suggests, this movie is about the political intrigues around the controversial issue of abrogating Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which led to the disputed territory of Kashmir becoming subject to the authority of the central BJP government after having had separate rules in force since the country’s independence in 1947. The women in the film shine, with Yami Gautam Dhar as tough intelligence officer Zooni Haksar, and Priyamani playing Rajeshwari Swaminathan, the firm officer in charge of the prime minister’s office. Haksar is driven by an incident in the past that led to the death of her father, so she has no qualms about bending the rules to nab terrorists. This gets her into trouble with her superiors and a suspension, until she is recalled…

PAYAL Ghosh will essay the role of yesteryear superstar Zeenat Aman in the upcoming biopic Shaque: The Doubt. Aman began her acting career in 1970 with the movie The Evil Within. She gained recognition for movies such as Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Qurbani, Dostana and Don. The 72-year-old actress has also become a trending personality on the photo-sharing application Instagram, on which she debuted in February last year. Talking about portraying Aman, Ghosh, who was last seen in Fire of Love: Red, said: “This is a humongous opportunity for me. I am really glad and fortunate that so much faith has been entrusted in me that they feel I can play such an iconic personality on-screen. “Zeenat Aman is a legend and getting to essay her on…

SUNNY Hinduja, who has worked in projects such as Aspirants, The Railway Men and Bhaukaal, will make his debut in Malayalam cinema with Hello Mummy, a fantasy comedy. Hinduja said: “I aspire to explore diverse genres of cinema and extend my reach to regional languages across India. Eventually, I aim to venture into international cinema, but I believe in commencing my journey from India. “Interestingly, the director of my debut Malayalam film reached out to me with genuine affection, which touched my heart. I don’t solely select projects; rather, it’s the love and support of people that guide me towards my choices. I embraced this project with enthusiasm, recognising the rich content-driven nature of Malayalam cinema.” Hinduja said Malayalam films often engaged in meaningful dialogues. “When offered the opportunity to…

THE Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission has ordered Pastor Bobby Perumal to give a written and video apology to the Hindu community, acknowledging the hurt he had caused through his hate speech and religious intolerance. Perumal’s utterances were reported to the SA Human Rights Commission and the CRL Commission by several organisations and individuals, including the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and social cohesion advocate, Raj Govender. In December last year, Perumal was delivering a sermon at the Queensburgh Congregational Church when he said that the Shiva Lingum was a demon, invading Europe with yoga. A video of his sermon went viral on social media. Perumal further told the congregation that a woman from Phoenix “was suffering badly with a spirit coiled up on her wishbone” and the spirit…

THE three workers who were burnt beyond recognition last week in a furniture factory fire in Missionlands, Verulam, had allegedly been locked inside while waiting to be paid their weekly wages of R850. It has been alleged that firefighters battled to put out the blaze because the fire hydrants had no water. Nine people, including Malawian and Indian nationals, had been locked in the factory. One of the Indian nationals is believed to have been the factory owner’s brother. The owner is known to the workers only as “Mr Singh”. Attempts to get in touch with him were unsuccessful. Sources told the POST that the factory owner was an Indian national and that he lived in Ballito. He is said to own a string of furniture stores in KwaZulu-Natal. Three…

POOBALAN Govindasamy, chairperson of the legal committee of the South African Football Association, and chairperson of the SA Indoor Football Association since 1981, says it is high time that measures are put in place to assist players who are victims of online abuse. “Most sporting federations or associations have medical experts as part of their teams, but we fail to have psychologists to provide mental support to the athletes. I think this should be made a requirement as abuse, both on the field and online, needs to be addressed,” he said. He cited the recent example of Bafana Bafana striker, Lyle Foster, who was not released to play in the Africa Cup of Nations due to mental health issues. This, he said, was indicative of how vital it was to…

Maha Shivaratri is a night of deliverance for everyone as Lord Shiva sheds His grace on all who sing His name in praise and even on those who accidentally hear His name being praised. This all-night vigil – on March 8 – falls on the moonless night in the month of Masi (between February and March). Spiritual seekers, consisting of Yogis and ordinary Siva devotees, converge on the precincts of the temples to witness the Linga abhishegam (ritualistic bathing of the lingam with various ingredients). The main activities of this prayerful night is the abhishegam, chanting and meditation. All Hindu temples across the globe and here on our South African shores will be abuzz with devotional singing, chanting, spiritual discourses, dancing of the Shiva Tandava (cosmic dance of creation) and…

THE right to strike is a fundamental human right. It is also one of the labour rights protected under the Constitution. Although the right to strike is protected, and employees are free to engage in a strike once the prescribed requirements have been met, employees should not make themselves guilty of misconduct during their strike action. Violence during the protected and unprotected strikes has become a serious concern in South Africa. Many lives have been lost, and damage to property running into millions has been caused when strikes turned violent. Section 17 of the Constitution requires anyone engaging in protest action to do so peacefully, and without infringing on the rights of others. A violent protest loses the protection of the Constitution. Striking Durban Solid Waste workers who belong to…

GUGU Sisilana, the city’s spokesperson, said they were concerned about the impact that the unlawful strike action was having on service delivery. She said the city was working tirelessly to attend to major power outages in several areas, and teams are working round-the-clock to restore electricity supply in affected communities. “The strike has resulted in our technical teams not being able to finalise trouble shooting on the Northern Aqueduct to determine if there’s improved efficiency of water flow on the pipeline after the completion of the installation of valves on February 28. "Incidents of vandalism and sabotage of water infrastructure has also resulted in water outages in some areas. Teams have been deployed to attend to damages and restore water supply. Water tankers are also being dispatched to affected areas,”…

STRIKING eThekwini Municipality workers are holding communities to ransom, shutting off water and power, mainly in the northern suburbs of Phoenix, Tongaat and Verulam. Yesterday (Tuesday), frustrated Verulam residents took to the streets in protest against the ongoing water and power outages, and the non-collection of refuse, which have been exacerbated by the strike. The Tongaat Water Works (TWW) was also shut down due to the strike action. The striking workers have demanded that the TWW operators be removed from duty, resulting in no pumping taking place from the water works to the reservoirs. It is unclear when the TWW will resume operation. Last week, the workers affiliated with the South Africa Municipal Workers Union downed tools, demanding wages on par with other municipalities. This resulted in service delivery being…

SIX suspects have been arrested for the murder of rapper “AKA” and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane on Florida Road, in Durban last year. Police Minister Bheki Cele commended the diligent efforts of the police in bringing these alleged killers to justice. The authorities tell us that the war against crime is being won. However, families in Durban, who have lost loved ones through crime and violence tell a different story as many of them are still waiting for justice. l In September last year, Rafik Suleman, was killed in an alleged hit at his home in Caneside, Phoenix. Suleman, 55, a taxi owner, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. His daughter, Tasrifa Suleman, said on the day of the incident her father had returned from the…