Table of contents for 2024-10-23 in Post

THE Bhagavad Gita wonderfully reminds us that the performance of yajna has the potential to bestow upon human beings all desirable things. The Creator, having in the beginning created humanity together with sacrifice (yagya)), said: "By this shall you propagate, let this be the milch-cow (source of profit) of your desired objects.” Human beings are, therefore, bound forever to show appreciation to God by offering thanksgiving prayer daily. While Hindus have several reasons for celebrating Diwali or Deepavali, the most prominent activity on Deepavali is the worship of God in the form of Mother Luxmi. Luxmi Pooja forms the most important part of the Deepavali festival. The remote antiquity of Deepavali Ancient Sanathan literature references Deepavali's remote antiquity, which has evolved into various popular events, such as Lord Rama's return…

AS WE prepare to celebrate Diwali, the stars align to guide us towards prosperity, positivity and inner strength. Diwali is a time to renew hope, dispel darkness, and invite blessings into our lives. This horoscope provides a glimpse into what each zodiac sign can expect during this auspicious time, and reveals the lucky colour to enhance your energy this Diwali. Embrace the festive energy by wearing or incorporating your zodiac’s lucky colour into your celebrations. Whether it’s in your attire, home decor, or rituals, these colours are sure to enhance your experience of joy, prosperity, and peace during this auspicious time. Aries (March 21 – April 19) Aries will feel a surge of creativity and vitality. It’s a perfect time to focus on family bonding and revamping your home environment.…

ACTRESS Deepika Padukone shared a video from her thoughtful interaction with Arianna Huffington at the Live Love Laugh Foundation Lecture series, held in celebration of World Mental Health Day 2024. In the video, Huffington and Padukone are seen discussing the topic of “midlife crisis”. The Piku actress reposted the video, originally shared by The Live Love Laugh Foundation, on Instagram. The post was captioned: “We often measure success through money, status and power, but @ariannahuff, in conversation with @deepikapadukone, introduces a third metric – one that helps us thrive, not just survive. Watch the full Lecture Series 2024 edition on YouTube to catch their insightful discussion on ‘The Journey to Well-Being.’ #WorldMentalHealthDay.” In the footage, the renowned author can be heard saying: “I was having a midlife crisis in my…

Duff is a psychic medium, past life specialist, spiritual coach, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for more than 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal. Duff can be contacted at 072 986 5514 or email sharron@quantsoul.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Focus on yourself for a bit. It’s the last push for end of year, being the last quarter but your energy is important as well. Watch your health and seek medical advice if you need to. Study is around you for early next year. You may be asked for advice or mentorship. Just be careful of your time. Lucky colour: navy. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) You may feel like you want to pull back from relationships…

A VERULAM grandmother courageously fought off an ex-convict who hit her with a pop rivet gun, shattering her teeth and then throttled her inside her car, in an attempt to rob her. The 62-year-old administrative officer, who did not want to be identified due to her safety concerns, said she had just finished running her errands at around 8.30am, when the man accosted her, in the Verulam central business district on Monday morning. “I jumped into my car, a white Ford Figo, which was parked on Wick Street. When I closed my door, I heard the back door closing and I immediately knew that someone was in the back seat. But before I could turn around, the man grabbed me by my neck from behind. “He pulled my head back…

THE directors of the non-profit organisation, Survival Centre, have called on the government to amend the Public Holidays Act to include Diwali, Eid-ul-Fitr and a traditional African holiday. Reverend Ethan Ramkuar, one of the organisation's directors and a community activist, said submissions were made to the Department of Home Affairs at the end of September – Heritage Month. “Our organisation believes in inclusion, diversity and social cohesion. Furthermore, the Hindu, Muslim and African communities have made great contributions towards the betterment of the country, especially through their humanitarian efforts. “We believe, since South Africa professes democracy, being a rainbow nation and promotes the spirit of Ubuntu, it will be only fair to include the three requested holidays into the South African calendar,” he said. Ramkuar said they had submitted that…

