Postの 2025-08-20 の目次

ACTOR, producer, director and member of parliament, Kamal Haasan, recently celebrated his close friend and fellow actor Rajinikanth’s completion of 50 glorious years in the film industry. The milestone was marked last Wednesday, ahead of the release of Rajinikanth’s new movie, Coolie, which also co-stars Haasan’s daughter Shruti. Haasan wrote on X: “My dear friend Rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our super star with affection and admiration.” Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj also expressed his gratitude to Rajinikanth. “Coolie will always be a special film in my journey. Will forever be grateful for this opportunity, and the conversations we’ve shared on and off the film. These are moments I will always cherish.” Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, who stars in the recently-released War 2, shared a message…

DIVYA Dutta values freedom of expression and speaking her mind respectfully. However, she added that one should not try to please everyone. Talking about strong women being judged on the basis of what they did, said and also having an opinion, Dutta said: “You cannot please the whole world. I like freedom of expression. I am someone who cannot keep something here. I feel you must say what you have to say.” Her latest role is in Mayasabha: The Rise of the Titans, a political drama web series. It stars Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao. Set in the volatile political landscape of 1990s Andhra Pradesh, the series dramatises the evolving relationship between two prominent political figures – Nara Chandrababu Naidu and YS Rajasekhar Reddy – portraying their journey from close…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 6% to 13% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It can develop during adolescence or soon after menarche; around 15% to 20% of infertile women have a PCOS diagnosis. Conventional treatments involve hormonal therapy if they are trying to conceive; oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and manage symptoms like acne and hirsutism, or metformin to address insulin resistance. Ayurvedic medicine offers a holistic and natural approach to address the root cause of hormonal imbalance and metabolic dysfunction. PCOS can significantly impact fertility, metabolic health, psychological and emotional well-being. The following signs and symptoms characterise this disorder Irregular menstrual cycles. Menstrual abnormalities in the form of less menstrual bleeding (hypomenorrhea), absence…

AFTER a traumatic encounter with police, a Phoenix man is seeking justice for himself and his Muslim fiancée, who was allegedly forced to consume alcohol against her religious beliefs. The 21-year-old, who declined to be named because of fear for his life, said he and his fiancée, 20, were returning home from a family function when they were flagged down by an unmarked police vehicle while travelling along Longcroft Drive on August 9. “It was around 9.30pm when the car behind us started flashing its blue lights. I pulled over thinking it was a routine police check. “Four men, dressed in police uniform, jumped out of the vehicle. Two of them approached my side of the vehicle, while the other two went to my fiancée’s side. “One of the officers…

WHILE community organisations and political parties have welcomed the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) report on maladministration related to housing developments on municipal land in Phoenix, they are demanding swift and decisive action to hold those implicated, accountable. Mervin Govender, general-secretary of the Phoenix Tenants Residents Association, said the community demanded urgent action, including a criminal investigation. He said the SIU report had confirmed long-standing allegations of corruption, maladministration and irregularities in the management of housing projects, such the eThekwini Municipality’s Infill Housing Programme (IHP). “The report exposed how housing opportunities were wrongfully diverted from qualifying beneficiaries through fraudulent allocation of units to ineligible individuals, the bypassing of official housing waiting lists and manipulation of records. It also exposed a conflict of interest and abuse of authority by certain officials…

FOR the past five years Marilyn Rampersad, who is in need of a triple organ transplant, has lived with the hope that she would find a donor. Rampersad, 37, of Cape Town, who was diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, atrial septal defect and congenital heart disease, requires a heart and bilateral lung transplant. She said at age 29, while pregnant with her second child, she experienced difficulty in breathing. Rampersad, who hails from Port Shepstone, said she initially attributed it to having a high-risk pregnancy. “However, after the birth of my son, while laying in bed, I suddenly experienced pain in my chest. “I did not think much of it, but decided to get checked at our family doctor. She said I looked like I was having a…

