Table of contents for 2024-09-18 in Post

CREATING a will is a vital step in securing your financial legacy and making sure your wishes are honoured – and it is easier than you might think. In recognition of Wills Month, Professional Provident Society (PPS) Fiduciary Services, a leader in intelligent financial solutions for graduate professionals, shares straightforward steps to help you get started with drafting your will. Gather the essentials Start by compiling all the important details that will form the foundation of your will: List your assets: Document everything you own, from property and investments to bank accounts and personal possessions. Identify your beneficiaries: Decide who will receive your assets – be it family members, friends, or charitable organisations. Choose an executor: Appoint someone you trust to manage your estate and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.…

THE makers of Devara – Part 1 have unveiled the trailer of the film, which is about bloodshed, fights and romance. The trailer showcases an epic fight between the man of the masses and Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. With electrifying action sequences and an emotional background story, the movie sees Jr NTR in dual roles – as a father and son. In a storyline, which showcases two generations, he will play Devara, a saviour, while Khan will essay shades of grey. Janhvi Kapoor, who will make her debut in Telugu films with Kortala Siva’s film, plays the Telugu superstar’s love interest. However, their romance is not showcased in the trailer. In the trailer, Devara’s son is tagged as “harmless”. Kapoor is heard saying: “He got only his dad’s looks,…

SAMANTHA Ruth Prabhu gave her fans a peek into a day in her life. She took to Instagram where she shared a video captioned: “Life’s Golden.” The video begins with Prabhu flaunting a golden glow. She then shared a glimpse of her doing oil pulling and Gua Sha (a traditional Chinese healing method). She then revealed that she went to the gym at 7am and she shared moments of her praying, going for red light therapy and meditating. Prabhu said she went to bed by 10pm. On the work front, Prabhu will be seen with Varun in Citadel Honey Bunny, which will drop on November 7. Citadel Honey Bunny is the Indian counterpart of the larger global series Citadel, which starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden. Prabhu, who…

SHAH Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Jawan, which released last September, will be released in Japan on November 29. Khan took to Instagram where he shared the poster featuring him, Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. The action thriller was directed by Atlee and it marked his debut in Hindi films. The movie stars Khan in a dual role as father and son, who team up to rectify corruption in society. It also stars Deepika Padukone, Priyamani and Sanya Malhotra. The film revolves around a man, who is driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs in society, while keeping a promise made years ago. He comes up against a monstrous outlaw with no fear, who has caused extreme suffering to many. Khan said: “The film that we made with a lot of…

Yoshini Perumal yoshini.perumal@inl.co.za EXACTLY a week after 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy was tragically killed, her mother has spoken for the first time about how she begged and pleaded for her only daughter’s life to be spared. In an exclusive interview with the POST, a devastated Shaida Ramsamy, 39, of Bellair, said while nothing could bring her daughter back, she and her husband Barnes, 50, and their two sons, Triston, 16, and Jeremiah, 14, wanted justice for Zarah’s murder. Last Wednesday, the family had attended Zarah’s annual school concert at Penzance Primary in Glenwood. Afterwards, they stopped at a fast-food outlet in Malvern for supper – to celebrate her “brilliant performance” – when they were accosted by hijackers. Shaida said they had travelled in two vehicles. Zarah and her tutor, Deandra Moonsamy,…

CHILDREN as young as 12 are abusing prescription medication, self-harming, joining prostitution rings and frequenting sex parties during school hours, in a bid to “feel happy”. According to welfare and community organisations, they had noted an increase in the number of children, in both primary and secondary schools in Phoenix, Tongaat and Verulam, succumbing to peer pressure or their need to feel “happy”. Daniel Chettiar, chairperson of the North Coast Rapid Response Team (RRT), said that over the past few months, while conducting anti-bullying programmes at schools, they had uncovered these deeper issues with pupils. The RRT assists victims of gender-based violence (GBV) through their various programmes and interventions. Chettiar said they had been called to assist with the issue of bullying in schools. “Initially, we would give talks and…

TO ENCOURAGE the younger generation to embrace their heritage and learn Tamil, Yougenthrie Naidoo and Nyanasagri Govender are using the power of social media. Their joint TikTok account, Tamil- EditionPonnu, showcases their everyday conversations in Tamil. They said from the positive feedback, it was evident that some social media users still appreciated the language. Naidoo and Govender have been friends since they were teenagers. Naidoo, 34, a teacher from Gillitts, said her late grandmother, Thanakoti Reddy, and dad, Arumugam Reddy, used to speak to her in Tamil when she was younger. She said the Tamil movies helped with her vocabulary and she was now fluent in the language. “Tamil was taught in our family from one generation to the next. While growing up, we heard people speak the language all…

