Table of contents for 2021-10-27 in Post

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za ORDERS for sweet treats and savouries have picked up for some home-based bakers following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Anisha Gyapersad of Bellair, who opened Sai Delights five years ago, said she received about 500 orders for Diwali, double the amount of orders from last year. Gyapersad started taking orders from mid-September to mid-October. “However, people are still calling and messaging me about placing orders. “I work alone, so it would be difficult to take on more than I can chew." Some of her sought-after sweetmeats were the burfee scoops that resemble ice cream, and penda in the shape of apples. “I also have orders for the pre-packs. “This includes sweetmeats such as burfee truffles, pendas, gulab jamun and coconut ice as well as biscuits.” Gyapersad said…

Dr Meeta Chawhan THE experiences and mental health of a woman during and throughout her pregnancy are important for the well-being of both the mother and her child. Below are some tips to improve mental health, which directly affects the pregnancy’s progress. Meditation: Neuroscientific studies have proven that meditation helps pregnant women keep their stress down and their spirits up. It helps cultivate attention and awareness, and reduces anxiety and negative feelings. It gives them the tools to navigate complex emotions. They experience stronger and more frequent positive feelings, such as enjoyment, gratitude and hope. Yoga and exercise: Yoga provides holistic health benefits. It helps keep the body supple. Breathe deeply, relax and alleviate the effect of morning sickness, painful leg cramps, swollen ankles and constipation. It reduces tension…

Nikita Chiniah nikita.chiniah@inl.co.za GOVINDAMMA David, who turned a 100 on October 10, attributes her longevity to hard work, spirituality, and sheer grit and determination. David, of Pietermaritzburg, spent her birthday with close family and friends. She was born and raised in Overport, Durban, and relocated to Allandale after she married Johnnie David in 1943. “I grew up with my six siblings – three sisters and three brothers. All six of them are now late,” said David. “I didn’t come from a rich family. We grew up in hard times but we enjoyed the little and simple things that life brought us. At the age of 21, I got married and moved to Pietermaritzburg where my husband and his family lived. Over the years I had five children but two of…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za A SPONTANEOUS road trip turned into a nightmare for a Durban family allegedly hijacked by police officers. Sasha Naidoo, 29; her boyfriend, 30; aunt, 51; and cousin, 34; decided on Friday morning to travel to Johannesburg. Her mother, who was visiting family in Sandton, had turned 56 last Tuesday, and Naidoo wanted to surprise her. They left home on Friday afternoon, and after passing a toll in Villiers on the N3, her cousin, who was driving a Toyota Hilux double cab, was pulled over, allegedly by police officers. “There were flashing blue lights and loud sirens. When we stopped, one of them approached the vehicle and asked my cousin for her driver’s licence. While she reached for her handbag on the passenger side floor, the man put…

Dr Ashok Chandika Dr Lubna Nadvi THE 2021 local government elections present South Africans with an opportunity to shift the landscape of the local governance sector, and bring about much-needed change to a rapidly deteriorating level of government. With more than 300 parties contesting the elections, voters are inevitably spoilt for choice, albeit the choices have not all been tried and tested. This year’s elections also presents more independent candidates than was the case in previous elections. With the combination of more parties and independent candidates to select from, voters have important choices to make regarding who they choose to govern them at the local level for the next five years. Does…

THIS is an appeal to all Hindus, regardless of linguistic differences, to celebrate Diwali on one day. Let Diwali become a practical and spectacular demonstration of Hindu unity rather than highlighting linguistic differences mired in annual confusion and controversy. The South African Hindu Dharma Sabha, which has successfully championed the cause of fireworks for Diwali since 1981, has been consistently advocating a one-day Diwali celebration (and a Diwali public holiday) for more than 30 years. Regardless of whether we come from Tamil, Hindi, Telugu or Gujarati linguistic backgrounds, we are all Hindus. Diwali is a religion-based and not a language-centred festival. The call for one Diwali day for South Indians and another day for North Indians is divisive. Our geographical origins from India are irrelevant. The reality is that we…