ON AUGUST 6, 2025, I found myself alone in my hotel room at the Taj Amer Hotel in Jaipur, once again away from home on business. I received a WhatsApp video announcing that I had been named the Private Sector CEO of the Year 2025 by the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum of South Africa (AWCA). I had never imagined I would receive such an honour.Overwhelmed with emotion, I sat on the bed and watched the video more than 20 times, tears in my eyes. It prompted me to reflect on my journey to this moment. It hasn’t been an easy path, but this recognition reminded me that with resilience and determination, nothing is impossible. Women are breaking barriers every day around the world. It is an honour that means…

I was never a class monitor. My teachers thought I was extremely introverted. Actually, I was shy and quiet. A minor stuttering problem caused me to be afraid of speaking in front of the class. With a teeny-weeny bit of jealousy, I would admire the confidence of the class monitors during my primary school days. Sometimes, we would have two monitors, a boy and a girl. They were chosen because they were bright, always neatly dressed and demonstrated leadership qualities. The class monitor was the kind of person who sat in the front row and paid rapt attention to what the teacher was saying. Given their inborn self-assurance, class monitors would often feature in the top three pupils in class and would also excel on the sports field. In some…

OUR traditional way of life is fast disappearing. A fast-paced materialistic world has taken its toll on our culture and customs. We have become so Westernised. And there's also the influence of Eastern religion. So many Indians have forsaken Hinduism, and converted to Christianity and lead a European way of life. One glaring example is the sari. It hardly comes out of the wardrobe these days. Working women find it easier and quicker to slip on a dress or a pair of jeans than take time to put on a sari. Even women who stay at home don’t wear a sari any more. The only time you are most likely to see a woman in a sari is at a wedding or a funeral. Even then some women are…

Among the stories featured in “Challenges and triumphs of Durban’s market vendors" (the POST, August 6 – 10), we interviwed Sanusha Moodliar Ponen of the Victoria Street Market. Her father and grandfather’s names were published incorrectly. Her grandfather was Rathnam Apadori Moodley and her father, Thirupathi Moodliar. She is not the eldest of four siblings but the third born. In addition, she opened Thirupathi Spices in 2018, which was at Shop 2 in the Victoria Market, while concurrently running the family business, RA Moodley. The latter business closed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. We regret the error and apologise for any inconvenience which may have been caused.…

DISTRAUGHT mother, Raquel Beck, 52, this week described the pain and horror she felt when both her sons were gunned down and robbed of their jewellery outside St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Merebank, while attending their uncle’s funeral on Saturday. Tevin Luke Beck, 31, was shot 11 times in his face and abdomen, and died on his way to hospital while in the arms of his wife, Michelle Beck. His younger brother, Keagan, 26, was shot five times in his back, and doctors told his family that he was brain dead. He died in hospital a short while later. The brothers, who grew up in Wentworth, moved to Johannesburg in 2020, and started a security company called Atrack. They were in Durban for their uncle’s funeral when they were killed.…

WHY have various foundations rejected the national dialogue? Former president Kgalema Motlanthe, emulating the actions of his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, withdrew from the national dialogue, becoming the second former head of state to do so. This is a rejection, if not a refusal, to endorse what could’ve been yet another titanic already rejected by South African people. But why? I remember the phrase that “only free men can negotiate and that prisoners cannot enter into contracts”, a phrase attributed to Nelson Mandela. Most eloquently, for me, it signifies, if only it highlights the idea that true negotiation, which involves reaching an agreement and making commitments, requires the freedom to make choices and enter into agreements. Back to the burning question. Why are these foundations, as well as ordinary South Africans,…

ACTRESS Bhumi Pednekar, who was recently seen in the series, The Royals, has spoken up on dog confinement, and the recent directive of the Apex Court. She shared pictures and videos with her dog, Bruno, on Instagram. Pednekar also penned a long note in the caption. “My Bruno baba came into our lives when he was just 4 months old. When the brilliant team at @yodamumbai found him, he was battered and badly hurt – jaw dislocated, tail burnt – yet his spirit was that of a warrior. All of this was done by little children who found joy in torturing an innocent soul. “Not their fault – it’s ours, for failing to instil empathy, co-existence and kindness with us. Bruno is a wise soul. He is intelligent, kind, playful,…

