Indice dei contenuti per 2023-09-27 in Post

TELUGU actor Allu Arjun, when in character, is known for his swag and attitude. Apart from his style, he also has a softer side when he is around his family, especially his son, Allu Ayaan. Arjun recently took time off from work to enjoy quality father-son time. The star of Pushpa: The Rise shared a picture of his son with what appeared to be burgers and a Coke. The post was accompanied by pop star Justin Bieber’s song Baby playing in the background. Arjun, who is married to Sneha Reddy, took to Instagram and captioned the post: “Dad & son time.” The actor is not entirely open about his personal life, though he tends to share details when he can on social media. He is currently geared up for the…

CHOOSING the perfect bridal designer sari is a crucial decision for any bride-to-be. It sets the tone for her wedding day look and reflects her personal style. With a plethora of options available, selecting the right sari can be overwhelming. To help you in your search, here are seven essential tips to pick the perfect bridal designer sari. Research and explore: Before diving into the shopping process, conduct thorough research and explore various bridal designer sari options. Look for inspiration in bridal magazines, online platforms, and social media. Pay attention to different styles, fabrics, colours, and embellishments. This will give you a better understanding of your preferences and help you narrow down your choices. Set a budget: Wedding preparations can be costly. Determine the maximum amount you are willing…

AMID South Africa’s volatile economy, female-led households face an ever-increasing financial burden compounded by unemployment, “Pink Tax”, interest rate inflation, and a lack of resources and skills. Many are battling to provide for their families with no relief in sight. Nearly 43.4% of South African children are raised by single mothers in female-headed households: 47.7% in rural areas, 39.6% in urban ones. The gender disparity of single parenting in the country is clear: women overwhelmingly shoulder the responsibility. Single parents across South Africa face the financial difficulty of stretching earnings of less than R2 000 a month - not nearly enough to afford basic need, let alone the rising cost of living and education. Half of South Africa’s working-aged women are unemployed. Statistics SA reveals the grim reality of inequality…

1 cup self-raising flour 3 tbs castor sugar 2 tbs melted butter ½ tsp cardamom powder ½ cup milk or more 2 cups oil for deep frying In a deep bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and cardamom powder. Fork in the melted butter until well combined. Add the milk a little at a time, mixing into a thick batter. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is hot enough. Drop small quantities of dough (equivalent to about 1½ tbs) into the hot oil. The dough will form balls as it cooks. Fry the gulgulas until they are golden brown in colour. Remove…

4 tbs olive oil + 1 extra tbs 700ml puréed tomatoes 2 tbs minced garlic ½ onion, diced ½ onion, sliced salt and pepper to taste ¼ tsp dried oregano 2 tsp chilli flakes ½ tsp sugar 1 tbs fresh basil, chopped 250ml fresh cream ¼ cup sliced olives half each, red, green and yellow peppers 200g mushrooms 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese or more 500g cooked pasta of choice In a pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, sliced onions, peppers and mushrooms. Fry lightly, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. In the same pan, add the 4 tablespoons olive oil and onions. Fry until translucent, then add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Next, add the puréed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar and…

2 cups cooked sugar beans 3 tbs cooking oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tomato, grated or puréed 1-2 potatoes, peeled and quartered 3-4 cloves garlic, smashed 1 bay leaf 1 cinnamon stick 2 star aniseed 1 tbs garam masala 1 tsp turmeric ½ tsp ground soomph/fennel 1 tbs Kashmiri masala 2 tbs masala 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 sprig curry leaf dhania/coriander for garnish salt to taste Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the spices and cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, adding a little water if necessary. Add the potatoes, 1 cup of water, and salt to taste. Cook until the potatoes…

Roman Reddy and Thashil Maharaj have made it into the Top 10 of Mr South Africa 2023. Reddy, 28, of Pinetown, is an associate attorney specialising in banking law and litigation at a law firm in uMhlanga. He is the middle child of three siblings and was raised in Wyebank. “I was a shy, awkward boy that got bullied in school. As a result of the bullying, I often found myself in a place of shame and guilt because I allowed myself to believe the words of others and let them determine who I was. Despite the bullying, I found my voice through my education and quickly realised I could change the trajectory of my future if I focused on academics.” He was the Dux recipient at Wyebank Primary School…

