Table of contents for 2024-10-16 in Post

As the indentured labourers completed their contractual obligations in Natal, they migrated to the inland provinces, taking with them every aspect of their Indian heritage and culture. This month’s band focus is the Ranjeni Orchestra of Lenasia. THE Ranjeni Orchestra Lenasia was formed in 1948 in the backyards of Newclare, Johannesburg, by SR Pillay (Super), NV Naidoo (Johnny), Premchan Randin and Vella Padiachi when movement during apartheid was restricted. The band was originally called the Ramakrishna Orchestra and it then changed to Surydhaya Orchestra. In 1948, the talented and versatile Padiachi took over the band’s leadership and the name was changed to Ranjeni Orchestra Lenasia. The Ranjeni Orchestra of Durban was the inspiration for the name change. Under the leadership of late Padiachi, Ranjeni Orchestra produced excellent musicians and vocalists.…

Movie review: Jigra Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Manoj Pahwa Director: Vasan Bala Rating: 7/10 Jigra is an action-packed jailbreak thriller in which Alia Bhatt excels as Satya, a tough young woman who will not allow her brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) to be executed on fake drug-smuggling charges in a country akin to Singapore or Malaysia, where this results in a death sentence. To avoid embarrassing these two countries, director Vasan Bala creates a fictitious country, but the accents clearly suggest where in South East Asia this is happening. Satya is driven by her over-protective duty towards her brother, since they have been raised as orphans. She gets some unusual assistance in her plan to break into the high-security jail from ex-gangster Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa),…

The Chinmaya Mission of South Africa launched its “Nourish to Flourish” project at the Chinmaya Annapoorna at Rajput Hall in Chatsworth on Saturday. An industrial kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art cooking and packing facilities was built at the premises with a capacity to prepare meals for 10 000 people every day. At the event were...…

For the filling: 1 tbs butter 1 cinnamon stick ½ tsp jeera seeds ½ tsp mustard seeds 1 bay leaf 1 cup sweetcorn salt to taste 1 of each red, yellow, green pepper chopped into small pieces ½ cup of crumbled paneer chopped dhania In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Saute the jeera, mustard seeds, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Add the sweetcorn and salt. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the chopped peppers, paneer and dhania. Mix well and leave aside. The dough: 2 cups of cake flour 1 cup of brown bread flour or nutty wheat flour 100g of butter enough water to form a soft pliable dough In a mixing bowl, add the flour and mix well. Add…

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 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 flour paste and Kellogg crumbs and deep fry. Ensure the oil covers the entire patty or…

125g Vegan Plant Spread (Flora Vegan) ½ cup (125ml) castor sugar ¾ cup dessicated coconut ¼ cup (30ml) vegan cocoa powder a pinch of salt 85g dark Aero to decorate Preheat the oven at 180°C (fan). Line a baking tray with baking paper or non-stick spray. Keep aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the vegan fat spread, castor sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (I used an electric mixer). Mix in the coconut and then add the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Mix until you have a dough. Roll small pieces of dough into balls then flatten them out into ½cm in thickness. Place on a baking tray. Use the back of the fork to create an indentation. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes (it depends on the…

AN UMHLANGA mother, who separated from her husband whom she had married according to Hindu rites, has asked the court for the marriage to be recognised as legal, so she could have half of the assets from their estate. The application in the Durban High Court was made against her husband, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. She was represented by advocate Matthew Rudling and attorney Avir Maharaj. According to court documents, the woman and her husband, an electrical engineer, from Umhlatuzana Township, married in June 2009. They have an 11-year-old daughter. During this time, the couple had a verbal agreement that they would cohabit as man and wife with a joint estate. The husband was to financially maintain and support the woman…

SIXTEEN rounds of chemotherapy, 25 radiation sessions and a single mastectomy, were part of the gruelling treatment an Amanzimtoti mother endured after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Revashini Naidoo, 45, of Athlone Park, said for the past year she had been waging the toughest battle of her life after doctors discovered she had Stage 2 lobular breast cancer. “Little did I realise that my world was going to be turned upside down after I felt a lump on my left breast, while taking a shower in September last year. I immediately booked a mammogram. Following this, I was asked to schedule a biopsy, which confirmed I had breast cancer,” she said. Naidoo, a dental practice manager, said she was shocked and devastated when her diagnosis was confirmed. “I was…