I WRITE to express my strong opposition to the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to afford former minister Pravin Gordhan a special official funeral this week. While I extend my condolences to his family on their loss, I firmly believe that state funerals should be reserved for public servants, whose actions have tangibly uplifted the nation. Unfortunately, the legacy of Gordhan’s tenure, particularly in his oversight of South Africa's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), has left our economy in shambles. Under Gordhan’s stewardship, SOEs, such as Eskom, Transnet and SAA, have either collapsed or are in severe financial distress. The institutions are vital to South Africa’s economic infrastructure. Their failure has inflicted enormous suffering on millions of taxpayers. His refusal to account to Parliament for his role in the controversial sale of…

THE members and affiliates of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Pravin Gordhan. As an anti-apartheid activist, he played critical leadership roles in the Natal Indian Congress, the Durban Housing Action Committee and the United Democratic Front, often at great personal risk. He played a leading role in the CODESA negotiations, and in the democratic government he served at the highest ministerial levels with integrity and dedication. He had a robust personality and a brilliant mind, and he never hesitated to speak truth to power, without fear or favour. He will perhaps be best known for breaking ranks with life-long comrades and leading the struggle against corruption and state capture. In all his endeavours, Gordhan remained committed to justice, righteousness and non-racism.…

I FIRST met Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan in 1972 at the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) conference when he was still a student at the University of Durban- Westville, the apartheid-created institution. He was lovingly referred to as PG. He was on the attack of Professor Badhra Ranchod and the university management of that time. He was a student leader together with Zac Yacoob, Yunus Mohamed and others. The year 1974 saw heightened political activity and the Frelimo Rally and the banning of political organisations and individuals. Mewa Ramgobin, George Sewpersad, Paul David and others revived the NIC. Pravin joined the NIC and became an integral part of all of its campaigns. I got to know him during the school boycotts of 1978, when we held clandestine meetings in central Durban. Beyond…

SOUTH Africa is consistently rated as one of the most dangerous and insecure countries globally. In 2017, it was ranked 15th for security and safety and 8th for violence. South Africa has the highest crime rate, ranking 6th globally compared to other BRICS nations. In comparison, Brazil ranked 10th, Russia 35th, India 45th, and China 83rd. Unfortunately, the situation has shown only slight improvement. Consequently, it is no secret that the escalating crime rates in South Africa have had a profound impact on the majority of its citizens, affecting both their thoughts and actions. There are varied opinions on the root causes of the crime issue. Many citizens attribute the problem to the government, while others point fingers at the community, depending on the context. It is widely acknowledged that…

THE grief of a parent losing a child is one of the most profound and heart-wrenching experiences imaginable. Worse still, nothing can be more painful and punishing for parents than witnessing the life of a child being snuffed out by brutes. The ruthless killing last week of 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy at the hands of hijackers who drove the stolen vehicle over her as they fled, has sent shockwaves through the community. Her father, Barnes Ramsamy, this week made an impassioned plea to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to “please find my baby’s killers”. While apprehending the hijackers will not bring his daughter back, he hopes that another family will not suffer a similar fate. The soaring crime rate in the country not only affects the safety and security of…

IT IS ALWAYS a nostalgic event for me to visit the hallowed ground of my alma mater, the iconic Sastri College, in Winterton Walk, Musgrave. So, it was such a nice feeling to be invited to the 130 year tribute of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) recently. Activists like Ravi Pillay, Mac Maharaj and the keynote speaker, former president Kgalema Mothlanthe, read out stirring speeches. Much of the courageous and some very sad actions of the last 200 years were recalled, holding the audience spellbound. Even while listening intently to these speeches, my mind could not help but wander to the 1964 matric year, when the school received the sad news of the passing away of the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. But back to reality and the NIC…

THE editor’s view, POST, September 11-15 refers. Your well-thought-out opinion on this vital topic of service delivery in eThekwini is most welcome in this weekly newspaper. Touching on the issues affecting our communities and bringing them to the attention of the public, you have highlighted the plight of many of us. Like the term Ubuntu (humanity to others), Sizakala (get help) is also meaningless. There is no care anymore at these centres. I went to three centres recently and eventually was told that nothing could be done about my exorbitant electricity bill and that I must pay first and when the next account is rendered, I can query it. Although I submitted monthly electricity readings, no records are available since February, even though I was given the forwarding option. Madam…

TWO and a half-years after a 63-year-old Welbedacht man went missing during the April 2022 floods, his family finally have closure. Recent DNA tests have confirmed that the remains found buried under Jayishwar Bajalall’s home were his. At the time of the floods, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said the flooding had claimed 400 lives, destroyed 4 000 homes and left 40 000 people displaced. Bajalall’s daughter, Delene Johnathan, said: “We are happy to have finally found closure but emotionally we have no more tears to cry. It has been a difficult two-and-a-half years not knowing what had happened to my father.” She said she had last spoken to her father on April 10, a day before the floods, to check on him because he lived…

