Table of contents for Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in Post

Brakes on illegal drag racing Police involvement investigated NADIA KHAN, JANINE MOODLEY AND CHARLENE SOMDUTH METRO police are looking into allegations that officers are providing tip-offs about roadblocks and patrols to illegal drag racers as the street sport resumed under level 3 of the lockdown. Once the 8pm curfew was lifted on June 1, illegal drag racing enthusiasts again made various stretches of road in Durban their playgrounds. Metro police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said: “We are working on an undercover sting operation to determine who is behind organising these races. We are aware that some police were providing the drag racers with tip-offs about roadblocks and patrols. “We will find out who the snitches are and they will also face the wrath of the law.” Sewpersad said those…

Tributes pour in for star who lit up room CHANELLE LUTCHMAN THE family and friends of Jòvan Muthray, who played Nilesh on e.tv’s Imbewu: The Seed, are still coming to terms with the actor’s death. Muthray, 30, of Laudium, died on Sunday. The circumstances around his death are not yet known. A relative, who declined to be named, said that the family were still coming to terms with their loss and were unable to speak. Actor Koobeshan Naidoo, who stars in the drama series, said: “He was a very funny guy. He got on with everyone. He was the type of person who lit up the room just by walking in. “He was also quirky. I spent more than two months with him on set and he had a huge…

Suspects arrested in PMB man’s murder JANINE MOODLEY A SECURITY boss and an alleged hitman have both been arrested for the murder of Pietermaritzburg grandfather Subendran Mark Naidoo. Naidoo, a security adviser at Hulamin (an aluminium semi-fabricator business), was killed while leaving his Copesville home on August 30 last year. He intended to drop off his granddaughter, 3, at crèche. Naidoo was reversing out of his driveway when a man with an AK 47 rifle, dressed in army attire, opened fire. He shot Naidoo multiple times, including in the head. Naidoo died while shielding his grandchild, who was in the passenger seat. She escaped unharmed. A teenage schoolgirl, who was leaving her home’s rubbish outside at the time, was grazed by a stray bullet. Ten months after Naidoo’s death, both…

‘Hospital is gambling with our lives’ Management allegedly failed to isolate patient after testing positive CHARLENE SOMDUTH NURSES at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital ICU trauma wing are concerned about their health after two patients allegedly tested positive for Covid-19 and were not isolated. The two patients, along with eight others, were allegedly admitted to the hospital last Tuesday and Wednesday. The unit has two wards with five beds each. They tested for the virus, and their results allegedly came back positive – one on Friday and the other on Saturday. Some of the nurses claimed that when the hospital management was notified about the first confirmed case on Friday, they allegedly failed to move the infected patient to an isolation ward. They further claimed that nurses and other patients…

Pandemic prompts plan B for students Covid-19 outbreak does not dampen aspirations, dreams NADIA KHAN IN LIGHT of the Covid-19 pandemic, tertiary students are hopeful they will complete their studies and get their dream jobs. But due to wide-scale job losses during the lockdown, and the fear that their career prospects may be affected, some have alternative plans. Others are concerned that their parents’ finances may be affected and that they will have to work part-time to pay their university fees. The POST garnered the views of 10 students. Bryan Pather, 19, of Durban North, is a second-year veterinary science student at the University of Pretoria. He wants to become a wildlife vet for South African National Parks or a marine vet for the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in the…

2020 ‘worst year’ in aviation history POST REPORTER STAFF from airlines across the world are being fired because of travel bans and financial strains experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) released its financial outlook for the global air transport industry, showing that airlines are expected to lose $84.3 billion in 2020. In a statement, Alexandre de Juniac, Iata’s chief executive and director-general, said financially 2020 would go down as the worst year in the history of aviation. Juniac said that 25 million jobs worldwide were expected to be lost during this period. “Government’s financial relief was and remains crucial as airlines burn through cash.” Emirates Airlines, which employs about 70 000 people, recently let go of more than 600 pilots and flight attendants because of…

