Table of contents for 2023-10-25 in Post

140g butter (or margarine) 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence ½ tsp almond essence 2 cups flour 3 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 1 cup milk Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well. Stir in the vanilla essence. Sift the flour (mixed with baking powder and salt), one cup at a time alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth and bake in a greased 20x30cm tray in a preheated oven at 180°C, for +/-25 minutes. Cool completely and then pour the Just Peachy Cream Cheese Glaze over and decorate with sliced canned peaches. Peachy Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix 1 tub cream cheese with enough peach syrup (from 1 can sliced peaches) to make a glaze in the consistency of…

Beat together: 1½ cup oil 1 cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence Add: 2 cups self-raising flour ½ cup desiccated coconut 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 2 tsp cinnamon powder 4 cups grated carrots ½ cup nuts of your choice ½ cup raisins Mix all the ingredients well and then fold in the carrots, nuts and raisins. Pour into a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for +/- 30 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean when the cake is pierced. icing: 3-4 cups icing sugar 125g butter or margarine (I use Floro margarine) 2 tbs coconut cream/full cream milk. Ice the cake when it is completely cooled. Roast ½ cup desiccated coconut, a handful of…

FATHERS also suffer from postpartum depression, and a new pilot study suggests they can and should be screened for the condition. Given the intertwined effects of mothers’ and fathers’ physical and mental health, addressing the health of fathers may be a powerful untapped tool in improving the ongoing maternal health crisis, said researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago in the US. For the study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, researchers interviewed and screened 24 fathers, 30% of whom proved positive for postpartum depression, on the same tool that is used to screen mothers. Dr Sam Wainwright, the lead author, said this pointed to the importance of asking new fathers how they were doing. ‘‘A lot of dads are stressed. They’re scared. They’re struggling with balanc- ing…

FASHION designer Gaurav Gupta recently launched a first-of-its-kind digital bridal podcast series called The Bride Side. It was conceptualised to decode all things bridal. The first season of the podcast started streaming on Instagram and YouTube. To commemorate the launch, he said: “It’s truly remarkable to witness the evolution of the Indian bride. The brand has been at the centre of the paradigm shift of how the audience has been perceiving bridal wear altogether; from our concept sari gowns to sculpted lehengas glistening in glass bugle beads in striking colours. The brides are no longer bound by conventions but are empowered to express themselves through fashion and design in the most extraordinary ways. The digital podcast series is a celebration of their journey in curating their most special day.” Anaita…

A WOMAN has appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court in connection with the death of her paternal grandmother in December 2015. Govindamah Vengetsamy, 75, was found strangled to death in her home in oThongathi (Tongaat). Her grandson found her face down on the floor near the stairs. There were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Initially, police treated the matter as an inquest. In July 2016, an inquest court was unable to make a finding due to insufficient evidence. Vengetsamy’s family were not satisfied and lodged an official complaint with the chief prosecutor. In February 2020, the matter was referred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further attention. In 2021, Detective Warrant Officer Rajan Govender, of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, was…

FIONA Tooray’s passion for teaching and leading recently won her an award at the 2023 National Teaching Awards. Tooray, the principal of Battlefields Primary School in Dundee, placed first nationally in Excellence in the Primary School Leadership category. The awards, hosted in Pretoria, celebrate the role of educators in nation- building. Tooray, 49, a mother of two, lives in Glencoe. The Education Department’s Umzinyathi District Teacher Development Sector nominated her for the award. “This is the district within which my school is located. The application was submitted at the end of May. I placed first in the district cluster and provincial levels and ultimately the national level.” She has 28 years of teaching experience. “I was appointed as the principal of Battlefields Primary School in 2016. The school caters for…

Floral enthusiasts from Chatsworth are getting creative. What started out as a social club 21 years ago has blossomed into a team of floral experts who enjoy each other’s company, grow their creative and business skills and, on occasion, travel the world of floral art. Floral design or flower arrangement uses plant material and flowers to create an eye-catching and balanced composition or display. The Floral Art Club Chatsworth has now extended the opportunity to others who are interested in learning more about floral and foliage art. Cogie Thavarayan, the club chairperson, said it was started in 2002 by Gloria Chetty. She said the aim at the time was for women to gather and learn more about flower arranging and to socialise. Thavarayan discovered her passion for floral art while…