PRAVIN was an astute strategist, excellent organiser and immense workaholic. Most of all, he just wanted to get things done, and working with others he certainly did. He was among the younger comrades who pushed the Natal Indian Congress, revived in 1971, into a more activist direction. But he and others realised that to mobilise conservative Indian and “coloured” communities, it would be better to organise them around “bread and butter” issues like housing, rents, water, electricity and rates. To do this, residents associations had to be strengthened and new ones formed. The Durban Housing Action Committee was formed to facilitate mass campaigns on municipal issues, and through this the need for democratically elected councillors in a non-racial democracy was raised. He was a key organiser of the United Democratic…

IT IS the end of an era. My dear brother and friend, humanitarian, the honourable Pravin Gordhan bhai, it took me 30 hours to accept your demise. May your soul rest in peace. Back in 2010, together with Gordhan bhai, Ravi Pillay, Logie Naidoo, Rajesh Lutchman and myself, we travelled from Durban to Delhi where Gordhan was awarded India’s highest award for a non-resident Indian, the Saman award, by the president. He was also a guest of mine at the Grey Street Mosque in Durban. On two occasions, he delivered pre-juma prayers and he spoke at the mosque some 10 years ago. Gordhan was a true leader. He was modest. He started his chemist in Queen Street opposite the mosque. History has recorded his contribution for the freedom we enjoy.…

Injuries have kept Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi on the sidelines so much recently that it has been hard for him to make a case for a permanent spot in the side again. As a result, the 28-year-old missed out on South Africa’s 15-man squad for this year’s T20 World Cup as he only travelled as a reserve. He has also not looked entirely at his best and certainly has not been quite the genuine wicket-taker that world cricket has known him to be since breaking onto the international scene, especially in the Test format. While he sat on the sideline, younger fast bowlers have come up the ranks and put their names up for selection as permanent members of the team. Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger and Ottneil Baartman are…

Loose forwards are often capable of providing cover in the backline, and in fact, many flanks are retreaded centres. But the footwork put on by Sharks No 6 James Venter on the Blue Bulls in last week’s Currie Cup semi-final was phenomenal, and one that any backline player would be proud to emulate. Following a lineout, Venter got the ball in midfield and bumped off Bulls opposite number Marcell Coetzee, before ducking under a few more tackles, before slipping out of the grasp of David Kriel. He then had a one-on-one with Bulls wing Stravino Jacobs, and pulled off an audacious sidestep to go past his man and score a stunning try before halftime in the 40-40 draw at Loftus Versfeld. Asked yesterday – ahead of Saturday’s final against the…

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced that the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first ICC event where women will receive the same prize money as their male counterparts, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history. The winners of the tournament, which will now be staged in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will receive $2.34 million (R41.3 million), a 134% increase on the $1m awarded to Australia when they clinched the title in South Africa in 2023. The two losing semi-finalists will earn $675 000 (up from $210 000 in 2023), with the overall prize pot totalling $7.9m, a massive increase of 225% from last year’s total fund of $2.45m. “The decision was taken at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2023, when the ICC…

This week is National Wills Week, as promoted by the Law Society of South Africa, during which many law firms will draw up your will for free, provided it’s not too complicated. A few basics on estates and wills. What is your estate? The word “estate” abounds in financial content. It is too easily confused with the other meaning of the word, which refers to property, as in “estate agent”. Everyone has an estate, even the man in a makeshift tent underneath the bridge. It’s just the size and complexity that differs. Essentially, your estate comprises the stuff you own (your assets) – your car, house, stamp collection and cellphone – and financial assets such as shares in a company, cryptocurrency, savings and investments. Your estate also takes into account…

Aurets is a healer, psychic medium, intuitive mentor, masseuse and regression therapist. She also teaches meditation and breath work. She is passionate about holistic care and offers a small range of holistic products. Aurets practises in the Upper Highway, KZN. Find her on https://www.facebook.com/healing 1920. Contact her at 079 356 4657 or theeternalbreath@gmail.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Everything has its time. Practising patience allows connection with more while simultaneously achieving current tasks. Rest in quieter periods, resetting your goals. Ideas hatch in perfect time. You won’t miss out if it is meant for you. Magic number: 1. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Embrace your passions fully, intensely seeing them bloom. Resist tendencies to hold your desire to create, taking full charge of inspirations. Freedom to enjoy…

FOR a locally-produced movie, Greytown Girl is world-class, a welcome relief from many films by local Indian film-makers, which often tend to use the unique idiosyncrasies of the local community as a theme, thus limiting their appeal. Greytown Girl will resonate with audiences of any community in the world that have and often continue to face discrimination based on race, ability and gender, among others. It does not resort to clichéd lines and devices, although the producers do concede in the credits that there has been some cinematic licence taken with the real-life story. A clear passion for telling the real-life story of Meena by writer and producer Rani Sitaram results in a compelling tale, which grips the audience and will no doubt leave lumps in the throat in a…