World needs unity, not this religious bigotry TEMPLE priest Chris Ganess called me last Thursday evening when it was so cold that sardines were begging to be dunked in boiling oil. And residents all over Durban, especially in Chatsworth and Phoenix, quickly obliged. Hundreds of dozens of masala-fried sardines graced dinner tables – and thanks to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s easing of the booze ban, many shivering folks were warmed. Chris’s claim to fame is that he is the son of “Rent Office Ganess” who was popular throughout Chatsworth. Ganess Muniappa worked for the then Durban Corporation for decades. Like many of his relatives and friends, he too lived at Magazine Barracks with his extended family before being uprooted and dumped in the burgeoning Chatsworth ghetto township. His first job was…

Travel agents are not withholding refunds THIS is in response to the letter “Travel agent refund policy is absurd” (the POST, June 10 – 14). Travel agents are in the business of making people’s dreams come true. They know that many of their clients have saved up for months, maybe even years, to take their dream holiday and they are passionate about helping travellers have an unforgettable experience. Then 2020 arrived, and with it a global pandemic. When Covid-19 hit, travel dreams came crashing down as borders across the world closed rapidly. It left travellers and travel agents with a tangled mess of cancellations, refunds and repatriations. Many travellers found themselves wading through a veritable maze of fine print and administration from third-party travel suppliers and turned to professional travel…

Substances are no excuse for GBV LIQUOR is being blamed for the rise in domestic violence, particularly against women and children, or gender-based violence (GBV). My religion forbids the consumption of alcohol, so I would be the last protagonist for its free-flow. But let’s be more realistic – a lot of traffic accidents involve drivers who are teetotallers. Pakistan and the Arab countries, where liquor is available on a restricted basis, also exhibit high rates of GBV. Any hallucinatory drug, like dagga or alcohol, helps to reduce normal inhibitions and releases true personalities. People who have natural violent tendencies and exhibit no fear in any situation do not need assistance from drugs to overcome conscience barriers. So GBV actually needs more research. Frustration due to economic problems, fatigue caused by…

VOW TO HAVE CASE REOPENED AHMED Timol was 29 years old, a few days short of his 30th birthday, when he was killed in police detention on October 27, 1971. A year later, an apartheid-era inquest led by Magistrate JJ De Villiers found that he had committed suicide by jumping out of the window of Room 1026 on the 10th floor of John Vorster Square. This is where he was interrogated. In 1996, Imtiaz Cajee watched his grandmother at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission plead for information about what really happened to Timol, but in vain. Cajee vowed at that time to do everything possible to have his uncle’s case reopened. In 2009 he called for the reopening of the inquest. And in October 2017 in the Gauteng High Court…

POST Newspaper POST Chat The POST asked users on its Facebook page, POST Newspaper, about alleged nepotism in Bollywood and whether industry children get ahead because they have friends and/or family in the business, while others go unrecognised • Rouksana Aziz: Yes, they do. Sadly. Like any industry, it’s who you know and not what you know. It happens all around us, and yes, it’s not right, but it happens because we allow it to. If you speak out, you become the victim. • Anusya Naidoo: Bollywood is loaded with nepotism. It’s an automatic thing. • Asheena Laven Govender: Nepotism is everywhere but blocking the path of someone’s career is unacceptable. Boycott the films of those gangs who boycotted Sushant. • Jenny Birjanund: Most definitely. Bollywood is full of nepotism.…

Irresistible temptations Cookbook is the next step on celeb’s food journey LATOYA NEWMAN RADIO and television personality and avid restaurateur Prim Reddy has taken her passion for all things culinary a step further, with the launch of her cookbook. Born in Durban, Reddy moved to Johannesburg in 1996 to take up a career in television. She soon moved up the ranks as a popular face on the box from the old days of CCV to SABC 2 and, soon afterwards, to SABC 3. Reddy later branched into radio as a host on Talk Radio 702. After moving to Cape Town, Reddy opened her first restaurant, The Indian Chapter, in Blouberg, in 2012. The restaurant became so busy that she opened a second one a year later, in the same area.…