WHEN community activist, Sham Maharaj, looked at his utility bill for September he could not understand how his bill had increased from R3 000 to a staggering R14 000 in one month. After taking a closer look at the billing, he discovered that it was not only addressed to him but a person living in uMlazi. Maharaj, from Greenbury in Phoenix, said he was shocked. “I generally do not look at the name because the last thing one would expect is the bill to have another name and account details on it. I look at the amount owed and the breakdown of the bill. “My utility bill comes to around R3 000 every month. When I saw R14 000, I could not understand how or why it increased by R11…

AYURVEDIC medicine studies and treats the body using a holistic approach. As Ayurvedic practitioners, we aim to address the root causes of disease, and correct diet and lifestyle. In recent years, there have been many fad diets that promise to make you lose weight or get rid of specific diseases. While some may work, it is important to remember that every body type is different. A diet that works for your friend or relative may not necessarily suit you. This is where Ayurvedic medicine works well because we look at an individualised approach. In following a clean diet, there are a few factors that are emphasised, namely one that promotes balance of the bioregulatory systems (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), optimal digestion (Agni), and preventing the accumulation of metabolic toxins (Ama).…

SAMANTHA Hurley, owner and recruitment manager for Gourmet Recruitment International South Africa, said they filled an average of 60 new positions a month for cruise ship jobs. “There is definitely a growing demand for employment aboard cruise ships. “We also have huge interest from our cruise clients to hire South Africans because of their great knowledge, good hospitality experience, work ethic and friendliness.” Hurley said they found the jobs in demand were in food and beverage, culinary, restaurant service staff, housekeeping, youth activities and photography, among others. She added that some of the reasons there was a growing demand was due to the benefits, which included gaining international experience, earning in US dollars, personal growth and career development. “There is also the opportunity to travel the world and experience living…

IT IS difficult to write a fitting tribute to my father, Yusuf Gany Mahomed, 90, popularly known as Yusuf Jooma. He was a loving husband and father, a successful businessman, a community person, a leader, a mentor to many and whose life had a profound impact on thousands. From my earliest memories, my father was a guiding light. He approached life with a rare blend of passion and integrity, whether in business or in the countless ways he supported our community. His spirit was not just about building business; it was about creating opportunities for others. He often told me, “a good leader produces other leaders”. This philosophy shaped my understanding of what it means to lead with purpose. It is said that unsung heroes remain that until they are…

PROFESSOR Saleem Badat is a university leader, critical sociologist, scholar, higher education policy specialist and activist. Saleem’s embrace of the early 1970s radical “Revisionist” school, critical theory and critical university studies shaped his commitment to ensuring that university education is an ennobling adventure and a formative intellectual and social experience that is available to all with the necessary talent. His scholarly understanding combined with anti-apartheid political activism underpin his profound commitment to knowledge and universities, equity, diversity and inclusion, non-racialism and non-sexism, social justice and the transformation of universities. Hence his books on exceptional but forgotten persons who were banished under apartheid and on neglected non-racial tennis players, his passionate promotion of effective support for promising early career scholars, and his mentoring of many Humanities scholars. In 2004 the University…

THE ANC’s ongoing struggle to gain significant traction among the Indian minority in KwaZulu-Natal reveals deeper structural and ideological barriers that continue to limit its appeal. At the heart of this challenge is an entrenched cabal of self-proclaimed intellectuals within the Indian community, a small but influential grouping that, while presenting itself as progressive and committed to transformation, has consistently failed to engage meaningfully with the realities of working-class Indians. This group, mainly professionals, doctors, lawyers, business leaders, and corporate elites, was strikingly visible at the recent Natal Indian Congress (NIC) 130th commemoration, where a recycled audience of less than 200 attendees offered a glimpse into the exclusivity of the space. But the question must be asked: does this narrow audience truly represent the Indian community at large? The poor…

THE sanctity of human life in South Africa is defined by the gun or other deadly weapons of choice like knives, machetes or axes and whose hand it is in. Thirty six people are dead in a fortnight of mass killings - a blood bath in Lusikisiki claimed the lives of 18 people, 6 community policing forum patrollers were gunned down in Qumbu, also in the Eastern Cape, 5 people were knifed to death in Bergville and 7 were shot and killed in Orange Farm. Several deep-rooted societal problems – cultural, economic, psychological, and environmental – could be at the nexus of such brutal behaviour. In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, he defines the basic needs or physiological requirements of every human as food, water, shelter, sleep and sex. Let's start…

THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha flagship event, the Durban Diwali Festival, will be held from October 25 to 27 at the Suncoast parking site. Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the Sabha, said the theme was “Love and Light”. “We have decided to go with this theme as it is universal. Love brings about family and community camaraderie, while light is synonymous with Diwali.” Trikamjee said visitors were in for a surprise. “This year’s event features a fresh layout designed to enhance your experience. It’s a new approach and everything is user-friendly. “We will have a large marquee where all our vendors, including the food stalls, will be inside. We have upgraded on what we have to offer. By doing this, we have ensured that the public will be safeguarded…

The Premier League has been long cherished, bridging generations and fostering a sense of community among families. For decades, parents and grandparents have passionately followed their favourite teams, creating lasting memories and traditions. This love affair with English football has been seamlessly passed down to children, who now eagerly carry the torch. From Manchester United to Liverpool, Chelsea to Arsenal, and beyond, young fans enthusiastically support their teams, inheriting rivalries and forging new ones. The games serve as entertainment and as they grow, their love for the Premier League deepens, fuelled by thrilling matches, skillful players, and club histories. The POST spoke to young soccer fans in Durban to share their passion for Premier League teams - to see where their love for the game came from, their favourite players,…

500g softened butter or good quality margarine 1 cup sifted castor sugar ¼ cup cornflour ½ cup custard powder 1 tsp vanilla essence 4 to 5 cups sifted flour In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, castor sugar, cornflour, custard powder and vanilla essence. Mix until creamy. Add a cup of flour at a time, until you get a soft pliable dough. Knead well. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, to 1cm thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out the biscuits. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet. Bake the biscuits in a standard oven at 160ºC for about 15 to 20 minutes, or in a thermofan oven at 110ºC for about 12 to 15 minutes, until they are browned underneath. Cool the biscuits and decorate…

500g full cream milk powder 1 cup milk 1 cup sugar 150ml fresh cream ½ cup crushed nuts (almond, cashew and pistachio) 2 tbs ghee 1 tsp cardamom powder In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and heat over medium-low heat. Add the fresh cream, milk and sugar to the pan. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved. Then add the milk powder. Stir well to combine. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, about 20 minutes. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. Add the crushed nuts and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Grease a square or rectangular dish with the remaining ghee. Pour the burfee mixture into the dish…

500g softened butter (I prefer to use 350g butter and 150g good quality margarine) 1 cup sifted icing sugar ¼ cup cornflour 1 tsp vanilla essence 4 to 5 cups sifted flour jam of your choice In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, icing sugar, cornflour and vanilla essence. Mix until creamy. Add a cup of flour at a time until you get a soft pliable dough. Knead well. Spray a mini muffin pan and dust it with flour. Separate the dough into 2 parts (¾ for the bases and ¼ to grate for the top). Wrap the dough, for grating, in cling wrap and place it in the fridge. Break little portions of the dough, roll into balls and place them in the muffin pan. Using the back…

2 cups flour 1 tbs margarine +/- 170ml milk Filling: 1 cup desiccated coconut, roasted ¼ cup thill, toasted in a pan ½ crushed nuts (peanuts, almonds, brazil, etc), roasted 1 cup sugar 1 tsp elachi Combine all the above and mix well. In a mixing bowl, add the flour and rub in the margarine. Then add the milk gradually until you get a rollable dough. Roll out the dough on a flat and floured surface. Roll out thinly and cut with a round cookie cutter according to a preferred size. Fill each round with filling, fold in half and use a fork to close the edges. Deep fry and enjoy.…

TELUGU star Rana Daggubati is amplifying the excitement and euphoria around the streaming title, Snakes & Ladders. Snakes & Ladders is a Tamil original series, and harps heavily on dark humour. Daggubati took to X and shared the trailer of the series. He posted: “Danger awaits at every step.” The show is set in the mid-2000s and celebrates friendship. The story follows the adventures of four school friends, Gilly, Irai, Sandy and Bala. The show follows a gripping narrative where danger lurks at every turn, much like the classic game it draws inspiration from. Snakes & Ladders premiered on Prime Video in India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on Friday.…