GOPALS Bags & Luggage was originally a shoe retail and repair shop. Today, it specialises in travel luggage, handbags and leather goods and has shops across major shopping centres in Durban and Pietermaritzburg as well as digital platforms. “The first shop was run by my late grandmother, Mani Gopal. She initially ran a shoe repair shop from 1958 until 1971 in Foundry Lane near Pine Street in the Durban CBD. In 1972, the business relocated to Beatrice (Charlotte Maxeke) Street. Here, they built a name for selling and repairing leather shoes. Thereafter, my parents, Dinesh and Priscilla, who lived directly above the shop, took over the business,” said Amit Gopal, 36, from Overport, a third generation in his family to run Gopals. “In the 1970s, the heart and soul of…

IN THE Netflix documentary Beckham, the footballer is asked how he coped with the abuse of his entire country after the 1998 men’s football World Cup. David Beckham responds: “I was able to handle being abused by the fans … because of the way my dad had been to me.” A poignant scene shows Beckham’s mother, Sandra, struggling with how hard his father, Ted, was on their son. Ted’s shouting often brought David to tears. When asked if he was too tough on David, Ted says: “No … if I told him how good he was, then he’s got nothing to work at.” Throughout the documentary, Ted’s behaviour is rationalised by Ted and even Beckham himself as necessary to support David’s sporting trajectory. But David also said he was scared…

WE HAVE become a nation of thieves. We call ourselves humans but behave like hyenas in the wild. We will not miss an opportunity to rob, steal and plunder. Yet we expect to be treated with respect and dignity and enjoy the rights and privileges of a civilised nation. Be it looting on a grand scale, like the state capture of Eskom, Transnet and dozens of other state-owned entities, or heists, bank robberies and theft at municipalities, hospitals and schools, stealing has become a way of life for many in the country. We steal from pensioners, hospital patients, road accident victims lying dazed in their overturned cars, and from the dead in the morgues and graveyards. We even steal hungry schoolchildren’s lunch. How ruthless and heartless we have become! In…

THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha is deeply saddened by the indiscriminate violence and deaths in Palestine and Israel. We pray for peace but understand there can be no lasting peace without justice. Our own history taught us that. We are appalled that powerful world leaders seek to entrench division and conflict rather than creating conditions for genuine engagement and possible resolution. No child should be subjected to a life of perpetual violence and misery, whether Palestinian or Jewish, Hindu or Muslim, Christian or Buddhist. There are universal laws which cannot be selectively applied. The denial of water, food and electricity to an oppressed community is a new low in levels of repression. The tragedy of wars is that there is always a loss of innocent civilian lives on…

ONE of the most significant festivals of Hindus, Diwali, is celebrated across the world to commemorate the victory of light over dark. Tamaso ma jyothir gamaya – lead us from darkness to light (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, section I iii 28) – is an important concept in Hinduism and is the essence of Diwali. From darkness into light, from ignorance to knowledge, from unhappiness into bliss, this is the true and deep message that Diwali, the festival of lights, brings every year with its joyous celebrations. Deepavali means a row of lights. Since Deepavali is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, it is also referred to as Maha Luxmi Pooja. An opportunity for sharing and caring As doom, despair and darkness associated with the combined after-effects of Covid, looting, floods, corruption, xenophobia,…

THERE is no waiting period to report a missing person. According to the SAPS website, when a person goes missing, it is important for the police to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. The statement said it was essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately. Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible. Give a complete description of the missing person’s last known whereabouts, the clothes they wore, and any information that can assist the investigating officer. Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax…

THE Durban High Court has handed down life sentences to the men who killed Dustin Joash Pillay. Pillay, 35, a taxi owner from Shakaskraal, was shot in the head at the local taxi rank in September 2019. Shortly thereafter, the police arrested Cebo Xulu, Thokozani Mthethwa and Mfanufikile Dlamini. They were charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of stolen property, three counts of malicious injury to property and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dlamini, however, died before the start of the trial. Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal, said: “On the day of the incident, Pillay was at the Shakaskraal taxi rank together with Mlungisi Ngcobo, Ntandoyekhaya Makhanya and Bonginkosi Duze when they were approached by a vehicle wherein…