How to talk to your children A Durban counselling psychologist advises parents Q: How do parents broach subjects around perversity, abuse and that there are bad adults online with wicked intentions towards children? A: A simple explanation is that we can learn a lot on the internet. However, not everything is good and helpful. Do not accept friend requests or discuss anything personal with strangers. If they ever feel unsafe tell them to speak to you immediately. A non-negotiable rule is that children should not communicate with anyone they do not know online. This is the same as not talking to strangers in real life. Adults need to model this by not accepting friend requests from people they do not know in real life. Children should not befriend children they…

Rubes lit my fire GLENN SCHOUW “I’LL BE YOUR Baby Tonight” was a song written by Bob Dylan in 1969, but a 2020 Suzuki Sport 1.4 turbo will be mine for much longer. This babe, not out of the woods, arrived in SA towards the end of last year to much fanfare. She sort of fell into my lap as I decided to stare Covid-19 down and venture into a dealership like a new kid in town. The Suzuki turbo twins caught my eye – the Sport and the Vitara. While dating twins will remain a fantasy, it was one or the other. I was riveted to the floor like a number plate as I pondered my decision. Nothing ventured, nothing gained – although I still had good memories of…

Two arrested for ex-teacher’s murder NADIA KHAN EMOTIONS ran high for the family of an Overport grandmother after two suspects were arrested in connection with her killing. On May 3, retired teacher and businesswoman Premla Moodliar, 72, was found dead in her flat in Thanamdaya Mansion on Moses Kotane Road. The mother-of-four’s hands had been bound with tape behind her back and her mouth was also taped. Her home had been ransacked. A maintenance employee on the property noticed that her gate and door were open. He saw her lying on the passage floor and raised the alarm. A case of murder and robbery was opened. Colonel Thembeka Mbele, provincial police spokesperson, said members from the Provincial Investigation Unit arrested two suspects on Monday night. “The docket was assigned to…

Extortion accused appears in court CHANELLE LUTCHMAN A SHAKASKRAAL resident, who was arrested two years after a charge of extortion was opened against him, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Brandon Moodley, 27, who was arrested in Lenasia, Johannesburg, on Friday, is linked to two high-profile kidnapping cases. It is alleged that in August 2018, Moodley contacted Raylene Louw, whose son Miguel, 9, was missing at the time. Moodley allegedly claimed he knew of the child’s whereabouts. According to a source, he contacted Louw via social media and subsequently called her several times claiming he had information. It is alleged he wanted R10000 in return. Louw instead opened a charge of extortion against him. Miguel went missing in July 2018. His body was found two months later near…

Hinduism advocate to do YouTube interview CHANELLE LUTCHMAN INDIAN politician, economist and statistician Dr Subramanian Swamy will be interviewed live on YouTube where he will discuss Hinduism in South Africa. On Saturday, Hindasa, a voluntary organisation calling for Hindu unity, will host the live interview with Swamy, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party member. Swamy, a former minister of commerce and industry and former minister of law and justice, is known for his Hindu nationalist views. Professor Anand Singh, Hindasa’s media liaison officer, said Swamy was chosen as he was a political stalwart who stood for human rights. “He is constantly calling for Hindus around the world to unite and to speak with one voice. “Over the years, Hinduism has been under constant attack here in South Africa. We wanted…

Job prospects bleaker now for the unemployed NADIA KHAN YOUNG South Africans are struggling to find jobs and their employment prospects may not be easier during and after the lockdown. Jerusha Govindsami, 30, of Chatsworth, has been unemployed for six months. She has a certificate in transport management from a previous employer and has worked either part-time or on contract in sales or at a call centre. Govindsami would like to work in logistics. “Despite handing in my CV, there has been no feedback,” said Govindsami. “It has become more difficult during the lockdown because many businesses closed, and since the restrictions were eased, several companies are not employing.” She said her dad worked in dispatch at a clothing factory and his working hours had been reduced. He still had…