Political leaders have welcomed the eThekwini Municipality’s decision to formalise the tuck-shop industry, with its intention of lending support to tuck-shop owners. Brandon Pillay, former ANC MPL and community activist, said he believed it was a positive move in the right direction. “I applaud the decision taken by the municipality. Tuck-shops play a huge role in township economies. Apart from creating a stable income for the owner of the tuck-shop, it is supporting locals and keeping the community economically active. “Tuck-shop owners need to be assisted with business licensing, business support, financial planning and management as well infrastructure upgrade. There are sufficient regulations and bylaws. However, they need to be implemented and acted upon. What was lacking was a clamp down on those who are non-compliant, especially when you find…

LARD, the fat from pork, and tallow, the fat from beef, triggered the Indian Rebellion of 1857. There is an interesting narrative that unpacks the role of the animal tissue. The mutiny by sepoys - Indians soldiers employed to defend European military garrisons - was ignited by supposed religious transgressions by the East India Company. Sepoys throughout India were issued with a new Enfield rifle. To load the rifle, soldiers had to bite the cartridge open to pour some gunpowder into the muzzle. The cartridges were greased to keep them waterproof. The fact that the cartridges had to be placed in the sepoys' mouths was the problem. It was rumoured that the cartridges were coated with pig or cow fat, making them anathema to Muslim and Hindu troops, respectively. The…

THE volatile and escalating situation between Iran and Israel cannot be resolved by military force or political subjugation. Any act of brinkmanship could result in a deadly chain of events that neither country will be able to control and contain. The major powers are blissfully unaware or are ignorant of the grim global consequences of attacking nuclear institutions. Should a tactical nuclear weapon be used, atomic fallout will spread. Deadly nuclear debris does not respect neutrality or geographical frontiers. Radioactive ash will encircle the globe. Political leaders and military strategists remain oblivious to the consequences of a fully-fledged nuclear attack. Both countries will not survive a nuclear holocaust. In this part of the world there is no substitute for diplomacy. A powder keg cannot be defused by intimidation. History teaches…

TO HIM I say touchè Dennis Pather (pictured). I see you’re still as sharp as your former editor’s blue-pencil. This is in response to his column: “Please pour Shamila a stiff one, Cyril”, the POST, October 9-13. Which brand, Dennis? Gaveen is a stiff drink alongside uTshwala, Witklip or Johnny Walker. What she needs is a counter-dote to her moral amnesia. I understand that political gerrymandering aka shenanigans aka tactics may have hamstrung her like the people of ancient times did to Salih’s camel, but did the cat get or capture her tongue too in the process? That’s grist for the mills of opposition parties such as the Indophobic EFF. Shamila is a public funded servant answerable to the people whom she sweet-talked into entrusting her with our confidence. I…

DIWALI is a time of great joy, peace and blessings. To the Hindu community, it signifies the triumph of righteousness over evil, the return of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman from 14 years of exile beautifully depicted in the Ramayana and going back to time immemorial. This year Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. It is one of the most auspicious and popular of Hindu festivals. Yet, every year, from certain quarters, it elicits outrage, a lack of understanding and sadly a tirade of “hate speech” using inter alia, social media platforms. In an attempt to avert or rather curtail animosity and conflict, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) hopes to educate the community on the rights of all citizens and on the broader significance of Diwali…

THE IFP is deeply saddened by the passing of Former Minister of Labour (1994-1998) and Finance (2018-2021) and Governor of the Reserve Bank, Dr Titus Tito Mboweni, a distinguished son of the soil, who served South Africa with dedication and integrity. As part of the Class of 1994 GNU that ushered South Africa into a new era, Minister Mboweni was instrumental in fostering national reconciliation, social cohesion and dignity in the work space through labour law reforms. His contributions to our country's economic development, during his tenure as Minister and Governor of the Reserve Bank, will be one to tell generations about. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the country at large for we have lost a patriot and a servant of the people par excellence.…

Fairway bunkers can be a daunting obstacle for golfers of all skill levels. However, with the right technique and strategy, you can turn these challenging shots into scoring opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the key principles and tips to help you hit successful shots from fairway bunkers. Fairway bunkers present several challenges, including limited stance and swing space, difficulty in maintaining balance, risk of digging into the sand, uncertainty about the lie and ball position. Before hitting from a fairway bunker, consider the following pointers: Assess the lie - evaluate the ball’s position and the sand’s texture. Choose the right club - select a club with enough loft to clear the bunker lip. Position your feet - stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight favouring the left…