POLITICIAN and actress Kangana Ranaut has shared a sharp reaction to Jaya Bachchan’s unfortunate selfie incident, calling the veteran actress a “spoilt and privileged” woman. Bachchan, a Samajwadi Party MP, was seen getting angry at a fan who tried to take a selfie with her as she arrived at the Constitution Club in Delhi. Losing her temper, she pushed the man back with force. The man stepped back. During the incident, fellow parliamentarian Priyanka Chaturvedi was also present. Bashing her political opponent for her behaviour, Ranaut reshared the video on Instagram stories and wrote: “Most spoilt and privileged woman. People put up with her tantrums/nonsense just because she is @amitabhbachchan ji’s wife.” However, this is not the first time Ranaut has taken a dig at Bachchan. In 2020, Bachchan attacked…

SHRUTI Haasan, who stars alongside Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna in Coolie, talks about her role as Preeti, a character she describes as quite different from herself, yet deeply relatable in many ways. “I don’t think Preeti is like me at all,” Haasan admitted. “But I did connect with certain aspects of her. I believe many women will relate to those parts, and that’s what I really liked about the character. Preeti is extremely responsible, extremely focused, and quite inspiring.” For Hassan, the role offered an opportunity to portray a kind of quiet strength that was often overlooked, but deeply impactful. She believes Preeti represents women whose determination and sense of responsibility rarely make headlines, yet form the backbone of their personal and professional worlds. Hassan approached Preeti with grounded authenticity. She…

SINUS infections can be disruptive and persistent. While these infections run their course in about a week, some individuals experience prolonged issues, indicating chronic sinusitis. Seeking consultation with a sinus specialist becomes crucial in such cases. Fortunately, natural remedies offer relief. However, it is essential to navigate self-care treatments cautiously, avoiding certain practices and approaching others with care. Common mistakes that aggravate sinus infections: Not using a humidifier: Winter’s chilly and dry conditions lead to the drying out of nasal passages, exacerbating sinus discomfort. Use a humidifier or vaporiser to add moisture to the air. This helps prevent your sinuses from becoming excessively dry and irritated. Excessive use of nasal spray: While over-the-counter nasal sprays provide temporary relief, prolonged and improper usage can have adverse effects. The main chemical…

IN A WORLD where opportunities knock at the most unexpected times, Wesley Chetty’s journey from a small town in South Africa to the bustling streets of New York is nothing short of extraordinary. Now 37, this former Newcastle resident is making waves as a marketing manager at PepsiCo, having relocated to the US in September 2023. But Chetty is not just about the corporate grind; he’s also a comedian, singer, avid traveller and social media personality. His life took a turn when he was offered a position on PepsiCo’s global team – a dream come true that he describes as “one of the most exciting chapters of my life”. “They covered every aspect of my relocation, my flights, shipping, the works, and honestly, who would say no to that?” If…

COOLIE, one of the most anticipated movies in Indian cinema, released worldwide on Friday. The movie celebrates superstar Rajinikanth’s 50-year contribution to the silver screen, and his 171st offering as an actor in Indian cinema. Celebrated director Lokesh Kanagaraj jumped at the opportunity to direct his childhood hero in a mass formula, pan-Indian Kollywood movie for his myriad fans across the globe. Coolie brings out the best in Rajinikanth’s inimitable style that no Indian actor can mimic. He plays Deva, a leader in the labour community, who helps his downtrodden comrades when they are exploited by their crooked employers. He is taken aback when he hears his long-time friend, Rajasekhar, played by veteran actor, Sathyaraj, has died. Deva attends the funeral. He is uneasy because he feels Rajasekhar’s death…

IN A MAJOR cocaine operation, police uncovered a clandestine cocaine laboratory allegedly linked to the notorious Southside Gang, operating “under the radar” from a home in Phoenix. In a joint operation by the Hawks, the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) Durban Unit, the provincial tactical response team and metro police, over R4 million worth of cocaine was seized from two homes in Phoenix. Narelle Maikoo, 34, and Brene Braydon Chetty, 22, both from Greenbury, were arrested. They appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They were remanded in custody until their bail application later this week. Maikoo was charged with dealing in cocaine and heroin after police found a brick of cocaine worth R350 000 in her bedroom, and heroin powder estimated at R60 000 in a green…