Tottenham Hotspur’s Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed the best start by a new manager in the Premier League, but the Australian said a slipshod second half during their 2-0 win over Fulham had tempered the satisfaction of going top of the table. The home fans were in celebratory mood thanks to goals by Son Heung-min and James Maddison either side of the break. But Spurs lost their hold on the game in the final half an hour as passes went astray and tackles were missed, and they could have paid the price had London rivals Fulham been more ruthless with their finishing. Postecoglou’s team have 23 points from a possible 27, with seven wins and two draws, two clear of champions Manchester City and Arsenal. He has a point more than…

Borussia Dortmund travel to their crucial Champions League clash at Newcastle United tonight, still adjusting to life after Jude Bellingham. Bellingham, who joined Dortmund aged 17 in 2020 from boyhood club Birmingham City, moved to Real Madrid this year for a fee in excess of €100 million (about R2 billion). The England midfielder’s form in the Spanish capital, where he has scored 10 goals in 11 matches including several late winners, has shown the world just what Dortmund lost in the close season. For their part, Dortmund have had a puzzling start to the campaign. The eight-time German champions are unbeaten in the league but have failed to impress, often grinding out wins against less-fancied opponents. In the Champions League, the 1997 winners are not only winless but goalless, having…

KARAMCHAND Hiraman's life is not merely a chapter in the records of sport. It embodies versatility, talent and dedication across myriad sporting disciplines. Born into an era when adversity was an unwelcome companion, Hiraman overcame the odds with determination. He was raised in Centre Street in Overport and studied at Gandhi Desai from grades 6 to 10. In track and field, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was the champion in the high jump and the 400m race at the South African Championship in Kimberley in 1965. Hiraman represented Natal High Schools in athletics from 1959 to 1963, and the Amateur Athletics Association of Natal from 1959 to 1965, clinching national titles in the 440 yards and high jump. His athletics acumen transitioned to the cricket pitch.…

2 cups milk ½ tsp lemon essence 250g butter (at room temperature) ½ cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 cup Tastee Wheat / semolina ¾ cup desiccated coconut 1 cup self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt Heat the milk for 2 minutes in the microwave. Add the butter to the hot milk and mix until the butter melts. Add the lemon essence. Cool until needed. Place the dry ingredients (except the sugar) in a large bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the milk mix to the egg mixture. Mix well. Whisk the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture to create a smooth, batter. Pour the batter into a greased pan. Bake…

Mix in a bowl: 6 cups all purpose flour 3 cups sugar 4 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp salt 1 cup cocoa MIX In another bowl: 3 tsp strong coffee 2 cups boiled water 2 cups tap water 1½ cup oil ¼ cup white vinegar 1 tbs vanilla essence Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Bake in 2 lined trays at 180°C for +/- 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre of the cake. filling: 1 box Ultramel Custard 2 cups brown suger 125g butter 2-3 cups desiccated coconut Mix the custard, brown sugar and butter. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat. Add a tsp salt, keep aside for 1 minute Mix in the coconut. Place in between 2…

Obesity before or during pregnancy can predict the potential for cardiovascular disease, a study has found. The study showed that obesity played a larger role than pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, increasing the risk of developing heart disease later in life. “This means that pregnancy just reveals the risk for heart disease that is already there,” said Sadiya Khan, Magerstadt Professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The researchers followed 4 216 first-time pregnant women from the early stages of their pregnancy to an average of 3.7 years post-partum. At the early- pregnancy first study visit, the average maternal age was 27 years old, and 53% had a normal body mass index (BMI), 25% were overweight and 22% were obese. The findings, published…

Duff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for more than 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall, KZN. She can be contacted at 072 986 5514 or sharron@quantsoul.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) You may need to look at your behaviour and take responsibility for your actions. You may also find yourself backed into a corner so take a step back and review the situation honestly. You have support, so don’t be afraid to call on it. Lucky colour: aqua. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) A challenging situation might present itself and if it does, take a deep breath. You already know what to do but you need to quieten your mind.…