IT HAS been about seven months since the tennis courts in Chatsworth were re-opened following damage during the July 2021 riots. But the community is still unable to host tournaments because the clubhouse needs repairs. Brian Nair, the club’s president, said the Chatsworth Tennis Club was started in October 2002. “It was established in response to a demand for tennis. There were a number of small groupings playing at difference schools at the time. We got all these groupings together and founded the club. “A constitution was drawn up and we were affiliated to Tennis South Africa, the national governing body for the sport in the country. “The purpose of the club was to play and promote the game among our people, and to get the youth off the streets…

AS THE IFP has just bade farewell to its founder and president emeritus, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, I remember the many days, nights and hours I spent in his presence and drank from his cup of wisdom. I worked with his excellency for just over 20 years and got to know various facets of a man who dedicated his life to a better South Africa. At all times, I found him to be humble and respectful, to the point of never calling anyone by their first names. It was always a formal greeting. On the numerous occasions that I met him, he would greet me with a smile and both his palms together, followed by a hug. Even when he visited my home and shared a meal with my family, he…

STOLEN from their land, my ancestors bravely travelled across the sea, so that I could be. Born into a rainbow nation, rich in culture and diversity, their struggle and resilience, reminisced in history books, became an epitome of my being. The lamp in my home ignites my spirit with an inexplicable feeling, the same one I get when my grandmother ties a sari around me. My heart beats to the sound of a tabla and my mind wanders to my heritage across the sea. I am at home, but India still calls out to me. EKTA SOMERA Author of Made in Poetry Founder of Paper Trail Literary Journal Umkomaas…

You cannot define us by our melanin or hair strands. We come with different porosities and every colour on the spectrum; Alabaster, Sandstone, Olive and Obsidian, Jainism, Judaism/Jewish and Davidian. Polos and Pit Bulls, Dickies and BVDs. Jump at every chance to blurt insults with over ease, You know you’re Coloured when your father still calls you lytie; When no! becomes he-eh!, and the kin becomes the cho’ren; When hello becomes what kind, and my friends become the ouens. You say, I’ll sort you out, we say, I’ll give you laachies And when you scandal in the kitchen, we say, you full of praachies. But we’re so much more than that diversity. We’re never seen, from Lavender Hill and Bo-Kaap to the Wenties and the East. A marginalised minority, Heartbroken…

AN accumulative amount of R234 million that has been collected for water and sanitation development in eThekwini is yet to be used. This was revealed to POST by the city, after an enquiry was made about the water and sanitation infrastructure surcharge. Gugu Sisilana, the eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, said the surcharge, introduced in July 2022, would end in June 2026. She said the income from the surcharge had been budgeted for functional upgrades to the various waste water treatment works, which are in the final stages of supply chain management processes. Both domestic (residential) and non-domestic (institutional, commercial and industrial) customers are billed a monthly cost of R1.50. Yet, according to Sisilana, no infrastructure upgrades have been done. Opposition parties in eThekwini commented on the matter. Shontel De Boer, the…

INDIA’s parliament last week passed the Women’s Reservation Bill – also referred to as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam – with the Rajya Sabha unanimously approving it after an 11-hour debate. With no member voting against the bill, it received a total of 215 votes in the upper house. It became the first bill to be passed in the new parliament building during the special session. The bill will reserve one-third of seats in the more powerful lower house and state legislative assemblies for women. According to Reuters, women occupy 82 out of 550, or about 15% of seats in the lower house, with the number dipping further in the upper house, where they occupy 31 out of 250 seats, or 12%. A 2015 report on the Status of Women in…

AFTER 12 months out of one-day international cricket, New Zealand seamer Trent Boult is relishing a third crack at the 50-overs World Cup after bitter defeats in the last two finals. The 34-year-old is one of the world’s best ODI bowlers, but spent the last year sidelined from the Black Caps after turning down a New Zealand Cricket contract to play for lucrative Twenty20 teams in Australia, the US and India. Putting his international career on hold to spend more time with his young family was a risk, but Boult is back in the frame for October’s ODI World Cup after signing a casual-playing agreement with New Zealand cricket chiefs. “I fully appreciated the fact that in giving my contract back, you open the door for other players,” he said.…