400g tofu 100g bean sprouts 1 cup fresh spinach 150g mushroom 1 tbs crushed garlic 1 sliced onion 1 red chilli, sliced 2 tbs chopped spring onions 3 tbs vegetarian oyster sauce (mushroom-based) 2 tbs corn starch ¼ cup water sesame seeds for garnish Begin by heating a pot. Add crushed garlic, sliced red chilli, and onions. Sauté them until they turn golden brown. Add the sliced mushrooms, fresh bean sprouts, and spinach. Stir-fry these ingredients until they are tender and well-cooked. Now, introduce the fried tofu to the mix. Pour in the vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) and blend everything together until it’s perfectly incorporated. In a separate bowl, create a slurry by mixing corn starch and water. Gradually pour this into the stir-fry, while stirring continuously. Watch…

A CHATSWORTH teacher who emigrated to Saudi Arabia two years ago, said it was the best decision he made. He urged unemployed South African teachers to look at the benefits of teaching abroad, where the “culture of learning and teaching is so different”. Yoshin Naidoo, 29, formerly of Havenside, has been teaching English and business studies in Saudi Arabia since 2022. He said after he matriculated, he studied and graduated with his honours in supply chain management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). “I worked in the industry for about two years and then decided I wanted to do online teaching. This led me to teach English in China. “In 2019, I returned to South Africa because of the Covid-19 outbreak. It was then that I started studying towards my…

EMBRACING each other’s heritage through food and culture, is what has kept the bond strong between Pietermaritzburg couple Cliffy “Zuluboy” Govender, 33, and his wife Diann Nkanyezi Ngubane Govender, 28. Govender said they faced various challenges while navigating through their inter-racial relationship. But through their love, respect and understanding of each other’s culture, they got over their hurdles. He became an internet sensation when he launched his TikTok account – Cliffy “Zuluboy” Govender – where he speaks fluent isiZulu, surprising many of his followers who did not know he was multilingual. His following on TikTok exceeds 111 000 followers and he said he felt like a celebrity because “when I leave home everyone knows me”. Govender met Diann in church in 2017 and they got to know each other…

IT IS estimated that at least one million people die by suicide every year. These rising numbers have become a major public health challenge in recent years. The loss of a loved one through suicide is a life-altering event. It can have emotional, social, and economic consequences that impact communities and individuals worldwide. There may be a combination of factors that can put one at risk for suicide such as underlying mental illnesses that include major depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, anxiety disorder, etc. This makes it important to recognise and treat these conditions beforehand. To manage stress and anxiety, and promote better mental health, try adopting a holistic approach by making the necessary lifestyle changes, including herbal medicines and undergoing ayurvedic treatment and TRE (Trauma and…

THE demise of former Cabinet minister Pravin Gordhan has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across South Africa, acknowledging his nearly five decades of tireless contributions to democracy and good governance. However, amid this national bereavement, the EFF has chosen to besmirch Gordhan’s legacy with callous and unbecoming statements. The reaction is hardly surprising, given his fearless stance against corruption and malfeasance during his tenure as head of the South African Revenue Service. Notably, his investigation into Julius Malema’s tax delinquency exposed the EFF leader’s financial mis-dealings, prompting Gordhan to take decisive action. His unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency earned him the ire of the EFF, who repeatedly targeted him in the media and Parliament. Yet, he remained resolute, shouldering the attacks with dignity and unwavering dedication…

TO THE family of former minister Pravin Gordhan, it is with deep sadness and heartfelt sympathy that I extend my condolences to you on behalf of the Minara Chamber of Commerce executives and management. The passing of Pravin Gordhan is not only a profound personal loss to his beloved family but also a significant loss to our nation. Gordhan was a dedicated public official and activist of South Africa, whose lifelong commitment to public service will forever remain an inspiration. His integrity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the principles of finance, justice, equality, and good governance left a permanent mark on our country's history. His efforts to guide South Africa through challenging times and his resolute fight against corruption will always be remembered with great respect and admiration. During this…

THE death of comrade Pravin Gordhan will leave an immense hole in South African’s future. He left his fingerprint on every political event since the 1970s when he was a student leader and, later on, used these experiences to protect the country from State Capture and corruption. It was a long time ago that I met Pravin in the trenches of the student movement against apartheid. While there is much to be said about this comrade, what endures in my mind is his belief in the organisation and agency of ordinary folk and his fight against state capture. In an interview, PG noted that as activists in the early 1970s, they asked the question of how revolution occurred. Alongside armed resistance and international isolation of the previous regime, he contributed…

THERE has been much reported recently in this newspaper and other media about bullying. I want to concentrate on bullying in school as it affects the most vulnerable among us. Innocent children. Surprisingly, it is not as straightforward as it sounds. There are different dynamics at play. Pupil to pupil bullying is common. However, I have intermediated in cases where learners are bullied by educators, who subsequently get other learners to make the life of the harassed victim even more miserable. Nefarious indeed. In one case an educator actually flung a school desk at a learner. Now I have heard of cases where learners had to duck “flying missiles”, which were in fact the chalkboard dusters, but I doubt any violence was intended. More of a warning. But in this…

