Table of contents for 2021-11-03 in Post

Duff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for over 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal. Listen to her on Lotus FM, live at 1.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as she connects with loved ones in spirit, and on GlowTV on Sundays after 8pm. Contact her at 072 986 5514 or email sharron@quantsoul.com SHARRON DUFF ARIES (March 21 – April 19) There is a better way to complete a project, or a task so step away and try and think out of the box. This frustration will lift when you try a different angle. This could also include an argument that needs a resolution. Lucky colour: turquoise. TAURUS (April 20 –…

Nonhlanhla Nozizwe Hlatshwayo nozizwe.hlatshwayo@inl.co.za THE South African Revenue Services (Sars) has urged South Africans to use their digital platforms that have recently been introduced to file their tax returns. Siphithi Sibeko, the spokesperson for Sars, said that in response to the Covid-19 regulations that have seen many adjustments within the country, they had introduced 35 digital platforms that enable taxpayers to transact with Sars. “Like other institutions, Sars has been affected by the pandemic, but it has taken steps to mitigate its effect by introducing a number of digital solutions to address the challenges,” said Sibeko. He said of the 3.4 million auto-assessed taxpayers, more than two million people had accepted their assessments. Sibeko said 3.3 million taxpayers had filed their returns using e-Filing, the Sars Mobile App and through…

Nikita Chiniah nikita.chiniah@inl.co.za Ranash Singh, a La Lucia accountant who was killed in an apparent hit last week, spent most of his life serving the community. His uncle, Jaibarath Singh, said the family were still trying to come to terms with his nephew's passing. "Ranash is formerly from Ottawa. He moved to La Lucia about three years ago and started a new life with his wife there. “The family is still battling to come to terms with the loss of a dignified man. He was a loveable, caring and friendly man who was also family-oriented. We have lost a humble soul.” Singh, the founder of Verulam Sai Centre, said his nephew, 48, had been a member of the organisation for many years. “I have learnt a lot from his life.…

THOSE who violate the eThekwini Municipality’s by-laws on fireworks could be liable for a fine of R2 500. Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, metro police spokesperson, said fireworks could only be set off from sunset to midnight on Diwali on Thursday. He said pet owners must ensure their animals were fitted with collars that had an identification tag with a home address and telephone number. He urged residents to report any nuisances and to ensure they obtained reference numbers. According to the city’s by-laws: Low-hazard fireworks such as fountains, lawn lights and sparklers can be lit in private homes. Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult when setting off fireworks. Fireworks…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za THE family of a Clairwood man, who died when the Transnet pipeline fire engulfed his home, want those responsible to be caught. Sathiaseelan Pillay, 80, of Horseshoe Road, was one of the three people who died in the fire on Sunday morning. His body was found in his bedroom. Jayandran Pillay, his nephew, said: “My uncle was humble, kind and simple. He lived in one bedroom of his property which was located in front of the pipeline. He rented out the rest of his house to residents and businesses.” He said there was speculation he was involved in the theft. “How would that even be possible for an 80-year-old person with Parkinson’s disease? My uncle was in fact trapped in the house,” Pillay said. Pillay, who lives…

Rainbow Nation is fading WITH our focus on the local government elections, COP26 (the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference) hasn’t exactly made headlines in South Africa. But it is a big deal. Since 1995, world leaders have been meeting regularly to try to find ways to address climate change. This week, in Glasgow, Scotland, they will gather once more, in the hope of finding a solution that everyone can live with. As our species has developed, we’ve made increasing use of energy. Often, this has released large amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over a period of time, this has caused our planet to get hotter which is not good for us, human beings, because we are a very fragile life form. We know there…

MANY Hindus across South Africa will celebrate Deepavali by splurging on food and sweet delicacies and lighting fireworks, which forms an integral part of our celebration. One has to, however, be careful and practise social distancing during this time. Deepavali is a sacred religious and auspicious occasion that calls for the refinement of our spiritual, humanitarian and other values of bonding, sharing, promoting goodwill and charity. We need to be responsible during this period and take every precaution to keep our animals safe. It is also important to note that due to Covid-19, inflation and with the imminent increase in the price of petrol, we will face tough financial times, so please do not waste unnecessary money on fireworks. To all the POST readers who celebrate Deepavali, let it be…