Still no clear flight path for SAA CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE future of SAA continues to hang in the balance. Business rescue practitioners Les Matuson and Siviwe Dongwana provided their rescue plan to the Department of Public Enterprises last week. In December, the airline was placed under voluntary business rescue by the SAA board because it could not meet its financial obligations. In February, the government announced that since 2008/2009, SAA had incurred net losses of more than R32 billion. The Department of Public Enterprises had planned to assist the airline with its business rescue by giving it just more than R16bn over a three-year period. But in April it pulled out, after the airline requested a further R10bn. In the plan, business rescuers again requested R10bn from the department to…

EDITOR’S VIEW Youth need to find new wings to fly BECOMING a pilot has always had a certain allure. Being able to fly is associated with the freedom to go wherever, whenever. It is associated with glamour and, of course, pilots are well-paid. However, with airlines around the world grounded because of travel restrictions, pilots have had their wings clipped and are having to sit back and take the pain wrought by the coronavirus pandemic just like employees in every other industry have had to. The International Air Transport Association says airlines will lose more than $84.3 billion this year – that’s nearly R1.5 trillion – not a blow the industry will recover from quickly. Estimates are that it will take between two and four years before aviation soars again,…

Don’t put our people at risk THE lead story “Please let us pray” (the POST, June 17 – 23) refers. It cannot be denied that over 98% of the people infected by Covid-19 are Indians, coloureds and blacks. According to a report by the South African Covid-19 Modelling Consortium, headed by Dr Harry Moultrie, a senior medical epidemiologist based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, it was reported that between June and November, 40 000 to 45 000 people could die from the coronavirus. The total number of infections between this same period is expected to be 1 million to 1.2 million. Amid this crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet have demonstrated leadership that should be supported and applauded. It is, therefore, concerning that a group…

A killing that moved a nation DOES anyone know Derek Chauvin? I bet you don’t. He is the white policeman from Minneapolis – caught on camera, kneeling on the neck of a black man. But everyone knows George Floyd. He has become a martyr for black America. America portrays itself as a peace-loving, religious and virtuous nation. But it is a big American lie. It is a degenerate nation with a bloody, ugly past. It massacred the buffalo, decimated the native Americans and enslaved thousands of Africans to work on its plantations. As the most powerful nation on earth, it flexes its military muscle around the globe to promote and safeguard American interests. Americans love guns and violence, and continue with their Wild West tradition of blazing guns and mass…

‘Gatekeepers of Bollywood’ under fire Critical posts stream in after Sushant’s death SUSHANT Singh Rajput’s suicide has sparked off a conversation around the alleged ruthless ways of Bollywood’s power camps, especially for young aspirants who come to the film industry to realise their dreams as “outsiders” from all over India, with no bloodline to flaunt. The general sense that the film and television industry does not care for its own – unless you are an offspring of the industry – is not new. It has been gaining ground over the past decade or so. The subject started being widely discussed after actress Kangana Ranaut spoke of it a while back, ironically on Koffee with Karan. The chat show, hosted by Karan Johar, who is often accused of being the granddad…

RECIPES Impress your guests Shakshuka SHAKSHUKA has its origins in West Africa and the Middle East, but is a famous breakfast offering across the world, with each culture having its own unique variation. My Indian-inspired shakshuka features a poached or fried egg cooked in a delicious tomato and onion relish with whole roasted cumin, black mustard seeds, curry leaves, garlic and chilli. It’s quick to prepare, fraternising to the tongue and attractive to the eye. It will impress any guest. 1kg Roma tomatoes 1 large onion 6 cloves garlic 4 fresh green chillies ½ cup olive oil 1 tsp roasted cumin seeds 1 tsp black mustard seeds 2 sprigs fresh curry leaves 1 tbs tomato purée 1 tsp salt pinch of sugar 10 large eggs fresh coriander for garnishing Place…