IS IT possible? Is it true? Manchester United beaten at home at Old Trafford? Not just beaten by one or two goals but thrashed 5 – 0? And not by any team but by their arch enemy, Liverpool? No, it cannot be. It’s unbelievable. But millions of fans around the world and all those who packed Old Trafford could scarcely believe their eyes. So shocked and bewildered were they that many walked out of Old Trafford long before the match was over. It’s going to take a long time for this crushing defeat to sink in. Leading 4-0 by half-time, Liverpool had a stranglehold on their victim. Ronaldo thought he could rescue United but his goal was ruled out for offside by VAR (video assist referee). While Liverpool piled on…

Nikita Chiniah nikita.chiniah@inl.co.za Police are investigating the killing of Ranesh Singh who was shot in an apparent hit in La Lucia on Tuesday morning. Singh had worked at a financial consulting company. Shawn Herbst, the spokesperson for Netcare 911, said Singh sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. “On Tuesday at about 8am, paramedics responded to a shooting at a business premises on Armstrong Avenue in La Lucia. “Reports indicate that an adult man had been shot multiple times in what was alleged to be a hit. Medics found the vehicle had come to rest against a pillar, riddled with bullet holes. He showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.” Colonel Thembeka Mbele, a provincial police spokesperson, said that the circumstances around the…

THE Shri Mariammen Temple Society will host its North Coast Diwali Celebrations on Saturday, at the temple in Mount Edgecombe, from 3pm to 10pm. Allen Soobramoney, the temple manager, said there would be entertainment and a fireworks display. “Meals will be provided. We will ensure social distancing as per the government regulations, and those attending must wear their masks at all times,” said Soobramoney. The Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) will host a Diwali Radiothon from 7am to 6pm on November 3. The fund-raiser will be hosted by Hindvani. The theme is “Brick by Brick” and the funds raised will be used to build a new children’s home at the ABH’s headquarters in Chatsworth. To participate in the Radiothon, call 031 404 9523. |…

1½ cups cake wheat flour 2 tbs semolina 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp nutmeg powder ¼ tsp cardamom powder 1 tbs Flora vegan margarine 1 can (200ml) vegan coconut condensed milk oil for deep frying 1 cup desiccated coconut syrup: 2 cups water 2 cups sugar a few drops rose water or essence Bring all the syrup ingredients to a boil and simmer until it starts to thicken. Syrup should be light, not too thick. In a large bowl, mix the flour, semolina, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg powder and cardamom powder. Rub the margarine into the flour mixture (it should be a sand-like texture). Pour in the coconut condensed milk. Use a spoon to bring the dough together. Then knead the…

100g vegan margarine or butter 80ml castor sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup desiccated coconut 1 cup cake wheat flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda pinch of salt 1 tbs soy or almond milk Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 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, gently mix in the coconut. Stir in the flour. Mix with a spoon until crumbly. Add the soy milk and form a dough. Divide the dough into 2 parts. Roll into a cylinder and wrap in cling film. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180ºC. When the dough is firm, slice into…

Syrup: 1½ cups icing sugar ¾ cup water ½ tsp rose essence Bring the ingredients to a boil and simmer until it thickens. The syrup must be light and not too thick. Gulab Jamun: 1 tsp ghee 1 cup fine semolina 1¼ cup milk 2 tsp white sugar oil for deep frying Heat the ghee in a frying pan over a low heat. Add the semolina. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add half the milk and sugar. Combine well. Add the rest of the milk. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. When the mixture comes off the sides of the pan, remove from the heat and cool. Once cooled, roll into gulab shapes and set aside. In a frying pan, heat the oil over…

Charlene Somduth charlene.somduth@inl.co.za FOR 90 days the family of Jeetendra Jaikissoon prayed he would be released on bail and return home. On Tuesday he returned to his home in Palmview, Phoenix – in a coffin. Jaikissoon, 39, an insurance broker, died at King Edward VIII Hospital on Friday. It is believed he died minutes after he arrived there from Westville Prison where he was being held as an awaiting-trial prisoner. Jaikissoon was charged with murder and attempted murder after an incident in Palmview, Phoenix, during the unrest that happened in July. While the cause of his death is still under investigation, he had a history of diabetes and hypertension. His family believe prison officials denied him the medical care he needed. Chris Gounden, his attorney, said he was informed…