SAMANTHA Ruth Prabhu loves getting dolled up and revealed that fashion was fun again for her. She took to Instagram where she posted a string of pictures in a nude hued skirt with fringes and a crop top. Prabhu chose statement gold chunky jewellery and subdued make-up to complete the look. For the caption, she wrote: “Fashion is fun again because I get to play dress up with my best friend...” Prabhu keeps experimenting with her looks and shares it on social media to treat her fans and followers. Last month, for the promotions of her spy action series Citadel: Honey Bunny, she posted mesmerising pictures, showcasing her elegance in a white outfit. In her post, she included a sparkle emoji and tagged her location as London, UK. Prabhu recently…

The Patni Social Club, the Surat Hindu Association and the Gujarati Hindu Sanskruti Kendra concluded the Hindu festival of Navaratri on Friday at the Kendra Hall. At the event were...…

500g cornflakes 300g rice crispies 4 fresh coconuts 6 large onions 12 green chillies 1 cup fresh curry leaves 600g roasted peanuts 1 tbs kuskus 25g roasted soomph seeds 100g plain chilli powder salt to taste 100g roasted almonds Roast the cornflakes and rice crispies in the oven on 150°C for 15 minutes. Cut and thinly slice four fresh coconuts and roast in the oven until golden. Slice the onions and fry in the oil until crispy. Now slice 12 long green chillies and fry them until crispy. Fry the curry leaves. Add these to the cornflakes and rice crispies. Add the roasted peanuts, a tablespoon of kuskus and the roasted soomph seeds. Add the plain chilli powder and salt to taste. Mix everything. I also added roasted almonds…

1 cups gram flour 1 cup self raising flour 1 tsp red crushed chilli 2 tsp freshly roasted dhania jeera powder 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp hing 1 large onion finely chopped 3 green chillies finely chopped ½ grated potato 1 cup finely chopped spinach Mix all the dry ingredients together and add the water, a little at a time, to form a thick batter. Add the onions, chillies, potato and spinach. Mix well and fry teaspoonfulls of the batter in medium to hot oil until golden brown (if the oil is too hot, it will cook on the outside but the inside will be raw. If too warm, it will absorb oil). Drain on paper towels and enjoy.…

2 dozen patta/madumbi leaves 2 cups chana flour 2 tbs mealie meal 5 tbs cake flour 8 tbs Amasi (buttermilk) green chillies to taste 1 tbs garlic, crushed 1-2 onions, grated, depending on the size 1 tomato, grated 2 tsp salt 1 tbs roasted and crushed jeero 1½ tbs roasted and crushed dhania 2 tbs methi masala 2 tbs vinegar Make the mixture by adding everything together and the juice of the onions and tomatoes should be enough to make the filling but if it's a bit dry then add some white vinegar. Fill the leaves. Stack 5 on top of another or make individual ones. Roll up. Close securely with foil. Steam for about 2 hours. Cut up when cold then freeze. It is a lovely…

200g dates 1 tsp (5ml) refined coconut oil (optional) ⅓ cup (80ml) almonds ⅓ cup (80ml) cashews ¼ cup (60ml) dried cranberries ½ cup (125ml) desiccated coconut for garnish Chop the dates. Then roast the nuts in a non-stick pan for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Keep aside to cool. Add the coconut oil to the pan (optional). Add the chopped dates and cook, while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes. This method works well if the dates are hard and dry. Place the nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times until the nuts are chunky. Keep aside in a mixing bowl. Add the cranberries into the bowl as well. Add the dates to the food processor and blend until it is soft and forms…

100g Vegan Plant Spread (Flora vegan) or plant bake butter 80ml castor sugar 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract 1 cup (250ml) desiccated coconut 1 cup (250ml) cake wheat flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda a pinch of salt 1 tbs (15ml) soy or almond milk Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and keep aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, castor sugar and vanilla extract (use a whisk or electric mixer). When the mixture is fluffy, add the coconut and mix gently. Stir in the sifted flour. Mix with a spoon until nice and crumbly. Add the tablespoon of soy milk. Form a dough. Divide the biscuit dough into 2 parts – roll into a cylinder and wrap clingwrap. Refrigerate the biscuit…

MARRIED Hindu couples believe that the customary marriage should be legal because it is more significant than merely registering a marriage. Wendy Moodley, 45, a business woman from Ballito, has been married for 24 years to her husband Clayton, 50, an engineer. Moodley said Hindu customary marriages should be recognised as a legal contract. “We live in a democratic country, which means equal rights for all citizens. A Hindu marriage is a sacred ceremony, which precedes the modern-day court. All acts performed during the ceremony are witnessed by guests and the thali (sacred yellow string) is blessed and tied by the husband. He then places a red dot on her forehead to indicate the lady is now married and his wife. “The couple take vows before God and guests. It…