THE debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has glaringly proved that both these politicians lack the skills to lead the most powerful country on Earth. One is an unstable liar, the other a deceptive deceiver. America is no longer the land of the free and home of the brave. Under Joe Biden, it has become the land of extreme and home of the unhinged. It is a country under siege, as unstable elements are determined to maintain the status quo in a democracy gone berserk under a leader who has lost his bearings as his country drifts rudderless into an abyss. Former president Trump’s popularity is slipping away from him, as he stubbornly refuses to recognise reality. Any miscalculation by any side will lead to consequences of immense proportions.…

Dear Honourable Minister Senzo Mchunu I WRITE to you with deep concern regarding a cowardly and barbaric incident of carjacking that occurred last Wednesday in the parking lot of the McDonald’s Restaurant in Malvern, KwaZulu-Natal. This incident has shaken the entire community and further highlights the growing wave of violent crime in the area. A group of armed men drove into the parking lot, where they held up a female driver at the entrance of the restaurant, took her car keys, and made off with her vehicle. While this was a shocking act of criminality in itself, what makes this hijacking even more tragic is that two of the driver’s teenage children were inside the vehicle at the time. The older child managed to escape, but the younger child, an…

HIGHLY-SKILLED and organised syndicates are allegedly hijacking Toyota Fortuners as they are considered “quality and reliable” vehicles. This is according to Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Services, specialist investigators into serious violent, economic and cybercrimes. Last Wednesday, Zarah Ramsamy, 11, was killed during a hijacking at a fast food franchise on the main road at around 8pm. The suspects took her family’s Toyota Fortuner. Bolhuis said there was “definitely a craze around these Toyota Fortuners”. “Even Toyotas in general. These are order thefts and are carried out by syndicates. What we are noticing now is that criminal syndicates are collaborating to have better information before they pounce. They are becoming intertwined. “For example, hijacking syndicates are working with cybercriminals and getting all their information before they actually carry out the…

Underneath the concrete The dream is still alive A hundred million lifetimes A world that never dies We live in the city of dreams We drive on this highway of fire Should we awake And find it gone Remember this, our favourite town How do we think about heritage? Is it to dwell in the personal memory, in family and community history, in monuments that freeze what once was? Can one think of heritage as a living set of relations that capture the past as we press forward? As we worked on a book on the Casbah these questions, at first subliminally, and then more openly, came to the fore. Afterall it was a place where we enjoyed our childhood years, a half a century ago. In this Heritage…

WHEN I received the message that our dear comrade Pravin Gordhan is gone, what crossed my mind were the words of former president Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is the difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Our motherland has once more lost one of its greatest sons ever; an ethical servant leader, courageous, a strategist, an excellent governor and a great patriot. Pravin was humble despite his sharp analytical and methodical approach to complex ideological challenges as well as contradictions that often confronted us as comrades. PG was always firm on principle, never loud in debate but had an incisive intellect that often ended many heated debates…

PRAVIN Gordhan, “PG”, has bowed out. His last message, read on his behalf at the 130th anniversary commemoration of the Natal Indian Congress in Durban less than a week ago, typical of PG, was powerful and on course as he called for a “reset”. For activists and revolutionaries who worked tirelessly for the liberation of our country, PG was, and remains, a shining example of fortitude, discipline and formidable intellect. He weathered the storms of attacks by his detractors, with grace and focus. He did not waver from the universal values and principles of the ANC that are enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the Republic of South Africa Constitution because he understood that our country is a work in progress. PG stayed on course until the end. Condolences go…

THE Proteas are set to face Afghanistan for the first time in a bilateral ODI series in Sharjah from today. Independent Newspapers take a closer look at six key players. Rashid Khan – Afghanistan The superstar of Afghan cricket makes his much-anticipated return to ODI’s since last year’s World Cup in India due to a back injury. Rashid is the catalyst everything in Afghanistan cricket revolves around and his mere presence will be a major uplifting factor for his teammates. Lungi Ngidi – South Africa In the absence of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetze, Ngidi will take on the mantle of the leader of the Proteas attack. After struggling with injuries of late, the experienced seamer will want to show that he still possesses the ability…

Siya Kolisi won’t feature and Eben Etzebeth will play off the bench as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to the starting line-up on Tuesday for Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown with Argentina in Santiago del Estero (11pm SA time start). Marco van Staden will start at openside flank in a new-look side compared to the one that began in the 18-12 victory over the All Blacks last month. Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat has regained the captaincy role and will start at No 4, with Etzebeth set to equal Victor Matfield’s Bok record of 127 Test caps as a replacement in the second half. In a freshened up backline, Sharks star Aphelele Fassi returns at fullback after an excellent display in the victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg, while…