However, corruption has become a significant challenge in eThekwini Municipality’s governance, directly undermining the ability to deliver services, with public interests often sidelined by self-serving officials A Special Investigation Unit (SIU) report detailing irregularities in the management of eThekwini Municipality’s Housing Infill Programmes (IHP) has sent shockwaves through Phoenix, revealing mismanagement in the disposal of municipal land intended for affordable housing. The SIU, tasked with exploring allegations of maladministration in the sale and purchase of 29 sites – including community parks and sports grounds – reported that the municipality failed to adhere to necessary legal and constitutional provisions in the transfer and sale of these properties. The findings indicate that the government’s vision of providing housing for deserving beneficiaries, particularly within the middle and lower economic spectrums, was subverted by…

IN THEIR “indigenous countries”, which include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, white societies around the world feel they are being “replaced”, and that others wish to invade and conquer them. In turn, this makes racism and exclusive whiteness “great and fashionable again”, and gives rise to the ideologies that helped people like US President Donald Trump rise to power. These individuals have made the decision that “we are not sorry for the past, and will not be sorry for our actions if you continue to push us and see any wrongs in our nature”, which we must take very seriously. That is to say, we will do worse than before if you oppose our efforts to uphold racial superiority. This will surely lead to retaliation and is…

WE ARE deeply troubled by the negative press coverage regarding His Majesty King Misuzulu’s decision to relocate the Umkhosi Womhlanga annual reed dance ceremony from Enyokeni Palace to Emashobeni. The suggestion that this decision could “set him against the financially strained KwaZulu-Natal provincial government” is not only far-fetched, but utterly ridiculous. As Isizwe saMazulu, we wholeheartedly support the king’s decision. Our position is unequivocal: once “Umlomo Ongathethimanga” has spoken, no other voice should presume to challenge his authority. The financial difficulties faced by the KwaZulu-Natal government are a problem of their own making. The Zulu people continue to pay taxes in this country, and we have never been asked to cease doing so. The question must be asked: what has been done with our contributions? If it is true that…

brothers Ferrel Govender and Darren Govender are set to stand trial in November for the premeditated murder of businessman Shailen Singh, allegedly motivated by a love affair that led to a deadly confrontation. The indictments in the case of Ferrel, 41, the group chief executive officer of Pro Secure, a security company, and Darren, 36, were served in the Durban Magistrate’s Court last Friday. The brothers are accused of killing 32-year-old Singh in December last year. Singh, who owned Shails Trans, a logistics company, was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle in a restaurant’s parking lot in Meridian Drive, uMhlanga. The father-of-one who was shot in the head, neck and abdomen, died at the scene. His son was 2 months old at the time. The State alleged that…

After the devastating floods in Paradise Valley, Trish Naidoo, 40, faced a life-altering decision when she lost her leg. She shares her journey of resilience, recovery, and the support that helped her adapt to a new reality. WHEN the April 2022 floods tore through Paradise Valley, sweeping away homes, and disrupting lives, Trish Naidoo found herself fighting for survival which resulted in her losing leg. Her home was washed away while she was still trapped inside. Due to the force of the water, Naidoo sustained extensive injuries to her left leg and back. In the months following the disaster, Naidoo endured multiple surgeries in an attempt to try and save her leg. But the damage was too extensive. Eventually in August 2024, her doctors told her she needed to have…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed national dialogue is a futile exercise and an expensive duplication of processes that already exist in our democracy. Parliament was created to represent the voices of the people. Each member of Parliament is given close to a R1 million annually – on top of their salaries – to run constituency offices with staff and resources for community engagement. Billions are spent on legislatures to ensure that ordinary South Africans are heard. If these systems worked as intended, there would be no need for yet another costly talk shop. The truth is that many MPs, particularly from the ANC and its GNU partners, have abandoned their duty. Constituency offices stand closed, communities rarely see their representatives, and when issues are raised in Parliament, they are dismissed or…