We will not leave any stone unturned to ensure justice, says family of Phoenix unrest accused Jeetendra Ramkissoon: Chantal Govender: The medical staff in prison must be sued as well as Correctional Services. Them Exposed: The families of those who were killed in Phoenix as well were still waiting for answers from the accused ... Dorothy Zietsman: I pray you guys find the answers you are looking for as to his untimely death. My brother died in prison and to date, there are still no answers. Many stories unfolded about beatings and assaults that transpired into the night before (his death) and we were only notified three days after he passed away. The autopsy was already performed without family knowledge, so my prayers are with you to find closure. Alice…

Charlene Somduth charlene.somduth@inl.co.za MUBEEN Rymon’s family believe they have once again been let down by the judicial system. On September 19, Rymon, 25, was arrested after allegedly stealing chocolate from a shop. He was charged with theft. The next day, he appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court and the matter was postponed for a week. Rymon was detained at Westville Prison and due back in court on September 27. However, on September 22, he fell ill and died the next day. His family were allegedly notified about his death six days later, on September 29 when they went to court hoping to see him. The family were allegedly told that because Rymon died before the Heritage Day long weekend, no one was available to inform them of his death. His…

Charlene Somduth charlene.somduth@inl.co.za THE families of those charged with attempted murder linked to the unrest in Phoenix are considering selling their cars and other belongings to pay the private legal costs. Raeesa Ismail said two of her uncles, Firoz Mohamed Fakeer and Nizaam Hussein Deen Mohamed had been imprisoned since August and her family had paid more than R180 000 in legal fees for both men. Fakeer, 49, is a general manager at a furniture manufacturing company while 45-year-old Mohamed is a manager at a clothing store. The cousins from Unit 4 in Phoenix were charged with attempted murder and malicious damage to property. The charges relate to a vehicle that allegedly exploded while transporting alcohol in a bakkie. The driver and passenger of the vehicle survived. The cousins are…

Latoya Newman latoya.newman@inl.co.za DURBAN comedian Prev Reddy, popularly known for his alter ego Aunty Shamilla, has entered the film industry with his debut movie wrapping up its Durban shoot recently. The movie, The Honeymoon, is written and directed by Bianca Isaacs and the team that brought the local hit film Three Days to Go to the screen. Reddy said The Honeymoon was about three friends in a dilemma. “When one of them is dumped the night before her wedding, the three best friends turn a would-be honeymoon into a wild time in paradise, but will their friendship last? It is very much a chick-flick comedy. It stars Kajal Bagwandeen, Minnie Dlamini and Tumi Morake.” Reddy will play a character called Frankie. “For now, we can’t reveal too much about him.”…

POST REPORTER Skanda Shashti, a celebration dedicated to Lord Muruga, the Hindu god of war, will be held from November 4 to 9. Lokesh Ramnath Maharajh, the chairperson of the Priests' Council at the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the festival signified the victory of light over darkness. He said devotees generally fasted for six days leading up to Skanda Shashti. On the main prayer day, on November 9, Skanda (Lord Muruga) was worshipped with oblations of milk and other offerings. Guru Thamo Valaitham, from the Kalyana Subramaniyar Aalyam in Phoenix, said their temple would commence the fast from November 5. "After careful consultation with the Panjangam (astrological almanac), we will observe a double prayer on November 8, as it is on this day that we have a…