A clear vision, work ethic and humble approach to her professional career has helped Dr Charnell Ruby Naidu earn the title “Commissioner” at the Commission of Gender Equality (CGE). Naidu, 55, was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and recently began her new job. Leaving behind more than three decades in the education sector, friends, colleagues and pupils was not easy but Naidu knew she had to take the next step. The CGE is a Chapter 9 institution that was established in accordance with Section 187 of the Constitution. It promotes gender equality as well as the protection, development and attainment of gender equality in South Africa. The former English teacher said the days leading up to her interview for the position were “nerve wracking”, and she often felt overwhelmed. “Around…

WITH at least one in 30 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in South Africa, early detection could be the key to surviving the dreaded diseases. Sulosh Pillay, chairperson of Daughters of Africa, said for various reasons, many women only found out they have breast cancer at a later stage. One of the non-profit organisation’s key initiatives is to provide free cancer awareness, screening and testing, particularly in under-served and under-serviced communities. Pillay said globally, breast cancer was the most common and the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women. “In South Africa, the risk of developing breast cancer by age 74 is estimated to be at least one in 30 women, though this risk varies significantly across different racial groups. “While we don't have exact data on…

CAN we achieve a mission impossible? Will this be a magmatic success or failure? I am proposing, and I reiterate that this is just a proposal. We forget our mobile devices and the other flat screen that is proudly perched on our walls in our homes. Let’s be honest, these devices, the big and small ones often become a topic of discussion around like-minded individuals enthralled in the digital explosion. Which brings me to my question: would we be able to cope without Facebook, Insta, WhatsApp, shopping apps, YouTube, TikTok and Gmail, just for a short while? Like maybe a day or two? It is a big stretch. So, can we make a conscientious decision to notify the schools, your boss and family? Imagine a teacher asking a pupil…

IT IS AN immense honour to stand before you today as we gather to unveil the Sivananda Peace Pillar. This momentous occasion not only marks a significant milestone for the Umkomaas Hindu Society but also for our entire province. The theme for today, “Promoting universal love, peace, oneness, and unity in diversity,” resonates deeply with the values we cherish as a community and as a nation. The Sivananda Peace Pillar is more than just a monument, it is a symbol of our collective aspiration for a harmonious society where love and peace reign supreme. It serves as a reminder of the teachings of Gurudev Swami Sivananda, whose life and work epitomised selfless service, compassion, and unity. Today, we celebrate these principles and reflect on how we can incorporate them into…

DENNIS Pather’s fortnightly columns add great reader value to the POST. Obviously gifted with journalistic ink in his veins, retirement has not halted his ability to continue penning observations of life. His long and successful career in newspapers, of course, endows him with status and influence. However, in one respect it is a pity that he subscribes to a narrative regarding certain public figures, which is simply not correct. In the October 9-13 edition of the POST, Pather demonises Donald Trump as a “right-wing bigot” and castigates him for referring to African countries as “shithole” states. In the 20th century, references to right-wing or left-wing instantly stereotyped a person’s politics. But with the advent of globalism as the agenda of an assortment of Marxists, progressives, liberals, socialists, secularists and anyone…

THE current conditions in communities are far worse than that of the indentured labourers (who lived in hope of a brighter future), or the tin town activists who manage to pull themselves out of poverty by their boot-straps. We are living in a hunger games society where the reality is many adults in the family eat one meal a day. I agree that apartheid is deeply entrenched in town planning and economy. So is a new form of apartheid called gatekeeping, which is prevalent in all communities. The disruptive lockdowns shattered lives and livelihoods. The digital divide that this has created has allowed those in higher authority to carry out crimes against humanity that will go down into the annals of history has been far worse than the great depression…

MELANI Chetty, the lone survivor of a brutal attack that claimed the lives of her elderly mother and teenage son, remains sedated in hospital. Earlier this month, Nadhira Essack (also known as Vanmala Chetty), 74, and Mikai Joshua Chetty, 13, were found dead in a bedroom of their Effingham home. The grade 7 Glenashley Preparatory pupil was found on the floor of the bedroom. The right side of his neck had been slit. Essack was found dead in her bed. It is believed she had been suffocated. Melani, 50, was found in another bedroom with her neck and wrists slit. She is in a critical condition in hospital. A knife was found at the scene. “Melani is still in hospital and still heavily sedated. Once she is doing better we…

India captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership capabilities after his appointment as Test vice-captain for the three-match New Zealand series. Bumrah hasn’t had much captaincy caps to his name in his international career but Rohit shared that he was part of the leadership group and also led India occasionally in the past. “Bumrah understands the game pretty well. He’s got a good head on his shoulder. When you talk to him, he understands the game,” Rohit told reporters in the pre-match press meet after rain hampered India’s training session. “Tactically, I can’t say much because he has not captained much,” he added. Bumrah was appointed captain of the Ireland T20I series last year on his comeback after the injury before the Asia Cup. In 2022,…

Movie review: Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Cast: Triptii Dimri, Rajkummar Rao, Mallika Sherawat, Vijay Raaz and Archana Puran Director: Raaj Shaandilyaa Rating: 5/10 This movie is another case of disappointment after an extremely promising trailer. The title is about a risqué video made by Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Triptii Dimri) that is stolen from their home’s video player. The first-half of the movie is fairly entertaining, but as the search for the thief progresses, a series of absurd, improbable and downright ridiculous events take place. This includes an attempt to include scenes akin to ones in Rajkummar’s recent hit Stree 2, with hopeless results. The suspects include a bumbling police inspector, who consistently exploits his second-in-command; a dealer in stolen goods; and some gangsters; all…

THE 19th Sivananda Peace Pillar, inscribed with prayers from the world’s major religions, was unveiled at the Umkomaas Hindu Society, in Craigieburn, on Saturday. The heritage monument was the brainchild of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, founder and president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation. At the event were...…

8 large potatoes oil 1 tbs mustard seeds 1 tbs jeera seeds 1 chopped onion 1 tbs crushed garlic 2 tbs turmeric salt ½ cup chopped coriander 2 tbs crushed chilli pickle Cut the potatoes in small pieces. Add oil to a pot add the mustard seeds and jeera seeds. Fry for a minute. Add the onion, crushed garlic and turmeric. Fry for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and salt. Cover and cook on a low until the potatoes are soft, for about 20 minutes. Now add the chopped coriander. My secret is to mix in two tablespoons of crushed chilli pickle. Let it cool and you can fill the pre-bought strips.…

1kg mixed veg ½ cup butter salt 2 tbs crushed garlic 2 tbs dry or fresh thyme ½ cup flour 2 cups milk 1 cup grated cheese Add the mixed veg to a pot with the butter and a bit of salt. Fry for about 8 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and dry or fresh thyme. Let it fry for 5 minutes. Add the flour and mix it. Let it coat the mixed veg. If you feel the flour is less, add more as the sauce must be thick. Now add the milk and mix. Cook until it becomes thick. Remove from the stove and add the grated cheese. Mix. Leave the mixture in the fridge for a few hours to get cold before making the spring rolls. You can…

1 cup (250ml) semolina 1 cup (250ml) plant spread or vegan butter 2 small cinnamon sticks 3 cardamom pods 2 cups (500ml) almond milk 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar or 1/2 cup jaggery or sweetener of your choice yellow vegan food colour Orley Whip cream (non-dairy) 1/4 cup chopped almonds, coloured as per your preference. Melt the vegan plant spread in a pot on low-medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. When the butter is completely melted, add the semolina. Stir with a spoon until the mixture becomes fragrant and starts to brown. Lower the heart or remove the pot from the stove. Pour in the almond milk. Use a whisk to mix initially to prevent lumps from forming. Place the pot back onto the stove. Turn up…

RELIGIOUS leaders and law experts are of the view that legalising Hindu customary marriages would be a step in the right direction to ensure equality for all South Africans. Ashwin Trikamjee, the President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), said this court application was of significance to all Hindus in South Africa for the recognition of Hindu Marriages, which are not registered in terms of the Marriage Act. “As such, the SAHMS is studying the papers and if the need arises, we will apply to court to be joined in as amicus curiae (impartial adviser). It is a significant step to ensure equality for all South Africans before the law.” He said the development of the common law for the recognition of Hindu marriages would provide equality and…

RELIGIOUS faith involves belief in a deity or other spiritual force; abiding by set standards of conduct; and hoping for the ultimate triumph of good over evil. A house of worship brings people together to pray. There is commitment to a cause greater than themselves, which gives their lives meaning and makes them feel good. Religion can also be used to eliminate social injustice, discrimination and poverty. The spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), who attempted to combine Hindu spirituality with Western material progress, said: “I do not believe in a God or religion which cannot wipe the widow’s tears or bring a piece of bread to the orphan’s mouth.” It is against this exhortation to labour for the benefit of humanity that the Chinmaya Mission of SA has embarked on…