THE family of slain teacher Priya Bhim will launch a campaign in her memory to highlight crime and abuse in South Africa. Bhim, 49, who taught at Seaview Primary School, was killed during an alleged robbery at her home in Silverglen. Nandini Bhim, her niece, said she had lived alone and her family last spoke to Bhim on the phone on October 11. “The majority of our family live in Johannesburg. This includes my mother, who is her sister, as well as her brother. They spoke every day. When we did not receive a call from her, we assumed she was busy with school events. “When we tried to call her, her phone was switched off. We then noticed her profile picture on WhatsApp and her voicemail message were…

AS A teenager, Rosy Govindasamy spent her school holidays in a panel shop sanding, polishing, stripping and assembling vehicle bodies. Govindasamy, 47, from Durban North, is now the owner of Springfield Panel and Paint in Springfield Park. The mother of three is also the co-owner of Springfield Motor City, a wheel alignment, suspension and mechanical centre. “I grew up in Isipingo and my stepfather, Valiant Alley, had a panel shop. When I was about 15, he taught me to sand, polish, strip and assemble vehicle bodies. When I was 17, the shop closed due to financial issues.” After matriculating from Strelitzia Secondary School, Govindasamy wanted to re-open the business. “It was my dream to re-open the shop. All our tools were still on the premises and I remember going to…

OUR Parliament should play an important role in our democracy. Every five years we elect individuals who represent us in the two houses – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. These individuals also have the responsibility of holding the president and his Cabinet to account. Sadly, Parliament has not always done its job well. It failed to protect us during the so-called state capture era and it failed to protect itself by not maintaining and safe-guarding the buildings that constitute Parliament. As a result, on January 2 last year, a fire broke out which gutted both houses as well as offices. Now, after almost two years of investigations, Parliament has released a shortened version of the findings. The investigators concluded it could have been prevented had the…

As our province’s agricultural sector continues to face serious challenges – including load shedding, logistical difficulties such as dismal port and rail infrastructure, disease and rural crime – there remains little support from KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to recent research, the issue of food security – directly linked to agriculture – is alarming, with indications that by 2025 almost half of our country’s population will be food insecure. The statistic should be a wake-up call, not only to the department but to KZN’s entire ANC-run provincial government. If our agricultural industry is destroyed, no amount of money in the bank will change the fact that they too will go hungry. In terms of disease, proactively addressing the avian flu crisis is critical. In the DA-led Western…

THE IFP calls for tougher punishment for criminals who kill police officers working in the line of duty. This comes after a policeman was killed in one of two incidents in which eight suspects were shot, four fatally, in eThekwini last week. Police killings are out of control in KwaZulu-Natal. An attack on members of the SAPS is an attack on the state. Police officers play a vital role in keeping communities safe. As has been tragically demonstrated in recent years, this role is a dangerous one, which can lead to officers paying the ultimate price while serving their community. Becoming a police officer means that you choose to possibly sacrifice your own life in order to save and protect others. It is unacceptable that officers of the law continue…

Vinodini Naidu is spot-on in her letter “Dividing is divisive” (POST, October 18–22). It was in response to the letter “Bharat is the accurate name” (POST, October 11–15) and Phillip M Carter’s “Appearance of Bharat may open old wounds” (POST, October 4–8) from The Conversation. But it is more, something bigger. It is about a well-orchestrated, sustained, intense attack on India’s image, sovereignty and integrity by a global network made up of three divergent ideologies. They have one thing in common: breaking India, especially a resurgent India. The financial rewards for such grey-zone warriors from dubious sources are great, and a chairperson at Harvard and other Ivy League institutions with their far-left leanings are often difficult to resist. Others are ideologically driven and have been for centuries. Brahmin is not…