BAHRAIN will host three days of Formula One testing next February before the 2025 season kicks off in Australia in March, the governing FIA confirmed. The Bahrain Grand Prix has been the opening race on the calendar since 2021 but will be the fourth round in 2025 to avoid a clash with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Testing will be on February 26-28 at the Sakhir circuit for the last season before major engine and rule changes shake up the sport in 2026. The test will see a number of drivers on track with new teams, including seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton who will be in Ferrari red overalls after the Briton’s switch from Mercedes. Formula One said a significant percentage of freight would remain at the Bahrain circuit…

The movie, Greytown Girl, premiered at CineCentre Suncoast last Wednesday. At the event were:…

KNOWN for her timeless beauty and grace, Madhuri Dixit has once again proved why she reigns as the queen of Bollywood, leaving admirers captivated by her radiant charm. Taking to Instagram, Dixit, who has 39.7 million followers, shared a video showcasing graceful outfits. The 57-year-old looked elegant in a beige-coloured floral top, paired with a magenta-pink skirt. Her look was rounded off with subtle make-up with her hair in a ponytail. She also wore a purple frill sari paired with a matching embellished blouse. Serving boss lady vibes, she was next seen in a pastel blue co-ord set. The last look summed up the trend with Dixit oozing elegance in a white floral sari. The post was captioned: “Tell me your favourite outfit in the comments.” A fan said: “Sari…

MANDAKINI shared a throwback picture with her Dushman co-star, Mithun Chakraborty, dropping a glimpse from their song, Hoton Pe Tumne Pyar Likha Hai. Mandakini, whose real name is Yasmeen Joseph, took to Instagram where she has 120 000 followers. The still from the song shows her in a yellow sari, with Chakraborty behind her. The 1990 film was directed and produced by Shakti Samanta. During the 1980s, Chakraborty was at the height of his fame, starring in numerous films and enjoying immense popularity. His on-screen chemistry with Mandakini was especially well-received, leading audiences to eagerly anticipate their future collaborations. As they continued to appear together in films, rumours of a potential off-screen romance began to circulate. In the early 1990s, Mandakini was briefly rumoured to be involved with gangster Dawood…

WITH just three movies to his credit, director R Rahesh has a strong message for viewers in his third movie, Saamaniyam. The message is clear: Live within your means. Do not fall for misleading adverts enticing you to access readily-available loans. And before parents pressurise their children to study as doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc, they should teach them not to take loans willy-nilly, but to be financially savvy and live within their means. By taking on unnecessary loans with high interest rates, they become slaves to the financial institutions for the rest of their adult lives. Ramarajan, a 1990s Kollywood hero, after a long break from movies, takes on the role of a retired military major Sankara Narayanan from the Indian army, who continues his fight for justice for…

1 sliced onion 2 diced chillies 250g halloumi, cubed 250g lentils ¼ cup fresh coriander 1 tbs crushed garlic 125g sliced mushrooms 1 grated carrot 1 tbs butter 1 tps dried mixed herbs 1 tsp Aromat 1½ cups boiled rice BEGIN by heating a pan, then add the dried mixed herbs and sliced onions. Once the onions turn translucent, introduce the sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Push the onions and mushrooms to one side of the pan, and on the other side, add the halloumi. Cook the halloumi until it turns a delightful golden brown on both sides. Once the halloumi is cooked, mix it with the sliced onions and mushrooms. Add the crushed garlic and grated carrots. Once everything is combined, gently fold in the cooked…

A VIDEO of a teenage Phoenix schoolgirl, dressed in full uniform, frothing and barely conscious after she allegedly drank a concoction of Xanax (a medication that treats anxiety) and Coke, went viral last week. The Grade 8 Palmview Secondary pupil had bunked school with friends on the day of the incident, her father told the POST. On Monday, he called on law enforcement officials to do more to curb the drug trade at schools in Phoenix. The pupil is a minor and cannot be identified. The father said he was astounded that someone “could actually record my daughter instead of helping her”. “When I saw the video, it made me feel upset and angry. The person who recorded it and then shared it, did not think about the impact it…

SEVERE budget cuts by the KwaZulu- Natal (KZN) Department of Education will see only 774 new teachers being employed in the province. Currently, more than 45 000 entry level 1 teachers remain unemployed in the province. During a recent presentation to the portfolio committee on basic education in the National Assembly, the KZN Department of Education indicated that it needed 11 092 teacher posts to be filled to operate effectively. The province had an education budget shortfall of R4 billion for this year alone, and had to reduce the norms and standards payments to schools and delayed paying service providers, it emerged at the presentation. Muzi Mahlambi, the spokesperson for the KZN Department of Education, said they had been allocated R62.988 588 billion for 2024/2025 with…