LAST WEEK a 27-year-old man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for being in possession of R6.9 million in US dollars in cash. While the circumstances of his arrest might sound significant, the case itself raises critical questions about how justice is applied, especially in a country where the president was found with millions in foreign currency hidden in his couch, yet faced no real consequences. Let’s not beat around the bush. When President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm was raided, and millions of rands worth of US dollars were discovered stashed in a sofa, the public was told by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that there was no prospect of securing a successful conviction. The NPA claimed that insufficient evidence made it impossible to hold Ramaphosa accountable. But…

THE Merebank Tamil School Society must be commended for the highly-anticipated cultural show on Sunday, which, once again, proved to be a resounding success, drawing a capacity crowd. This has cemented the community's thirst for cultural experiences. Electrifying performances and warm hospitality made this show unforgettable. Thank you, Morgan Nadasen, for bringing some of the most sought after artists to perform. Well done sir, in promoting culture to the younger generation, who are our future leaders. Let us not forget some of the members who worked tirelessly, including chairman Krish Govender, Yogin and Desan Nadasen, Segie Moodley, secretary Yogasen Moodley and the rest of the team. As Morgan Nadasen rightly said, it is time to celebrate our rich mother tongue, which is not only a beautiful language but one of…

A R360 million “overtime bill” for VIP Protection is pure thuggery from the South African ratepayer and R2billion for the 2024/5 financial year is a sacrilege. Are politicians’ lives suddenly more important to protect with bloated security details and exorbitant overtime bills than the South African public? The National Independent Congress of South Africa (NICSA) condemns the irrational spending on overtime bills for VIP Protection units for politicians’ safety, while the country languishes in the throes of rampant criminality. A total of R360m was spent over two financial years for overtime pay for members of these units, which is not only grossly excessive, but one has to question the reason for such expenditure when the SAPS is entrusted to ensure the safety and security of all as a normal course…

A TUCK-shop owner died after he was allegedly hit multiple times on the head with a hammer, during a robbery at his shop in Kathu in the Northern Cape, last Tuesday. Mohammed Ferazi, 31, a Bangladeshi national, sustained severe injuries to his head and back. The brutal attack was caught on CCTV cameras inside the shop, and has since gone viral on social media. In the video, Ferazi is seen standing inside the shop. One suspect is seen standing outside the shop and another at the entrance of the tuck-shop. As Ferazi walked to the back of the shop, the second suspect entered the store. He pulled out a hammer from the back of his pants and hit Ferazi on his head. Ferazi fell to the floor and the suspect…

IF YOU came of age in the late 1930s in South Africa there were many issues to politically consume. In 1938 Afrikaner nationalism was boosted by centenary celebrations of the Great Trek. Ox-wagons trekked across the country in a dizzy re-enactment of the people “chosen by God” to rule this land. War clouds were looming. Jan Smuts went from Boer “terrorist” to what was seen as the henchman of the Empire. His desire to join the United Kingdom in the war against Germany split the Afrikaners, many of whom still carried the wounds of the concentration camps and had sympathy with the Nazis. Indian, Coloured and African people were hemmed in by draconian segregation laws but as yet were divided in their responses. It was in this political cauldron that…

We all grew up dreaming of making a success of ourselves at a relatively young age. Some grow up dreaming of representing their country in their teens or early twenties, and as much as some get to live in their dreams, most never make their dreams a reality, at least not like they had dreamt about them. Proteas batter David Bedingham is one of those guys whose dreams of playing for South Africa in his early twenties just never happened. Though he is a prodigy with bat in hand, an effortlessly aesthetic stroke maker, Bedingham only got to make his international debut at 29 years of age, a total opposite to what he dreamt of as a young boy growing up in Cape Town. For some prodigies, your Kagiso Rabada’s…

The winds have been blowing us around this past week. The rough conditions have yielded some difficult albeit rewarding fishing. The offshore fishing continues on a high in spite of the cooler weather. The North Coast has seen the bulk of the gamefish action. There have been some very good catches of couta, dorado, tuna and sailfish to name the top four. Live bait has been (and always will be) king. All of the species will rarely turn down a well-presented and lively baitfish trolled behind a boat or ski. When bait is scarce then lures will still produce good results. Cape Vidal has been the place to be with social media full of amazing catches from there. The central section of the KZN coast has produced a lot of…