ACTOR-couple Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla announced on social media that they were expecting their first child. The couple, who married in 2018 and participated in Bigg Boss 14, said on Instagram: “We promised we will together explore the world since we started dating, got married and now will do ️as a family welcoming the little traveller soon.” Dilaik was earlier spotted with a baby bump but she denied the rumours, before travelling to the US with her husband for a holiday. Since then, they posted pictures of themselves vacationing in different areas of the country. Dilaik, 34, starred in the TV serials Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Punar Vivah – Ek Nayi Umeed. Shukla, 40, is a TV actor known for his work in serials such as…

IN THE realm of weddings, tradition has long been regarded as sacrosanct. The age-old customs and rituals passed down through generations have created a rich tapestry of celebration, steeped in cultural significance. However, as time progresses and societal dynamics evolve, a new wave of thought has emerged – one that challenges the status quo and embraces the extraordinary. Enter the era of anti-trends, a movement that has taken the Indian wedding industry by storm, transforming the very essence of nuptial celebrations. Today, a vibrant shift is under way, with couples boldly breaking away from the traditional mould and creating personalised, one-of-a-kind celebrations that reflect their unique love stories. This paradigm shift has birthed a revolution that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the unabashed desire to make a mark. Experiential venue choices…

WE ARE sold the idea that becoming a new mother is the happiest time of your life. But for many women, the reality doesn’t fit that perfect picture. Yes, they may love their baby very much, but the broader impact of having a baby and becoming a mother can be far more complex. Research shows that when we look at happiness over our lifetime, the year after having a baby can be one of our lowest points. It’s not about our relationship with our baby but rather the other parts of our lives that have changed. Social media hasn’t helped. We are all tempted to just share the best bits, thinking we need to hide our feelings because we think everyone else is so happy. But speaking out helps everyone.…

WHEN it comes to microbiome health, many people focus on the foods that will help the trillions of good bacteria in their guts thrive. But less is known about how other factors like stress and trauma influence our gut health. A provocative study suggests that a mother’s stress may leave a lasting scar on future generations by impacting the make-up of her child’s gut microbiome. The gut microbiome, a unique community of micro-organisms, including bacteria, parasites and viruses that coexist in your intestinal tract, is gaining more attention for its critical role in both mental and physical health. Everyone’s microbiome is unique, influenced by what we eat, as well as our behaviours and environment. The findings, though modest, add to a growing body of research in the nascent field of…

1 cup rice flour 1 tsp sesame seeds (thill) 1 tsp butter or ghee ½ tsp cardamom powder 2 tsp condensed milk ghee or oil for burning cotton wool wick In a pan over low heat, toast the rice flour and sesame seeds for 5 minutes, without browning. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Rub in the butter or ghee until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the cardamom powder and condensed milk and mix well to form a dough. Shape the dough into a lamp, using a teaspoon to create a small indentation for the wick and oil. In a deep pot, bring water to a boil. Place the lamp on a saucer or tray and place the saucer on top of a small…

400g ready-made puff pastry 3 cups washed baby leaf spinach ½ onion, diced 100g creamy feta 2 tbs butter 1½ tsp flour ¼ cup milk and extra for brushing ¼ tsp nutmeg salt and pepper to taste In a saucepan over low heat, add the spinach and allow it to wilt. Remove the spinach or move it to one side of the pan. Add the butter and allow it to melt, then add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, then add the milk, a little at a time, and the nutmeg. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the spinach, salt, and pepper to taste. Go easy on the salt, because feta is salty. Crumble and gently stir in the feta. Preheat the…

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 find yourself reminiscing about the past as you are confronted by unresolved issues. Forgiveness is key to move on. Be gentle on yourself this week and take time out to laugh and have some fun. Lucky colour: grey. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Pay attention to signs sent from your loved ones in spirit. There is a lot going on in the background to help you on your way. Go back to your spiritual roots to find peace…

RESIDENTS north of Durban are growing frustrated by the lack of water. For some residents in high-lying areas, it has been more than 10 days since there was water. Aroon Soni, who lives in The Grand Floridian in La Lucia, said his rates recently went up by R1 000. “I’m a 74-year-old pensioner and paying almost R9 000 a month. What do I get for that? Nothing but poor service delivery. My wife and I live on our own and I have to battle with carrying large buckets to fill up water. These are services, but I pay a great deal of money.” Clint Jones, a resident of uMhlanga who is also part of the local Neighbourhood Watch, joined a group of residents and city officials who inspected the reservoirs…