THE North Coast Diwali Celebrations 2023 will take place from November 4 to 5 at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe. On November 4, the POST 5km fun run/walk will start at 6am from the temple grounds to the Mount Edgecombe Country Club and back. The entry fee is R30 and the first 200 entrants who register will get a T-shirt and a goodie bag. Proof of payment must be emailed to artsmountedgecombe@gmail.com. Entertainment will follow at 11am. Some of the artists include Melanie Kisten, Mr Biggs, Dr Shah and Dala-U-Crew. There will also be a bhangra. Free meals to the public (mutton, chicken and vegetable breyani) will be served from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. A fireworks display, courtesy of Fireworks King, will be at 9pm and a pick-a-box competition,…

INDIA successfully launched the first unmanned trial run of its upcoming crewed orbital mission on Saturday, in the latest milestone for its spacefaring ambitions. The Gaganyaan (Skycraft) mission is slated to send three astronauts into Earth's orbit in 2025, an important yardstick of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) technical capabilities. Saturday’s rocket tested the emergency escape system of its crew module, which separated from the thruster and made a soft sea landing about 10 minutes after the launch. “I am very happy to announce the successful accomplishment of the mission,” S Somanath, the Isro chief, said. The lift-off was postponed for two hours after bad weather and a glitch in the engine. Isro will conduct 20 major tests, including carrying a robot to outer space, before the final manned…

AUSTRALIA’S Mitchell Marsh said yesterday that he will be “comfortable” to bat at No 3 if opener Travis Head returns to the team for their 50-over World Cup clash against the Netherlands. Marsh comes into today’s contest in New Delhi fresh from his 121 in a 259-run opening partnership with David Warner against Pakistan last week. The in-form Marsh has opened the batting in Australia’s four matches so far, contributing with a fifty and ton in the previous two victories. The five-time champions lost their opening two matches. Head, who broke his hand at Centurion last month, has rejoined the team after rehabilitation in Adelaide and had a hit in the nets at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. “I think that decision (whether to inlcude Head in the XI) will be…

CHATSWORTH cricket lovers are abuzz with excitement after Chatsworth United Cricket Club (CUCC) reached the final of the Castle Premier T20 to be played at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on Friday evening against Crusaders (5pm start). CUCC is one of the oldest non-racial clubs in KZN. The club was formed in 1965 and it is the oldest in Chatsworth. During its long history, it has produced many top cricketers who went on to play at provincial and national level, in the men’s and women’s leagues. “Our appeal to every cricket fan from eThekwini is to support the finals this Friday,” Yugesh Moodely, Secretary of CUCC said. “Entrance is free and spectators are encouraged to bring their friends and families to enjoy an entertaining evening at our world class stadium.”…

2 cups flour 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarb 3 tbs cocoa powder 2 eggs 1 cup milk ½ cup coconut oil in liquid form Mix all the dry ingredients together with a beater. Mix the wet ingredients together in another bowl. Combine thoroughly by hand. Add 2 tsp strong coffee or vanilla essence to a cup of boiling water. Mix gently into the batter until well combined. Bake in a greased oven tray at 180°C for +/- 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Ice the cake once it is completely cooled. Normal oil can be used instead of coconut oil Coffee can be left out if you prefer White sugar can replace brown sugar…

4 eggs, at room temperature ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup cake flour ½ tsp baking powder 2 tsp caramel essence ½ cup caramel treat +/- 2 tbs milk for thinning the caramel coarse salt for sprinkling in caramel icing normal sugar for finishing touches Separate the egg yolks and whites into 2 bowls. Add ½ cup of sugar into the yolks and whisk until thick and creamy. Mix in the caramel essence. Sift the flour and baking powder. Fold into the yolk mixture until smooth and glossy. Beat the egg whites until they are slightly foamy. Add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until it forms stiff peaks (not dry though). Gently fold the egg white mixture into the batter a little at a time (3 parts should do).…

Veteran guitarist Steve Newman and percussionist Nish Pillay will perform together in a series of performances celebrating their talents and fusion of guitar and tabla. Newman has been a member of several bands and performed in countries including the UK, US, Sweden, France and Spain. Pillay fuses genres through his expertise in the tabla and other drums, which adds depth and rhythm to his collaborations. He has collaborated with South African musicians such as Ard Matthews (Just Jinjer) and Arno Carstens (Springbok Nude Girls). Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Pillay said he was more of a musical wanderer. “I spent time in Kenya, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and India. Typically, you’ll find me in the picturesque Garden Route during the winter months, my favourite part of South Africa.” He attended Carter…