SUICIDE remains a significant issue that affects individuals and communities across South Africa. Addressing this challenge requires a thoughtful approach that includes recognising warning signs, implementing effective interventions, and utilising available resources. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (Sadag) main aim is to highlight these aspects and provide guidance for those who may be struggling or supporting someone in crisis. Recognising the signs and symptoms Identifying suicidal behaviour can be challenging but it is essential for timely intervention. Key signs to watch for include: Behavioural changes: Significant changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from activities a person once enjoyed, erratic mood swings, or sudden calmness following periods of distress, can be indicators of deeper issues. Verbal cues: Expressions of hopelessness or talking about death and self-harm are critical…

THE recent death of former minister Pravin Gordhan has left a void in the fight for clean governance and social justice in South Africa. However, his legacy lives on through the tireless efforts of organisations like the Merebank Justice Network (MJN), Active Citizens Movement and others that rallied behind him and stood in solidarity when he faced an onslaught of false charges and political shenanigans many years ago. The MJN and Active Citizens Movement’s unwavering support for Gordhan in the face of reactionary elements serves as a testament to the power of collective action in defending our democracy. In 2016, MJN hosted a fund-raising dinner to support Gordhan and other former South African Revenue Service officials embroiled in the “Sars wars and so-called Rogue Unit debacle”. The event not only…

The Tamil Business Warriors (TBW) and Southside FM express our profound sorrow at the news of the passing of Pravin Gordhan, former Minister of Finance and Public Works and Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. Gordhan was a leader of exceptional integrity, whose steadfast commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and social justice profoundly influenced the financial and political landscape of our nation. Throughout his career, Gordhan demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the betterment of South Africa. His leadership was marked by a tireless pursuit of ethical governance and a deep concern for the welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalised. His work within the government and beyond set a standard for public service that will be remembered and respected for generations to come. The Tamil Business…

IT WAS the ’80s and the apartheid government was attempting to consolidate its policy of divide and rule. The tricameral racist Parliament was on the horizon. Most South Africans had become cowed and accepting of their political lot in life. A few voices stood out when most were silent. Indeed PG (as Pravin Gordhan was known) was one of a group of voices that stood out against the iniquity of apartheid. Not only through word but by the actions of conscientising, mobilising and organising. Defiant and steadfast throughout his persecution and detention without trial. This attitude of truth to power at whatever cost is part of what mobilised the youth – I, being one of them, joined uMkhonto we Sizwe (the real one), the people’s army. These sacrifices and commitment,…

Professor Dasarath Chetty THE Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio) is essentially a nation-building platform. It exists to mobilise professional, financial and intellectual resources of the community of PIOs, not only for their mutual advancement, but importantly for the development of their country of citizenship and residence. Its stated objective is to be involved in creating goodwill and understanding between people from different countries irrespective of ethnic, regional or linguistic differences, and to contribute towards the establishment of national and global peace. In an era of populist politics where ethnic mobilisation is used as a political tool, Gopio serves and should serve as a non-partisan, secular, global organisation committed to nation-building processes by engaging with other communities, promoting understanding of each other’s values, customs, traditions and non-discriminatory practices…

I NOTICE that recently I am becoming more easily irritated. I get seriously annoyed at things that not too long ago I would just silently smile about. Others may not share my annoyances. But perhaps it’s just me, now that the grey hairs far outnumber the half grey hairs. I am slowly but surely becoming that Grumpy Old Man I always cringed about. I find it ridiculous when someone does not wait until people get off an elevator before getting on. Those pesky price tags that do not come off easily, especially on items that you want to give as a gift, irritate me. And when you do manage to get them off, they leave a stubborn tacky residue behind. I find it ludicrous when people share posts on Facebook…

SOUTH Africa’s first comprehensive and all-inclusive national Hindu Directory has been started by the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha (SAHDS). It will embrace all linguistic and denominational groups and fields of human endeavour. The directory will start with a list of all Hindu organisations, groups and interested temple societies. It will be followed by a list of priests, with contact details. It will also extend to, but not be limited to, bhajan groups, chutney and nagara and other musical and dancing groups and schools. The directory will include members of the medical, legal accounting, educational and other professions as well as Hindu business people, yoga teachers, sports fraternity, all occupations and so on. Hindu organisations and temple societies, which wish to be included, are invited to email sahdsoffice@gmail.com or write…

THREE men, arrested for allegedly stealing R4.5 million from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, were granted bail in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Friday. Yogendren Pillay, 40, Rowen Moodley, 35, and Mohan Kumar Guddanti, 38, were charged with money laundering and were each granted R20 000 bail. Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, spokesperson for the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, said the accused were arrested in Johannesburg on Tuesday. He said they would join three others, Prajeev Maharaj, 31, and Navin Ramsewak, 43, who are out on bail, as well as Mohammed Ismail Tshose, 41, currently in custody, at their next appearance in October. They were arrested on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering to the value of about R7.3 million in February. “It is alleged that on April 6, 2023,…