POST in conjunction with Durban Tourism took readers on a Ricksha bus tour around the city, visiting historical Indian heritage sights last week. Mthandeni Buthelezi, the tour guide, provided information on the places of interest. The tour departed from the Durban beachfront and stopped at uShaka Marine World, Point Waterfront, Durban port, Victoria Street Market, Juma Musjid Mosque, Durban City Hall, the International Convention Centre, KwaMuhle Museum, Currie Road viewpoint, Durban Botanic Gardens and the 1860 Indian Heritage Centre. At the Victoria Street Market, Goolam Habib Madari, the owner of Madari and Sons spice shop, spoke on the different spices and their origins. Later, Manny and Shantha Mothilal, from Asherville, said the 1860 Heritage Centre was their favourite stop. “After retiring, we visited India many times and there was…

THE Association for The Aged (Tafta) will host its Spectacular Sapphire Soiree next month. Femada Shamam, Tafta’s CEO, said the event marked their 2023 celebration, commemorating Tafta’s 65th anniversary. “The event will start at 6pm with a live runway fashion show and storytelling, modelled by 12 Tafta elders. The models will be dressed by the ReJoyceCollection from Jane Linley-Thomas. This will be followed by a buffet dinner and an evening of music and dance.” Shamam said the proceeds generated from the event would be allocated towards Tafta’s operating costs to provide care, accommodation and support to elders in eThekwini. “The events of the last two years (since the Covid-19 pandemic) have financially impacted the organisation with many supporting corporates and businesses closing down, or choosing to support emergency relief efforts.…

THE diplomatic fallout continues to worsen after last week’s shocking accusation by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India was behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader and Canadian citizen, outside a Sikh temple in Canada earlier this year. Trudeau said last Tuesday after the Canadian government expelled a senior member of India’s foreign intelligence agency that India – and the government of India – needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. India strongly rejected the allegations and expelled one of Canada’s top diplomats in retaliation, adding further tension to an already strained relationship. What is the Khalistan movement? Nijjar had been a designated “terrorist” by the Indian government in 2020 for his leadership role in a movement advocating for a separate Sikh state…

FOR Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 73rd birthday on September 17, the Bharatiya Janata Party released a special anthem that outlined his achievements and dreams for the country. The two-minute long anthem titled Sapne nahi haqeeqat bunte, tabhi to sab Modi ko chunte, which translates to “Not dreams, he weaves reality, which is why everyone chooses Modi”, goes on to describe him as a selfless person, who has re-ignited growth in the country that had been stalled for years. The song likens him to a sage, who puts the interest of the people ahead of everything, and then goes on to say that Modi’s sole dream was to see the country in the league of developed nations. Visuals of various achievements under Modi's tenure are highlighted in the video, besides his…

EARLIER this year, the South African Human Rights Commission conducted an inquiry into the water crisis in the municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. The inquiry has found that the municipalities have violated people’s rights by not providing clean water for the residents of KZN. Many richer people do not know how difficult it is to walk kilometres to get access to water, which is a basic necessity. It is a feeling that everyone experiences daily in the shack settlements and rural areas of KZN. This is not the life that South Africans should be living 30 years after apartheid. Furthermore, the water trucks that are supposed to bring water for the people in the shack settlements are coming once a day and, if you are left out, you have to find other…

THIRTY years into democracy and South Africans of different rainbow colours, languages, religions, ethnic roots and geographical origins are still trying to find each other, seeking common ground, while sometimes appearing to be residing on different planets. The ultimate quest is that from this melting pot a common cultural heritage will emerge. Invariably, there have been robust public debates about what form this should take. There are justifiable concerns about how Heritage Day has been reduced to Braai Day (the insult to vegetarians must be noted, and there is no intention here to curry favour!). The importance of heritage is emphasised in the preamble to the National Heritage Resources Act (1999), and its purpose was to “encourage communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so that it may be bequeathed…

KWAZULU-Natal has the highest number of unclaimed bodies at state mortuaries in the country. Political parties are now seeking answers as to why bodies are piling up. The following is a breakdown of statistics on unclaimed bodies provided by the Freedom Front Plus (FF+): KwaZulu-Natal: 1 509. Gauteng: 1 049. Limpopo: 353. Western Cape: 350. Eastern Cape: 315. North West: 251. Free State: 108. Mpumalanga: 68. Northern Cape: 42. Philip van Staden, a FF+ MP and its spokesperson for health, said the statistics were provided to the party in a parliamentary question posed to Joe Phaahla, the Minister of Health. “We explained to the minister that the party had received complaints from the public about corpses being preserved with ice packs because there is not enough space in the state…