Books to fire young imaginations STORIES can be mirrors that help young people express feelings about a given situation. They give children a vocabulary for what is happening. But because of how fiction works in the brain, stories can also be windows. When we read fiction we inhabit other bodies and feel the concerns of other people. This helps young people to develop empathy – but has another profound effect. Reading stories makes us feel experienced and increases resilience. I have chosen some wonderful books that function both as mirrors and windows for children as the world faces the effects of Covid-19. They are beautifully written and/or illustrated and should fire young imaginations, while comforting the whole family. The Red Tree This is a beautiful picture book – sparse of…

Remain alert because criminals are active POST REPORTER Pxfuel.com WITH some children back at school with the lifting of lockdown restrictions, criminals are also back at work. Charnel Hattingh, the national marketing and communications manager at security service Fidelity ADT, said its statistics indicated an increase in crime compared with incidents recorded in levels 5 and 4 of the lockdown. “With children going back to school as part of the easing of restrictions in level 3, criminals have also noted back-to-school dates,” said Hattingh. “Areas around schools can be ripe pickings for opportunistic criminals. Children walking with their cellphones visible are particularly vulnerable and incidents continue – where learners are either held up with a weapon or conned into handing their phones over to a stranger ‘in need of help’.”…

Tara’s 3am plan revealed ACTOR Jay Bhanushali has revealed his daughter Tara’s plans in a new social media post. He shared a photograph on Instagram of his wife, Mahi Vij, holding Tara and kissing her on the cheek. In the photograph, a sticker reads: “Secret plan don’t tell anyone. Mom dad don’t know I have a plan to wake up at 3am Lolz.” Bhanushali captioned the picture: “Pheewww!! Can someone tell her to change her plans… @tarajaymahhi @mahhivij #daughtersarethebest #daughters #fatherdaughterlove #naughty #babyphotography #babylove #heartbeat.” Bhanushali and Mahi had Tara in August. They already had two children, Rajveer and Khushi, who they had adopted. He is known for his role as Neev Shergill in Kayamath. He also starred in shows Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and Geet-Hui Sabse Parayi,…

HOLLYWOODBETS SCOTTSVILLE FORMGUIDES RACE 1 PREVIEW: ENGLISH PRINCESS (9) caught the eye on debut when finishing fourth over this course and distance – with natural improvement; she could be tough to beat. RECKLESS LOVE (6) trialed well and debuted well. She looks to be the biggest danger. Plenty of improvement can be expected. Wendy Whitehead has her string ticking over nicely. MAGICALLEE (11) never ran well last time in blinkers and can be forgiven for that. She should be able to place. KINSKEY’S TUNE (4) is a natural inclusion for the quartet and can get a lot closer. (Warren Lenferna 9-6-11-4) RACE 2 PREVIEW: FOREST JUMP (5) ran nicely last time behind Fast Love and looks to have an idea opportunity at getting the maiden win out of the way.…

Saudi takeover ‘later this week’ THE Premier League are nearing an announcement on the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle with the expectation that it will be approved, according to sources. Those close to the process who previously urged caution with regards to timing say they have been told a formal statement is close and it could be this later week. They believe the £300 million (R6.4 billion) deal is likely to go through after increased involvement by the UK government, which it is said is keen to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia. Other sources close to the deal say it is “not by accident” that two separate Saudi authorities pledged yesterday to clamp down on broadcast piracy. The Official Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property says it will shut down websites involved…

Feisty Mourinho fires back at Merson MATT BARLOW JOSÉ Mourinho insists there is no reason for Harry Kane to quit Tottenham as he rejected theories that the England captain will not thrive under his tutelage. Clearly irked by Paul Merson’s claims about his negative style hastening Kane’s exit, Mourinho hit back with statistics, some more accurate than others. The Spurs boss highlighted his own influence upon some of the greatest modern strikers and dismissed fears Kane, 26, might be on the prowl for a new challenge. “The club doesn’t need to do anything,” said Mourinho, when asked what Tottenham must do to keep Kane if they did not qualify for the Champions League. “The club just need to say, ‘Harry Kane is ours, Harry Kane has a longterm contract, Harry…