A GAUTENG woman has been found guilty of defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), after she received over R123 000 in pension pay-outs while running a successful business. In the Pretoria North Regional Court last week, Sarathamoney Devi Sigamoney, 67, was found guilty of perjury, fraud and theft. Henry Mamothame, the spokesperson for the NPA, said she defrauded the Sassa pension pay-outs while being the sole director of a company that was awarded tenders worth millions from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to supply office furniture. “This conviction is as a result of an occurrence of April 13, 2017, wherein Sigamoney applied for an old age grant with Sassa, attaching a supporting affidavit wherein she stated that she had never worked for a period of 20 years.…

ALREADY cash-strapped residents living in former council homes in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg, claim the municipality’s “broken” utility billing system was adding to their financial woes. Residents who were given the title deeds to the homes in 2019 by the Msunduzi Municipality are now being slapped with exorbitant bills ranging from R4 000 to R20 000 for unpaid rates and utilities. Vasi Pillay, 61, said she lived with her 14-year-old grandson and supported their household with her old-age pension of around R2 000 a month. Pillay said they are barely getting by with the basics and she was now slapped with a bill of R26 000 by the municipality. “They say that I am in arrears for my rates. I am confused and nobody is explaining to us what is going on.…

THE management at Hotel Savera in Kharwastan said in a statement yesterday afternoon, that only the Privé area at the bottom section of the building had been robbed by armed suspects on Monday night. They dismissed earlier reports issued by security companies as false. “We wish to place on record that early social media posts and reports by two different security companies are inaccurate and misleading. “While we are very concerned about the safety of our patrons and have reviewed all our security measures, we cannot allow such misinformation to be circulating. “There was no vehicle stolen, no staff were assaulted, there were no injuries and no one was transported to hospital. “Our cameras on the premises are all fully functional and we have been able to retrieve positive footage…

This year, Chatsworth, one of the most vibrant townships in the country, celebrates 60 years since it was founded in the 1960s. To mark the anniversary, the POST is publishing a series of articles from Kiru Naidoo’s book, Made in Chatsworth. Have you ever buried chicken bones in the garden? That hilarious memory came to me as I walked through my beloved Bangladesh Market one wet Saturday morning. At Snow White’s stall were plump button mushrooms and some curly exotic varieties like shitaki. Back in our childhood days, we kept a beady eye on mealtime chicken bones, especially if it was the Saturday Cornish treat. No boneless chicken for us. We ate everything from the head to the feet. Even nibbling the cartilage off the claws, which a few hours…

THE paradise that is KwaZulu-Natal, once a tourist mecca in South Africa, now grapples with many economic challenges. The ripple effects of some economic shockwaves have significantly impacted the lives of its residents. For most, the high cost of living alerts us that something is unbalanced in the economy. Technically, the rising cost of living is triggered by several fundamental changes: inflation, relatively high interest rates, low employment and a weak, unstable rand. We have endured the hardships of Covid-19, the horrors of looting and multiple weather disasters, making some think of KZN as the poisoned province. With inadequate housing and poor infrastructure, our paradise is now viewed with a jaded eye, citing safety concerns, weather fears, and issues around poor infrastructure, all of which pull away the welcome mat…

A MATRIC pass is the key that opens up a wide range of academic and career opportunities. Graduating from high school qualifies you for admission to universities, colleges and other higher education institutions, and many jobs require at least a matric as a minimum qualification. It is thus a momentous event that more than 170 000 full-time and 18 019 part-time matric pupils in KwaZulu- Natal sat for their matric exams on Monday to obtain the National Senior Certificate. This significant milestone in a 12-year journey marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication on the part of pupils, and sacrifice and financial contribution on the part of their parents. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, expressed her heartfelt best wishes to all pupils…