Dennis Francis, UN General Assembly president and Global South leaders have hailed India’s contributions to fellow Global South nations and for being their voice at the G20 summit. “From bolstering digital public infrastructure and innovative capacity-building, to strengthening the existing supply chains and addressing the debt crisis – India is setting an example for many UN member states from the Global South,” said Francis at the India-UN for Global South event on the sidelines of the UN High-Level General Assembly session. India successfully landing the Chandrayaan on the South Pole of the moon was an inspiration for all countries on what they could achieve when they have access to science, he said. Francis added that India’s pioneering endeavours benefited the entire South. “India’s recent G20 presidency marked a historic milestone,…

Partners who live together typically come to this significant place in their relationship in one of two ways – what some clinicians call “sliding versus deciding”. Moving in together can just kind of happen without too much thought, or it can be carefully considered and planned. Some couples may see living together as a test for future marriage. For others, marriage is not a goal, so living together may be the ultimate statement of their commitment. I have been a relationship therapist and researcher for over 25 years, specialising in intimate relationships. Based on my research and clinical experience, I recommend that couples discuss the significance of sharing a home before they merge households. Doing so gives partners an opportunity to set realistic expectations, negotiate household roles and practise their…

IN OUR fast-paced, demanding world, headaches have become a common companion. But not all headaches are created equal. Some are triggered by stress or tension, others by dehydration or lack of sleep. However, a particular category of headaches is related to hormonal fluctuations. These are aptly termed hormonal headaches. Defining hormonal headaches Hormonal headaches are triggered by changes in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone in women. These fluctuations occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after birth, menopause, or when using hormonal contraceptives. Types of hormonal headaches Menstrual migraines Typically, these happen in the days leading to, during, or immediately after menstruation and coincide with a drop in oestrogen levels. Menstrual migraines can be more severe and longer-lasting than other migraines, and they may not respond as well…

1 cup white rice (soaked in water overnight) 3 cups water 1 can condensed milk 125g butter 1 cup milk 1 tsp cardamom powder ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 2 cinnamon sticks pistachios, almonds, or raisins (optional) In a medium pot over medium heat, add the soaked and washed white rice, cinnamon sticks and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Add the milk and butter to the pot, and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the milk has reduced slightly and the rice is creamy. Stir in the condensed milk, cardamom powder and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes more, or…

2 cups yellow split peas/pea dhal (soaked in water overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours) 2 onions, finely diced 4 dry red chillies, soaked in water to rehydrate and then finely diced 6-8 green chillies, finely diced 2 tsp roasted cumin/jeera seeds, roughly crushed ¾ tsp roasted fennel/soomph seeds, roughly crushed a handful of fresh coriander, minced ½ cup spring onion, chopped 2½ tsp salt ½ tsp turmeric ¼ tsp chilli powder ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp garlic and ginger paste 4 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying In a food processor, grind the soaked pea dhal until pasty but not runny. Transfer it to a mixing bowl and add all the ingredients, except the oil and baking powder. Mix well. Add the baking powder…

2 tbs vegetable oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbs ginger and garlic paste 2-3 whole dried red chillies (adjust to your spice preference) 1 cinnamon stick 2 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbs coriander powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 2 tbs masala powder (adjust to your preferred spice level) 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed 1 tomato, puréed salt to taste fresh coriander/cilantro for garnish (optional) rice or roti for serving Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic paste, and cook for…

JANICE Moodliar is ready to take on the male-dominated field of shipping and logistics. This after she recently graduated cum laude from the Durban University of Technology with a diploma in shipping and logistics management. Moodliar is 24 and from Parkgate in Verulam. “I was excited to finally get a chance to walk the graduation stage after struggling to secure my six-month internship on time. “Covid-19 also disrupted my last semester. I was unable to find a placement to complete my internship because most companies’ employees were working from home. “The company has now further offered me a one-year learnership. It has been a trying time for me as I waited a long time to graduate. “Getting an internship and a learnership was the silver lining. Finally graduating was exciting,…