THE search for Durban actor Pranesh Maharaj ended in tears, just days before the movie he features in is due to be released in cinemas. On February 7, 2021, Maharaj, 47, left his home in uMhlanga to buy cigarettes but never returned. His sister, Neleka Maharaj, who spoke to him on the morning of his disappearance, became worried when she could not find him. She then reported him missing. A case was opened at the Durban North SAPS. Anesh Dusrath, a friend and business partner, said he regarded Maharaj as a brother and they shared a bond for over two decades. “His car was found in the Eastern Cape almost 10 days later. The police had no leads and seemed unenthusiastic about trying to find him or follow up on…

Zoë Magdalene Naidu, a student at the Durban University of Technology, will compete in the Miss World South Africa pageant on October 28. The 23-year-old, of Durban North, is studying towards her bachelor of health sciences in chiropractics. Growing up, Naidu said she faced discrimination for the way she looked. “I come from a multi-racial family. My mother is coloured and my father Indian. I am therefore able to speak on misrepresentation and inequalities of race and gender in today’s society," said Naidu. “I was bullied by learners and experienced discrimination in the school system, but I still managed to have fun in my childhood. I was an energetic and outspoken individual who participated in anything and everything I was able to.” She said she never entered a pageant, but…

SARAH Mahabir is another member of the Mothie family, who has lent her expertise to the movie Never Give Up. Mahabir, the daughter of Pinky Mothie and the late D Mothie, served as the film’s scriptwriter. The movie, which will be released on the big screen on Friday, tells the story of her mother, a show promoter since the early 1960s, and her dad, D Mothie. He introduced Pinky to showbiz. Mahabir said she wanted to showcase the story of her parents in the entertainment industry. “As a child, I spent most of my time with my dad. I was told I was his pet. He blessed me with the most creative mind. My dad taught me to do stage decor and props, choreography, sound, lighting and marketing strategies. “I…

SHORTLY after World War II, Ramsamy Kisten “RK” Moodley started the Victory Lounge in the Durban Casbah. Over the years the restaurant, at the corner of Bertha Mkhize (Victoria) and Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) streets, became well known for its curries, bunnies and sweetmeats. It became a household name within the Indian community. As Moodley grew older, he passed the restaurant to his son, Billy, and his wife, Kanagee Moodley. The couple ran the restaurant for many years before closing it in 2017 when they retired. Kanagee died the same year. In 2018, Tibby Moodley, Billy’s nephew, and his wife Judy opened a branch in uMhlanga Rocks. A year later, they moved to their current location in Park Square, uMhlanga. Tibby said Victory Lounge was established in 1945 with the business…

THE report on the state of municipalities in the country, as outlined by Maropene Ramokgopa, the minister in the Presidency, is cause for concern. With 90% of all municipalities dysfunctional, it is clear that local government has been neglected for far too long. Local government is supposed to be the sphere of service delivery where citizens interact with politicians daily. However, the reality is that politicians who lack skills, experience and knowledge dominate local government. They are more concerned about advancing the interests of their political parties than the interests of the citizens they serve. As a result, basic services such as water and electricity are not delivered, and citizens are left stranded. It is as if we are driving a car that has not been serviced in more than…

The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa strongly condemns the barbaric attack on the innocent people of Gaza. The current retaliation against the civilian population of Gaza with daily air strikes deliberately destroying homes, mosques, hospitals and civilians causing untold deaths, severe injuries and destruction is a direct contravention of the Geneva Convention and constitutes a war crime. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs – Protocol III – Incendiary Weapons, prohibits the use of weapons primarily designed to set fire to objects or cause burn injuries against civilians. The use of white phosphorous is banned under the Geneva Convention and is a further indicator of the level of war crimes being committed. It has been a feature of Israel’s bombing campaign from the outset to deliberately target health care facilities…