OUR Constitution – the supreme law of our country – enshrines in its Bill of Rights the principles that allow us to live and flourish within our borders. These rights include access to health care, particularly emergency medical care. Then there is the right to access maternal health and contraception, also explicitly protected in South Africa’s constitutional and legislative framework, and rooted in our country’s broader human rights commitments. This includes commitments we have made to the latter in terms of our international obligations. While we recognise the crisis within our healthcare system, the blame for its failings lies squarely with government. In KwaZulu–Natal (KZN), health care consumes 35.5% of the provincial budget. How these funds are managed – and how accountability is enforced – determines whether we have a…

Coach Rassie Erasmus has wielded the axe for their second Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies, welcoming back experienced campaigners for the crunch clash in Cape Town. Following the injuries to seasoned campaigners such as captain Siya Kolisi and flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, as well as poor performances by some players in the 38-22 defeat against the Australians at Ellis Park, Erasmus has made 10 changes to the starting line-up for this weekend’s clash. Experienced backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende have recovered from injury and will come straight into the starting team, while Bok centurion Willie le Roux has been picked in the No 15 jersey ahead of Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi, who featured in Johannesburg. Only five players in the starting-15 retained their places from the…

The biggest Shad competition in decades is on, and anglers from all over are gearing up for what promises to be a weekend of chaos along the coastline This is more than just another fishing tournament. It’s a coastal takeover, a chance at glory, and the kind of adrenaline-fueled action that anglers will be talking about for years to come. Whether it’s a spoon flung at sunrise or the midnight strike of a hungry Shad, every cast carries the potential for triumph. On the fishing front, Shad fever has already gripped the Durban beachfront, where shoals have kept rods bending and spoons flashing. Anglers are reporting bonus catches of stumpies and grunter, with spinning spoons proving especially effective. Matching the profile of sardines has worked best, but even a scrap…

MADHU Shalini, who is as popular in Tamil as she is in Telugu, has now turned producer in director Srujan Attada’s Telugu film, Kanya Kumari, featuring Geeth Saini and Sricharan Rachakonda. The actress, who made a name for herself in the Tamil film industry with her impactful performances in director Bala’s Avan Ivan and the Kamal Haasan-starrer Thoongavanam, said she was now working as an actress and producer. “I am already in the process of producing a Hindi film. It is a science fiction film and it is yet to be titled. Although I turned producer with that film, Kanya Kumari will technically be my first film as producer as it releases first,” she said. Producing a film requires quite a bit of courage. “I was looking for good scripts…

VETERAN actress Zeenat Aman loves to stroll down memory lane using social media. Once again, she decided to reminisce about some fond memories with legendary film-maker Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor, during one of the celebrations at the Kapoor house. The video showed Aman enjoying a conversation with the showman. The clip further had her dancing with Raj Kapoor during the get-together. “Glimpses of a bygone era. These frames are from a celebration at the Kapoor household. Krishna ji was an impeccable host to the who’s who of Tinseltown that night.” Meanwhile, Aman shared her disappointment with the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on the relocation of the stray dogs to the shelters in Delhi-NCR. “Disheartened by the recent news about stray dog ‘removal’ in Delhi. I join animal lovers from…

THE Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigation into the eThekwini Municipality’s housing programme has uncovered serious irregularities and potential corruption involving the sale and purchase of 29 sites, including community parks and sport grounds in Phoenix. The SIU was mandated to establish if the municipality had disposed of or alienated its immovable property through its Human Settlements Infill Housing Programme (IHP) in a proper manner. In addition, it was tasked to establish if the transfer or sale of vacant properties by developers was in breach of the developers’ contractual obligations and contrary to the objectives of the IHP; and to identify any unlawful or improper conduct by the municipality’s officials and employees, or any other person or entity. According to the 41-page explosive report, the investigation emanated from a complaint received…