DEAR Fellow South Africans, In less than a week, South Africans will go to the polls to elect their local representatives. These elections are an opportunity for people to make their voices heard about the most pressing issues affecting their daily lives. They are also an opportunity to hold elected representatives accountable for the promises they have made to communities. These elections are about the material issues that matter most to people, such as access to water and electricity, properly functioning hospitals and clinics, safety and security guaranteed by an efficient police service, well-maintained roads and well-resourced public schools. These are the “bread and butter issues” of which Amilcar Cabral wrote in 1965 when he said that people do not fight for ideas, but “to win material benefits, to live…

WE COLLECTIVELY have a crucial date with destiny on November 1. As an embattled nation, we are preparing for the most crucial local government elections in our history. South Africa is battered by a political tsunami that has polluted the political coastline, revealing that prominent politicians from most parties are compromised by the crescendo of daily accusations. We belong to the land of Nelson Mandela, our emancipator from racial tyranny for whom truth and honesty were the fundamental principles of existence. Nobody knows the extent of corruption in our country. Everybody is aware that it is all-pervasive and that it is eating at the vitals of the nation. The elitists are modern-day vampires. Their traits are clearly on display at every investigation under way. Their lethal fangs were deeply embedded…

STEVEN Friedman’s criticism of the DA’s posters lauding Phoenix residents as heroes (the POST, October 20 – 24), fails to recognise the trend and fault line that has developed within the political landscape, namely, the increasing significance of minorities and the challenge they pose. Territorial possession, preservation and identity are the roots which drive the quest for minority recognition. The DA’s Phoenix posters rightly recognised those in the context of residents’ stance against looting and arson. But the DA’s quandary is that it finds itself politically compromised with its policy of “one South Africa for all”. By overtly supporting a minority group in a particular instance, it finds itself branded as racist and, absurdly, according to Friedman, as right wing. Yet across this land, the clamour for minority recognition is…

IN AN attempt to avert or curtail animosity and conflict from certain members of the public against the Hindu community during the Diwali festivities, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) would like to educate the public on the rights of all citizens and the need for respect and tolerance during Diwali celebrations. Diwali is a time of joy, peace and blessings. To the Hindu community, Diwali 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 Ramayan and going back to time immemorial. Diwali represents a reaffirmation of divinity, hope and goodwill, and signifies love, tolerance, generosity and goodness – inherent in all human beings. Divine enlightenment dispels the darkness of ignorance.…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za A GREYTOWN sugar cane farmer was shot and killed following an alleged argument with a neighbouring cattle farmer on Sunday afternoon. Ajay Haripersaad, 58, who owned Graceland Farm in Munden, was allegedly trying to impound stray cattle that was grazing on his property. It is alleged an argument ensued when the cattle farmer arrived. Colonel Thembeka Mbele, a provincial police spokesperson, said: “Police found the body of a 58-year-old male victim with gunshot wounds to the chest and hand.” She said a 75-year-old man handed himself over to the Greytown SAPS on the same day. “He will appear in court soon for murder.” Rajendra Maharaj, a friend of Haripersaad, said: “From what we know, Ajay was trying to impound some cattle grazing on his farm. It…

THE cricket world reacted with surprise and awe at the staggering amount bid for the two new teams in the India Premier League (IPL), acknowledging that the Indian league has cemented its place as the most successful T20 event in the world. Other IPL franchises welcomed teams from Ahmedabad and Lucknow to the IPL after RPSG Ventures Ltd. and Irelia Company Pte Ltd. (CVC Capital Partners) won the ownership rights for the two teams. The RPSG Ventures Ltd. were awarded Lucknow as their home base with a winning bid of a whopping $932 million (about R13.717 billion) CVC Capital Partners took Ahmedabad as its home base with a second-highest bid of $692 million. n BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had set the ball rolling by commenting on the monies…

ONE retirement could change everything but the statistics are stacking up for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as he seeks to deny Lewis Hamilton a record eighth Formula One championship this season. Sunday’s US Grand Prix victory at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas was the 24-year-old Dutch driver’s eighth from 17 of 22 races, compared to five for Mercedes’ seven times world champion. Seasons have more races now but only once in the 70-year history of the championship has anyone won eight times and not ended up as champion. That exception was Hamilton, who won 10 times in 2016 but lost out to German teammate Nico Rosberg after a down-to-the-wire battle. Austin also saw Verstappen extend a record that may not be his for long. No other driver has ever…