Congratulations to all those who participated in Purattasi, which is a time for self-reflection and penance. During the month-long fast, one has to abstain from meat and alcohol. This is an annual prayer, which provides an opportunity for families to unite and bring back spirituality into our homes. The holy month encourages goodwill, kindness and charity. During this period, I visited various temples and was saddened and despondent that most temples were empty. We as parents must teach our children our rich culture. When the Christians and Muslims have a prayer, the churches and mosques are full. Compliments to the Meenakshi Amma Sabha, which is run by Nevi and Jayandran Moodley. They brought artists to perpetuate our language for the sake of culture and toured with them to various venues…

SUBSTANCE abuse, human trafficking, and domestic and financial problems are among the reasons for the increase in the number of missing adults and children in South Africa. Dawn Gounden, the founder of Renegade Search and Rescue, said her team assisted the police with cases nationwide. “We get between five and 10 new missing person cases daily. I have a team of more than 100 volunteers. We use our own resources to assist families and the police,” said Gounden. She was previously a case handler at South African Community Watch, a missing persons organisation started by Mike Venter. Gounden began Renegade Search and Rescue in 2018. “More needs to be done to help families. With Mike’s approval, I put my own organisation together. My team comprises of former policemen, military veterans…

SUGAN Singh, a tow truck owner, was killed in a secondary accident while trying to help a family trapped in their car. The incident occurred on the N2 southbound near Ballito on Saturday night. Singh, 33, from Shakaskraal, owned SLS Towing. Ismail Mitha, a family spokesperson and the owner of Big Show Towing, said the secondary accident occurred around 8.30pm. “It was raining heavily. We got a call on the radio about a crash just outside Ballito. Sugan was one of the first tow truck operators to respond. When he arrived, he pulled out the first victim from the vehicle and while assisting the second person, another vehicle ploughed into him and went over his body. The person he was helping was also seriously injured. The driver and the passengers…

GH TAILORS has closed after more than six decades of trading in the Durban CBD. Govan Heera opened the shop in 1961 in Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) Street, making tailor-made suits for men. His son, Manilal Heera, joined the business when he was 14 years old. Manilal, now 77, is from Effingham Heights in Durban. “My father was from India and my mother was a South African. We lived in Bourne Street and I was the eldest of four siblings. I attended Surat South African Indian Hindu School and then Gandhi Desai High School. “I was in Standard 9 (Grade 11) when my father opened the shop. I remember coming home from school one day and my mother told me I had to leave school and help him run the business.…

MASTER jumper Mark Andrews believes that the Springboks have an easy fix for their wobbling line-out ahead of Saturday’s World Cup final against the All Blacks – it’s all about the tempo. Andrews ruled the skies in the line-outs and kick-offs over a wonderful Bok career that started in 1994 and spanned 77 Tests until 2001, including the victorious 1995 World Cup final against New Zealand, where he played at No 8 instead of his usual No 5 lock position. Now 51, Andrews told Independent Media yesterday that the 1995 Bok squad are debating the composition of the team furiously in their WhatsApp group and the thinking is divided at the moment as to whether SA director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and coach Jacques Nienaber should make any changes to…

Two members of Parkinson’s Disease South Africa (Parkinson’s ZA) – Rajesh Nanjee and Naseema Parak – hope to participate in the Parkinson’s World Table Tennis Championship in Crete, Greece, in November but they require funding. Nanjee, 58, was diagnosed with the disease 21 years ago. “I was in my late thirties and was working in a financial institution in Johannesburg. I was at the peak of my career and this diagnosis came as a disappointment to me at the time. “I felt a host of adverse emotions, including anger. But I realised I had to change my attitude and mindset towards it to work with my body and live with the disease, as debilitating as it was. “There is no cure for Parkinson’s, so diet and exercise have been my…

THE rock and surf fishing is seeing more inedibles on the catch reports week by week. Summer is almost here and you can feel the excitement. 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 as there have been incidents in the past. Bloody baits like mackerel and bonito have been the most successful. There have been some good edibles around most of the north coast. Look for some protected bays and gullies for the best results. The central coast has seen a bit of edible action. There have been a few garrick taken at…