SHOAIB Moosa’s name carries profound meaning within the three Abrahamic traditions - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The name "Shoaib" is the Arabic form of the biblical Jethro, a man of great wisdom and father-in-law to the great prophet Moses, or Musa. In the land of Midian, in modern-day Jordan, Shoaib passed on his prophetic mantle to the man who led the Israelites out of Egypt. Both Shoaib and Musa (may the peace and blessings of God be upon them both) were men chosen by God to lead, inspire, and liberate. In the spirit of these two great prophets, Shoaib, a big hearted man, embodied leadership, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to justice, community and God. So it is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Shoaib, 51, of…

“MAKING mutton of one and beef of another”, Yogin Devan, the POST, October 16-20, refers. This is a shallow take on the seriousness of the issue. And he gives just half the story. It is true that the courts said religion should not be mixed with politics and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu should not have gone to the media before verifiable proof had been obtained. But media reports also stated that the authorities of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which administers the affairs of the temple, have said that it had received several complaints from the pilgrims over the poor quality of “laddu” in the last few years. (October 4, 2024, the Hindustan Times) Also on the same date the Supreme Court decided that an independent…

THIS Diwali will be “bitter-sweet” for a Pietermaritzburg family after the man who killed their father for his cellphone was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Rajendra Chetty, 72, a supervisor at an import and export company, was killed during a robbery at his home in Ginger Road, Northdale, on December 9, last year. In the Pietermaritzburg High Court last week, Phakamani Duncan Ngcobo, 34, an unemployed father of three, was sentenced to an effective 25 years imprisonment for murder, house breaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was arrested on December 18, after the stolen cellphone was tracked through the deceased’s WhatsApp application which was active at the time. That led to Ngcobo’s arrest and conviction. His son, Kevin, said although they were happy that Ngcobo was behind bars,…

THE eThekwini Municipality has warned those lighting fireworks on Diwali day to do so during the stipulated times or face a fine. Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, said in terms of the city by-laws, no person may use any fireworks other than the consumer fireworks in any residence except on the approved days. “These days are currently Guy Fawkes, Diwali between sunset and midnight and December 31, from 23.45pm until 12:15am the next day.” She said the municipality was also cautioning residents against the use of illegal fireworks. “The city is guided by the nuisances and public behaviour by-law as well as the national control of explosives or fireworks. Anyone found in contravention of the city by-laws will be fined.” She said even though fireworks are beautiful and exciting to watch,…

Playing for Manchester United one day would be the ultimate goal for Stellenbosch Football Club’s (SFC) Rijul Pillay. The 21-year-old, a centre back for SFC, has been playing for the Western Cape based club since July 2023, after transferring from the Amazulu Youth Academy. The former Glenwood High School alumni said his days in early development laid a solid foundation for the road that lay ahead. Now playing in the Premier Soccer League or “PSL”, Pillay touted his rigid training schedule as his formula for success. “That experience early on at Glenwood and Amazulu provided a solid foundation for me to stand on. I started out at Amazulu Academy in the under-13 side and made it all the way to the under-21 first team, which was a big accomplishment for…

The weather has been a beautiful mix of sunshine on some days and wind and rain the next. The rock and surf fishing has been great in all facets with social media full of smiles and big fish. The scratching has dominated this past week but a few early inedibles are starting to make an appearance along the coast. The North Coast has seen the bulk of the inedible catches. The usual spots like Tugela and Mtunzini have been the places to go if you are looking for something to test your drag. Remember that these spots should be fished in a group for safety reasons, as there have been security incidents in the past. There have been some good edibles around most of the North Coast. Look for some…

Good tempo is the backbone of a consistent golf swing. It’s the harmonious blend of speed, rhythm, and control that separates the best players from the rest. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of tempo, its benefits, and provide practical tips to help you develop a smooth, efficient swing. Tempo is the pace at which you swing the club, from the initial takeaway to the final follow-through. Characteristics of good tempo 1. Slow and smooth takeaway: avoid jerky movements. 2. Gradual acceleration: increase speed through the swing. 3. Pause-free transition: seamless shift from backswing to downswing. 4. Consistent rhythm: maintain tempo throughout the swing motion. The benefits of having a good tempo relate to improved accuracy and consistent ball-striking, increased distance for efficient energy transfer, better ball-flight control,…