VEDAN’S VIEW Liverpool will have to wait a little longer RUNAWAY Premier League leaders Liverpool might need to wait slightly longer before they finally lift the title after they were held to a 0-0 draw by City rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool require five more points to secure the league and they would have been able to do so with victory against Crystal Palace tonight if they had beaten the Toffees. In the anticipated clash of last week, Tottenham played out to a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. United were below par and it was Paul Pogba’s introduction which helped them avoid defeat against José Mourinho’s men. United keeper David de Gea, who has made several errors this season, gifted Steven Bergwijn with the Spurs opener. There is…

Undertaker will bury no more WWE star The Undertaker (Mark Calaway), pictured, has announced his retirement after claiming he has “nothing left to accomplish” in the ring. The 55-year-old wrestler, whose net worth is estimated to be around $22 million (R379m), made the announcement in the last episode of his documentary series The Last Ride this past Monday, South African time. The Undertaker has been performing in the ring for years, having made his WWF debut in 1990. He has gone on to win every championship and event possible while also having an incredible winning streak at WrestleMania that only recently came to an end. But the star claimed: “I’m at a point, it’s time this cowboy really rides away. There’s nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. “The…

Grandfather dies after being hit by car CHARLENE SOMDUTH A PHOENIX grandfather, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident last month, has died. Chandrakumar Hariparsad, 57, a former truck driver, was standing outside his home in Caneside when he was knocked down, allegedly by a speeding car. He sustained severe head injuries and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. His 20-year-old neighbour was also hurt and sustained minor injuries. Hariparsad’s son Aamir Shaik said: “This is a painful time for me and my family. We were preparing for my mother’s one-year memorial service on June 20 but we now had to make arrangements for my dad’s funeral. June is a painful month for us.” His father’s cremation was on Friday at the Verulam Crematorium –…

Children’s ‘dreams’ on hold until after lockdown THANDEKA MGQIBI THE Reach For A Dream Foundation, which made the dreams of many children with life-threatening illnesses a reality, has had to put numerous wishes on hold because of the lockdown. The 32-year-old foundation has branches nationwide and fulfils about 1 600 dreams a year – which averages six dreams a day. To ensure the safety of children during the pandemic, their wishes are on hold. “Unfortunately, with our work being solely with vulnerable and compromised children, we had to put all our dreams and projects on hold when the lockdown happened. We did this to ensure our children’s health and safety. Even though we fulfil dreams, our primary objective is to always ensure the health of our dreamers,” said Kerry Donkin,…

A challenge to our youth POST REPORTER IN PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s weekly column, From the Desk of the President, he said one should never underestimate the power of an idea. He said from the discussions he had with young people during Youth Month, ideas can and have changed the world. “Ideas have spurred human progress, and they are what will enable us to chart a new path in the post-coronavirus era.” Ramaphosa said through programmes like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the National Youth Service they wanted to support South Africa’s young people to see their ideas through – from incubation to opening the doors of their businesses. “Youth unemployment is the greatest challenge we face, and the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already dire situation. “Now, more than…

Unhappiness at taxi relief measures, strike decision today CHANELLE LUTCHMAN THE SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) will meet today to decide whether its members will strike in KwaZulu-Natal. Since the lockdown, the taxi industry has been unable to operate as normal. It has had to reduce the number of passengers from 16 to seven, to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations and to ensure social distancing. Santaco has called on the government and Fikile Mbalula, the Minister of Transport, to provide it with relief. It requested that a R20 000 once-off payment be made for each taxi that belonged to an affiliated member of the council. However, on Saturday, Mbalula announced that R1.13 billion had been set aside for the industry. He said R5 000 would be given for each taxi,…