ALMOST six months ago, Mahendran Naicker received a kidney transplant which he said had given him a second chance at life after he suffered renal failure. The 48-year old, of Morningside, was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, or commonly known as Berger’s disease, nine years ago. It is a kidney disease in which IgA antibodies build up abnormally. Over time, it leads to kidney damage or kidney failure. Naicker, an IT support analyst, said prior to his diagnosis he sought treatment after suffering from a constant headache. At the time he was 39 years old and worked in Johannesburg. “I was taking over-the-counter medication for pain, but the headache did not subside. I decided to see a general practitioner. He told me my blood pressure was high and gave me medication.…

PLEASE do not be shocked at my use of the pejorative in the column headline. I am not doing a Gayton here and neither am I trying to be equally controversial as the currently beleaguered minister is known to be. Heaven forbid! He is an extremely hard act to follow and neither do I have the will nor inclination to do so. Actually, a few incidents have precipitated this week’s column, not the least being the fracas that the leader of the Patriotic Alliance has initiated. His rant followed the shocking broadcast episode of the young team known as the Open Chats Podcast in which they disrespected the coloured community of our country. Granted, the embattled minister of sport was hauled over the coals for old social media posts that…

THE shocking front page story, “Girl (9) was kept home from school and allegedly raped by stepfather”, the POST, August 12–17, refers. It is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences imaginable for a family. Once again, as a community, we must hang our heads in shame, forced to confront the darkest shadows of humanity. How such atrocities continue in this day and age is beyond comprehension. We can no longer afford to live in denial. Our country is plunging deeper into darkness, and the alarming rise in child neglect and abuse is a crisis we can no longer ignore. Child rape has become one of the most horrifying issues of our time, and this latest incident leaves me, and surely many others, filled with anger, shame and deep concern. While…

AFTER all is said and done, James Shirley’s artistic poem “Death the leveller” will reign supreme. Weather patterns all over the world are very quickly pointing to a catastrophe still to come. All the unpredictability of wind, rain, floods and storms are caused by man who chooses to deliberately ignore the peril of mass-producing processes that encourages unlimited carbon emissions. Floods are already becoming the biggest human-spawned, artificial intelligent proxies for “terrorism” in both Indian-occupied Kashmir, as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The facade that both countries desperately continue to install for the world has been going on for almost eight decades. In the original Kashmiri, people on both sides of the line-of-control are reportedly unhappy inhabitants, while those on the Indian side are enjoying the “greatest military security per capita”…

WILL South Africa’s new demerit point system reduce road fatalities? The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) believes it will, as they prepare for a rollout by September 2026. However, local community organisations are not optimistic about the demerit system, considering the state of lawlessness on the country’s roads. The demerit point system will see motorists receiving penalty points for various road infringements. Every motorist will start at zero. The cap is 15 demerit points, when motorists risk losing their driver’s licence. RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkhaliphi says 85% of road crash fatalities were due to human-related factors, while 15% were attributed to vehicle-related and road environment factors. He said they hoped the demerit system would reduce road fatalities. “The demerit point system is one of the provisions of the Aarto Act,…

Prindha Govender, a 54-year-old English teacher from Malvern, has transformed her battles with depression into a motivational book, aimed at inspiring others to persevere amidst their dark times. Govender, a mother of three and a teacher for 32 years, recently released her debut book, Hanging onto the Coat Tails of Jesus: Unveil your inner peace, about her 9 year battle with depression and anxiety. "We all need hope when suffering with this chronic illness. We need to know that we can live a good life despite the illness," said Govender this week. She first started experiencing symptoms of depression in 2016 but she did not take it seriously. “My symptoms included being in a constant panic state, unable to function. I would stress the whole day but do nothing except…

I ATTENDED the national convention on August 15 and 16, in Pretoria as the president of the South African Hindu Maha together with Professor Brij Maharaj, Dr Aarthi Panday and Dr Yuvan Shunmugam as the four invited delegates from the South African Hindu Maha. The National Convention was an introduction to the citizen-led, nonpartisan national dialogue that is set to take place in South Africa, where every South African who has an interest in the future of South Africa and our people will have an opportunity to articulate what we think are the problems that we face and what we believe are the solutions to our problems. This National Convention was facilitated by the government to initiate the framework for how we, as ordinary South Africans, will raise our concerns…