Former England captain Alastair Cook believes in-form compatriot Joe Root can get ‘very close’ to Sachin Tendulkar’s record 15,921 Test runs in the coming years. Recently, Root surpassed Cook to become the leading run-getter and century-maker for England in the first Test between England and Pakistan in Multan earlier this month. With 12,716 runs, Root is the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. “I watched the moment, then I rang him after the end of the play. I couldn’t think of the right words to write in a text message. So I thought I’d just ring him, see what he was up to, and make sure he had a beer in his hand, which I think he did,” Cook, who was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, said during a…

Preparing the dates: 1 tsp butter 1 block chopped dates 1 tbs orange juice In a thick-based pot over medium heat melt the butter. Add the chopped dates together with the orange juice. Mix well. The dates will start to melt. Using the back of a spoon, start to mash the dates. Combine together and set aside. Allow to cool. The dough: 500g softened butter or good quality margarine 1 cup sifted castor sugar ¼ cup cornflour 1 tsp vanilla essence 4 to 5 cups of sifted flour ½ tsp baking powder Extra: 1 cup milk 1 cup dessicated coconut powder In a large mixing bowl combine the butter, castor sugar, cornflour and vanilla essence. Mix until creamy. Add the baking powder. Then add a cup of flour at a…

AS THE lights of Diwali illuminate our lives, let us remember the timeless message of this festival: the triumph of light over darkness. Today, the world faces a multitude of challenges, and South Africa is not immune. We grapple with the legacy of apartheid and the burdens we have placed upon ourselves since the dawn of democracy. Yet, we must never forget the power of unity and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Diwali reminds us that we are all sparks of the Divine, interconnected despite differences in race, class, gender, or religion. This festival is a call to action, urging us to shed the darkness of inequality, poverty, and unemployment that plagues our nation. We must actively work towards building a cohesive, non-racial, and non-sexist society where respect…

500g softened butter or good quality margarine 1 cup castor sugar ¼ cup cornflour ½ tsp elachi powder ¼ cup milk powder 1 tsp vanilla essence 4 to 5 cups sifted flour In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, castor sugar, cornflour, vanilla essence, elachi powder and milk powder. Mix well. Combine the ingredients and mix until creamy. Add a cup of flour at a time until you get a soft pliable dough. Knead well. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, to 1cm thickness. Use cookie cutters and cut out the biscuits accordingly. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet. Bake in a standard oven at 160ºC for about 15 to 20 minutes, or in a thermorfan oven at 110ºC for about 12 to 15 minutes, until…

Dough: 500g margarine 1 cup icing sugar ½ cup castor sugar 1 cup milk ¼ cup maizena 4 tsp baking powder 52/3 cups flour Cream the margarine, icing sugar and castor sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the maizena and baking powder. Alternate the addition of flour and milk, mixing with each addition. Divide the dough into 4 to 5 equal parts. Working with one part at a time, knead it well and then roll out on a flat and floured surface. Paste the dough with margarine. Use about 6 tablespoons of the filling for each portion and spread evenly. Roll the dough like a scroll. Slice the roll into 10 to 15mm slices. Place each slice on a greased baking tray. While pressing the bottom, open up…

IT IS going to be fireworks at the box-office on Diwali with the action spectacle Singham Again, which practically stars half of Bollywood. In the run-up to the film’s release, superstars Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, who star as supercops in the movie, are setting the tone for the film with their bromance. The two have been the best of friends for long time. In fact, Devgn’s father, the action choreography legend Veeru Devgn, was fond of Kumar’s fighting skills owing to his training in martial arts. The trailer of Singham Again was released recently, and draws inferences from the Hindu epic of Ramayana. It also features the biggest stars of Hindi cinema, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. Singham Again…

A Phoenix mother was killed during an alleged robbery near her home in Brookdale on Monday morning. Reena Premjith, 50, a clothing factory worker, was waiting for her transport to work, when she was shot and killed. Gareth Naidoo, the spokesperson for KZN VIP, said it had been alleged that a silver vehicle with two men had been seen shooting at the woman before fleeing with her valuables. He said when his paramedics arrived at the scene, Premjith was already dead. Residents, who heard the gunshots go off, said the incident had traumatised them. “I was inside my home when I heard two quick gun shots and then another four shots being fired. “I later found out that it was a woman who was shot and robbed. I was told…