SA’s failure to legislate on religious marriages leaves women vulnerable Two parallel processes under way to consider amendments to laws UNTIL the end of apartheid in 1994, only civil marriages concluded under the Marriage Act were legally recognised in South Africa. Post-1994, the new Constitution enabled the recognition of different forms of marriages, including traditional and religious. But these rights have not been translated into law for all marriages. To date, apart from civil marriages, customary marriages and same-sex unions only are legally recognised. Laws have not been passed to recognise religious marriages as legally valid. There was some hope that progress had been made in 2010 when the Muslim Marriages Bill was approved by the Cabinet, but it has never been passed into law. Two years ago, the state’s…

Sad when faiths are ridiculed IT WAS disturbing to read the story “Chatsworth pastor reported to SAHRC” (the POST, June 17 – 21). Well done to Ashwin Trikamjee in lodging a formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission. It is time for the government to review this type of behaviour. It is sad when people ridicule other faiths. The disturbance is twofold. While the country is battling the Covid-19 pandemic, we have insensitive individuals, who claim to be men of god, hurling insults at other religions. While to forgive is divine, Trikamjee must pursue the case to ensure that small-minded individuals are reminded of their roles to create social cohesion. I conclude with the words of Mahatma Gandhi; “Conversion without a clean heart is a denial of God…

Lift bans and impose tax THE Covid-19 lockdown has created havoc in the daily lives of all South Africans. One of the most controversial is the bans on tobacco and alcohol. Although the alcohol ban was recently lifted, it might be reinstated. This is due to the increase in alcohol-related incidents such as gender-based violence and road accidents. It is through the irresponsible use of alcohol that much-needed beds for coronavirus patients are being taken up at hospitals. As for tobacco, it has been scientifically proven that smoking is harmful to one’s health, especially the lungs. The respiratory system is the main target of the deadly virus. The tobacco industry has taken the government to court in order to lift the ban imposed. Unfortunately, both these bans have cost many…

‘There were signs of torture on Uncle Ahmed’s body’ The Murder of Ahmed Timol – My Search for the Truth, by Imtiaz A Cajee, the nephew of the anti-apartheid activist, was released in bookstores this month. Below is an extract ‘Detainee dies in police custody’ PAPA was at the mosque when he was called to the flat, approximately 7pm and told by Ma that their son was dead. A headline in The Rand Daily Mail the following day reported: ‘Teacher plunges from tenth floor – DETAINEE DIES IN POLICE CUSTODY.’ On Friday, 29 October 1971, Papa identified his son’s body at the government mortuary in Hillbrow. The body was released for burial and placed in a hearse driven by Mohammed Khan. Papa, followed the hearse in a car to the…

Your Stars Aries (March 21 – April 19) Things will be a little difficult this week. Expect some unexpected changes. Read contracts carefully because haste or impatience could bring entrapment. Rather delay making important decisions until next week. Lucky number: 24. Mantra guidance: I trust and act according to my soul’s guidance every day. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) This week is for balance and bringing about equal measures of heart and head – what you need in the material world and what the mind thinks it needs. It is a good time to compromise in a partnership and ensure you are bringing balance and equality to the table. You need to spoil your partner with a small deed. Lucky number: 36. Mantra guidance: I am always expecting the…

Star introduces baby to fans ACTRESS Shikha Singh and her husband, Karan Shah, have been blessed with a baby girl. The couple named their daughter Alayna. Taking to Instagram Stories, Singh introduced her newborn to fans with a photograph of her daughter asleep in a cradle. “Baby ‘Alayna’ says thank you for all the love,” she captioned the image. Before the delivery, Singh posted a note for the child. She wrote: “Often I wondered while u were inside of me that who in the world you will turn out to be. We just pray that you’ll be healthy, happy, honourable and kind-hearted. Can’t wait to meet ya ‘Al’.” Singh, who is best known for featuring in the TV shows Na Aana Is Des Laado and Kumkum Bhagya, married Shah in…