Raisa Roopchand achieved a cum laude and Dean’s Merit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), through her postgraduate diploma in management studies for business administration. She matriculated at Glenhaven Secondary School in Verulam in 2012. Roopchand, 29, of Durban North, began her tertiary studies in 2014 and attained a degree in biomedical technology. “I then did an internship with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) from 2017 to 2018, after which I wrote a board exam in 2018. Passing this allowed me to practise as an independent medical technologist. “From 2018 to 2019, I did my Btech in biomedical technology, which was part-time. At this point, I was happy to be permanently employed by the NHLS. Although my main focus and passion is health care, part of me always…

SEPTEMBER is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this year Cupcakes of Hope will host a National Cupcake Day on September 30 at malls in the country. Sindhera Avikaar, a volunteer, will co-ordinate the initiative at Cornubia Mall. Cupcakes of Hope is a non-profit company that strives to create awareness and educate the public on the early warning signs of childhood cancer, and to raise funds for children diagnosed with cancer, says Avikaar. “We do this predominantly through our love of baking cupcakes. We have an amazing team of volunteers, also known as the Cupcake Angels, who assist us in raising funds throughout the year with various events. “The funds are used for our little cancer patients’ day-to-day needs, from transport money to and from hospital, food hampers, funds for a…

EVERYONE knows of Shaka Zulu, the king and founder of the Zulu empire. But an equally compelling yet less known story is that of Godongwana. He was the first-born son of Jobe, leader of the Mthethwa clan. His father favoured another son, Mawewe as his heir and ordered Godongwana’s death. However, the young man managed to escape and changed his name to Dingiswayo which loosely translated into English means, one who wanders. After years of exile, Dingiswayo returned home following the death of his father. He killed his brother, claimed the throne and went on to become a great leader. He was a mentor to Shaka and it is debatable whether or not Shaka would have become the great warrior that he was had it not been for Dingiswayo. King…

IT IS a disheartening reality that many of South Africa’s public officials are unqualified, incompetent, and selected without public scrutiny. Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation’s response to a DA question indicated that the outcomes of performance assessments of MPs would be kept a secret. This is not only unconstitutional, but also reprehensible, as it shows a lack of transparency and accountability. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to have performance agreements in place with his ministers was a step in the right direction, but it is an empty promise if the reports are not made public. It is only through public scrutiny that we can hold our public officials accountable and demand changes where necessary. We have heard of instances where departments have…

WITH reference to the letter “India name change divisive” (POST, September 23–27), the writer is disseminating fake news, and parroting the inane comments of the Congress party of India. The word “India” does not have Sanskrit origin. The word is an exonym, a name given by foreigners. The pre-Islamic Persians found the Sanskrit name of the River Sindhu difficult to pronounce (the “S” sound) and called it Hindu. Gradually, the river became synonymous with the country. The Greeks learnt about Bharat from them but found the “H” difficult to pronounce. They called it “Ind” or “Inde”. It was the British colonisers, foreigners, that gave Bharat the name India. Bharat, on the other hand, is an endonym. That is, a name given by the people to themselves. The name can be…

Andrew Ragavaloo, a former ANC mayor of Richmond and a retired principal at Richmond Combined School, died last week. He was 72. Ragavaloo was born in Dundee and took office for his first term as mayor in 1996. During the time, there was conflict between the ANC and the United Democratic Movement. Scores of people were killed. Dwayne Ragavaloo, his son, said his dad had become ill this month. “He suffered a stroke in July 2022. This year, around September 11, he started feeling ill, and was hospitalised. Unfortunately, he passed away last Thursday morning at the Midlands Specialist Private Hospital.” After matriculating, Ragavaloo snr trained as a physical education teacher while studying part time through Unisa. He later obtained a BA degree in history and economics. He taught at…

THE offshore fishing has been fantastic this past week with plenty of fish caught with a variety of methods. The North Coast has seen good tuna fishing around the Ballito to Salt Rock area. Live bait has been the most successful. Drifting slowly around the bait marks with a live bait rigged without a weight and one on a downrigger has seen the most consistent results. Like the North Coast, the tuna have been around the central coast. There has been great success with the surface lures and the poppers have been the winner. Splash and profile have been the most important factors when choosing the poppers. Colour has come down to personal preference. The South Coast has not reported much in the line of catches. The backline areas have…