Duff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for over 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal. Listen to her on Lotus FM, live at 1.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as she connects with loved ones in spirit, and on GlowTV on Sundays after 8pm. Contact her at 072 986 5514 or email sharron@quantsoul.com sharron duff ARIES (March 21 – April 19) You are not seeing things as they are, so take a step back to get a different perspective. There is change around you that will take you out of your comfort zone. Let go and trust. Things are working in your favour. Lucky colour: pink. TAURUS (April 20 – May…

1½ cups milk ¼ cup icing sugar 1 tsp elachi powder 80g butter ½ cup (125ml) semolina 1 cinnamon stick +/- 10g butter half a can Nestlé Caramel Treat ½ cup (125ml) cream In a bowl, mix the milk and sugar and set aside. In a separate pan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the semolina, elachi powder and cinnamon stick. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the semolina is golden. Remove from the heat. Slowly stir in the milk and sugar mixture, a little at a time. When the mixture pulls away from the side of the pan, add the caramel treat, half the cream and about one more tablespoon of butter. Remove from the heat and place in a serving dish. Garnish with…

AS WE approach the local government elections, it is difficult to endorse any particular political party. Historically, black South Africans are closer to the ANC than any other party. It was, after all, the ANC that spearheaded our fight for democracy. However, many of those brave men and women who ensured our freedom are no longer with us. We are left with too many who see the ANC as a get-rich-quick scheme rather than a platform to improve the lives of all South Africans. While they make millions, life for most South Africans continues to be a struggle. Our economy is not producing enough jobs for everyone, and those jobs that do crop up, are reserved for Africans. This is not to suggest that we must ignore the imbalances of…

THE letter by Nethraj Rampersad, “No politics in stating the truth” (the POST, October 20-24), is the worst kind of misinformation I have seen. Rampersad takes a swipe at Visvin Reddy without having the facts. Reddy was the chairman of the Chatsworth Community Police Forum, Chatsworth Centre Action Committee, currently the RK Khan Action Committee, and he was the ward 73 councillor in early 2000. His voice was the only one we heard of in Chatsworth. Reddy has always put the community first and that is the reason he left the MF, DA and the ANC. When Reddy quit politics, he got involved in community activism and took up issues for communities without a salary. He is well-known throughout the country for his vociferous and bold stance against the fuel…

MORE than 890 000 candidates are expected to sit for the 2021 matric final exam that will start today. All matric pupils will cram in their preparation, while trying to remain calm, collected and focused before their exam papers. In spite of the pandemic, every pupil must be focused and have a positive mind. Preparation and approach are critical in ensuring good results. Later, when it comes to study opportunities, young South Africans must be accepted into tertiary institutions on the basis of merit, and not quota systems. This will help retain professionals in South Africa. Corporate companies should also take up a greater responsibility in offering more opportunities to graduates so they can gain more skills and experience. To the matric pupils, remember the key to success is self-confidence…

THE seas have been a bit calmer of late. That being said, some of the days have been complete no-go launches. The dorado season has started and the summer fishing is picking up. The North Coast has seen some potent snoek action in the early mornings. Tinley Manor and Jex Estate have been the prime locations. Fillet baits, minnows and small spoons have been the ticket on most mornings. Remember to try and go as small as you can effectively throw on the spoons. The snoek are generally after the small sprats around the river mouths so you need to match the baitfish size as best you can if you want consistent results. The Durban section of the coast has seen some dorado action already for those trolling skirted lures…

FORMER Manchester United defender Phil Neville has said social media criticism of club managers is out of control saying debates about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce have become sensationalist. United coach Solskjaer has faced a storm of criticism after his side lost 5-0 to Liverpool on Sunday but has survived calls for him to be sacked and Neville, now coach of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, says a sense of perspective has been lost. Neville cited Manchester United’s form in October, 1996 when they lost 6-3 at home to Southampton after a 5-0 defeat by Newcastle, but went on to win the league. “I’ve played on United teams that lost 5-0,” Neville told the Miami Herald. “These things happen in football. I think the sensationalism…