A NEWLANDS WEST man who threatened to kill and skin a businessman’s family alive and bomb a mall in uMhlanga will be sent to a district surgeon for a mental assessment. Divaker Ramchuran, 25, was arrested by officers from the Durban North SAPS at his home in Bakerville Gardens last Wednesday. According to a police source, the officers swooped on Ramchuran after tracking him through his social media accounts. “When police arrived at his home they apprehended him and searched the house for bombs and explosives. His electronic devices were confiscated.” Ramchuran has now been charged with intimidation and extortion. The threats were allegedly made against Vishal Maharaj, the chief executive officer of Megazone Radio. Ramchuran made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court last Friday. State Prosecutor Calvin…

This year, Chatsworth, one of the most unique and vibrant townships in the country, celebrates 60 years since it was founded in the 1960s. In commemoration of this anniversary, the POST will publish a series of articles from Kiru Naidoo’s book, Made in Chatsworth. Chengamma was my paternal great-grandmother. The present generation only know her through a picture. Her portrait hung at the top of the stairwell of my grandmother, Kanniamma Govindarajulu’s, home on Road 327 in Chatsworth. We have very little written documentation about her. My cousins, now dotted around the globe, have started to scour the indenture archives. Sociologist, Professor Ashwin Desai calls this a “mania about finding roots” and I fear we might be caught up in that too. My grandfather, Govindarajulu, would have made the portrait…

Pravin Gordhan is at rest. No public servant in South Africa is more deserving of that rest than Pravin. For more than five decades, Pravin worked tirelessly in the service of the people of South Africa ever since his days as a student activist, a community organiser, a Natal Indian Congress and Mass Democratic Movement leader, a key United Democratic Front strategist, an underground ANC cadre, and then as a politician-cum-public servant in the democratic South Africa. In all these roles, he applied himself with a commitment to the cause of the liberation of, and achievement of a life of dignity, for all South Africans that was exemplary and inspirational. This is a personal reflection of our relationship that spanned some 52 years. Although we were born and lived in…

THE news of the passing of our dear friend and comrade is indeed tragic and sad news for his family, friends, comrades and our government. Our condolences to the Gordhan family. I met PG, as he was known, as a young community activist from Phoenix. Phoenix in the late ’70s and early ’80s encountered numerous social and civic issues and it was Pravin and comrades from the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), who arrived in the area in 1977/1978 to assist to bring our community together and to launch the Phoenix Working Committee and Phoenix Child Welfare. This was done in order to take up the civic and social welfare issues plaguing our community. Today the Phoenix Working Committee and Phoenix Child Welfare Society remains strong and vibrant and has become…

CRICKETER Seshnie Naidu’s dream of playing for the Proteas has come true. The 18-year-old from Amanzimtoti, Durban, will represent South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3 to 20. Naidu is in Pakistan for a three-match T20I series from September 16 to 20 in Multan. She is “alone” in Pakistan for now but is hoping her family would be in the UAE for the world cup. Naidu said when she made the world cup squad, she was “really excited” because it had been her dream to be part of the Proteas. “I want to make a difference in my team and showcase what I’ve been working on through the years and months leading to the tournament. I’m a leg…

AS golfers, we’ve all been guilty of rushing to the first tee without properly preparing our bodies for the game ahead. But neglecting to warm up can lead to a mediocre round, increased risk of injury and a slower start to your golfing season. A well-structured warm-up routine is essential for golfers of all levels. The reason for warming up is to increase blood flow and flexibility, activate key muscle groups, enhance co-ordination and balance and prepare your mind for focus and concentration. When you warm up, your heart rate increases, pumping oxygen-rich blood to your muscles. This process reduces muscle stiffness and increases their elasticity during the swing. This is important as we want to make a good start to the round from the first hole. A simple, yet…

FOR decades, Manchester United and Liverpool fans have been fighting over which team is better. This feud rages on, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United dynasty of the ’90s and 2000s facing off against Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool revolution of the 2010s. In their last Premier League encounter, Liverpool dealt United a crushing 3-0 blow, leaving the Red Devils reeling. Now, as Erik Ten Hag’s United seeks to reclaim the throne, and Arne Slot’s Liverpool aims to maintain their grip on glory, the battle for supremacy is intensifying. Family gatherings become tense showdowns and friendships are put to the test when it comes to game day. The POST spoke to supporters of both teams on why they support the team they do, which team is better, and who they think will…

IT seems this year is speeding up as we get closer to the end. The summer fish are starting to become more regular on the reports and the weather is warming up. Fishing has been good offshore with the good weather days seeing bottom fish and gamefish filling the hatches. The North Coast has seen a lot of action in the past few weeks. The area from uMhlanga north has been the most productive section of coast for the offshore anglers. The sheer variety of species and the number of bites one can get make the trip up north worth it. Sodwana and Vidal are both fishing very well with very few anglers coming back disappointed. There have been quite a few billfish around, so if long fights and jumping…