“WE HAVE made arrangements to assist residents who have been back charged for rates, and we are actively working with them to resolve their concerns. “All residents are required to pay their current account balances. “This includes the rates on their properties, which, like all property owners, is a responsibility they must fulfil. ‘To assist with this process, residents are advised to visit counter 18 on the ground floor of the AS Chetty Building, where their cases will be handled personally. “This ensures that any queries, concerns, or requests for payment arrangements are addressed directly and efficiently. “The municipality has been, and will continue to be, open to engaging with the affected residents to ensure that solutions are found for those who are struggling to meet their obligations.”…

THE Arya Samaj movement was established by Maharshi Dayanand on the principles of truth, love, compassion and equality. The 6th principle of the Samaj forms its prime objective, that is to serve the physical, spiritual and social well-being of every sentient being. Further, principals 7 and 8 guide that we should see our welfare in the welfare and well-being of others. It was on this basis that the Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) was established by the Arya Yuvak Sabha more than 100 years ago, by stalwarts of the Samaj who saw the plight of the homeless and created a home of love, care and compassion. More than a century later, this landmark institution in the heart of Durban has grown in leaps and bounds, spreading its services to care for…

MORE than seven years ago, when Nadia Nair took a leap of faith to explore what it would be like to work as a doctor on a cruise ship, she did not expect it to bring her the fulfilment she now enjoyed. The 34-year-old, from Cape Town, said due to employment opportunities being scarce in her home town, she decided to apply for a job on a cruise ship. She said from a young age, she wanted to study veterinary science because of her love for animals and wanting to care for them. “However, in Grade 11, when we had to fill out applications for university, many of my classmates opted to study medicine. At the time, it seemed more appealing to me than veterinary science. It also meant I…

WHERE is Shamila Batohi? She holds such an important post but we rarely get to see or hear her. It’s not that she must be seen or heard in public, doing her job. She could be working quietly behind the scenes. When Batohi was appointed as head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in February 2019, I had high hopes. Coming from the Hague where she was adviser to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, I thought she would be a woman of mettle, another Thuli Madonsela, and fearlessly go after the big, fat rats thriving in government and state entities. But it has been five years now, and she has not nabbed anyone of significance. Yet the country is teeming with corrupt politicians and public employees. The Zondo…

WE PAY tribute to the late Mr VL Govender, a visionary pioneer whose legacy as a farmer transformed him into a successful businessman. His Umhlatuzana Bus Services, which began operating in 1948, became a lifeline for the Chatsworth community, connecting residents to the bustling City of Durban. Mr Govender's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Umhlatuzana Dry Cleaners and a charming mini supermarket. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a business site where the Westsun Hotel was elegantly constructed in 1971. Beyond his business ventures, Mr Govender was an active participant in the Passive Resistance movement, demonstrating his commitment to social justice. He also played a significant role in supporting the Welbedacht State Indian School, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished. REUBEN GOVENDER Chatsworth…

A CO-ACCUSED in a multi-million rand Investec bank fraud case, Nishani Singh, has died in hospital. Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said Singh’s family was notified of her death on Saturday. She had been admitted to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. "She had been referred to an external hospital on numerous occasions for tertiary medical care. Correctional Services is unable to disclose the cause of death but such (information) is made available to the family by the hospital,” Nxumalo told the POST. Rushil Singh, 40, was arrested by the Hawks in Johannesburg in March 2023, and Singh, 51, handed herself over to the Hawks. They were charged for fraud, forgery and uttering to the value of around R150 million. Captain Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for the…

As the anticipation of Diwali builds in Durban and other parts of South Africa, the mind wonders to how the celebration has become such an important part of the country’s calendar. After all, the indentured system was designed to turn people into numbers, cogs in a brutal labour system. Those who came as passengers also came under the cosh of the most rabid racists attacks. Indians, it was suggested, could live on ‘the smell of an oil rag’ and were a festering sore that needed to be lanced. This column explores the struggle to establish Diwali as a festival in South Africa In the heart of darkness, a lamp is lit, A beacon of hope, a symbol of light. Diwali, the festival of lights, A celebration of joy, a triumph…