Charlene Somduth charlene.somduth@inl.co.za FOLLOWING complaints about high electricity bills, eThekwini residents can now email specific addresses to submit their meter readings. Msawakhe Mayisela, the spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality, said customers could use several processes to send through their readings to the city. He said customers could register on e-services and could log their readings directly on https://eservices.durban.gov.za/v2/ Mayisela said should the customer want to query the account, they could log a query on http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/ You can also pick up the email address for your respective areas by googling “eThekwini Electricity Meter Reading Info Lookup”. Click on the website that appears, bearing this name. The link takes customers to a map. Once you enter your address on the map, an email address pops up on the screen. This email…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za A MAN who presented himself to the police following a shooting in Muden outside Greytown last Sunday, has been granted bail. This week, the victim's family said they could not understand how the court had arrived at this decision. “How does a person, who handed himself over to the police and for such a brutal crime, be granted bail?” said Pranesh Haripersaad. His dad, Rajithkumar Ajay Haripersaad, 58, a sugar cane farmer and the owner of Graceland Farm, was shot in the neck. He was allegedly trying to intervene in a dispute between one of his workers and another man who entered his farm. The father of three died at the scene. According to the police at the time, a man handed himself over on the same…

SOUTH Indian megastar Rajinikanth’s Annaatthe will be released in theatres worldwide on Diwali day. Directed by Siva, it will be a family action thriller, similar to Rajinikanth’s previous movies, Padayappa and Arunachalam. Rajinikath’s last film was Durbar. It was directed by AR Murugadoss, but it was not a big hit. Kollywood, which is what fans call the Tamil tinsel world, is expecting Annaatthe to be a hit. Filming at Hyderabad’s Film City in December last year was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the crew members tested positive for the virus. Nayanthara, popularly known as the “Lady Superstar of South India”, stars in the movie. It is the second time since Durbar that she has been paired opposite Rajinikanth. The cast includes Prakash Raj, Meena, Keerthi Suresh, Soori and…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za MOTORISTS will have to pay close to R20 a litre for petrol and diesel as the new fuel hikes come into effect on Wednesday. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy made the announcement of the price adjustment on Monday night. Petrol increased by R1.21 a litre, while diesel and illuminating paraffin increased by R1.48 and R1.45 a litre, respectively. Previously, 95 ULP cost R18.34 inland and R17.61 at the coast, and diesel cost R17.08 a litre. The new petrol prices are R19.55 inland and R18.82 at the coast, and diesel R18.56 a litre Layton Beard, AA spokesperson, said taking this increase into account, the price of a litre of 95 ULP inland would have increased by about 30% over the past 11 months. “The hikes in…

OCTOBER 27 marked the 50th death anniversary of Ahmed Timol, a stalwart and freedom fighter. He was killed by apartheid’s security police. Timol’s death is a painful and sorrowful mirror into our sordid past. Using torture as a political weapon is an affront to any civilisation. The international committee of the Red Cross defines torture as existence of a specific purpose plus infliction of severe pain or suffering, cruel or inhuman treatment, for no specific purpose. Timol’s killers and those who have killed other cadres were a special brand of beasts. They were programmed and trained to obliterate any form of dissent. We must loudly proclaim – never again. Our hard-won democracy must never allow torture as a political weapon. The cadres who were killed helped us attain freedom and…

DEEPAVALI is one of the most celebrated events or festivals within the Hindu calendar. Simply put, it means a row of lights. The significance of Deepavali is beyond this article and has multiple meanings but in each theme of celebration, it confirms that good has triumphed over evil, so that light is ushered during this auspicious occasion. Deepavali is a period of reflection as over the last year, many families who celebrate the festival have lost loved ones during this pandemic, so my prayers to those departed souls. Besides the pomp of the celebration; prayers at the temple and at home, new clothes, and meeting family members and friends are a norm. This is done to convey love and happiness during this period. The exchange of gifts and expressions of…

IT IS sad that some Hindu temples, like the Hare Krishna Temple in Phoenix and the Sri Vishnu Temple in Chatsworth, have resorted to selling fireworks. Most of the fireworks are noise emitting, which creates a disturbance to one’s immediate neighbour or the entire neighbourhood. Sadly, the irresponsible behaviour also traumatises birdlife, animals, babies and children. Students studying for exams are also disturbed by the irresponsible act of lighting loud fireworks. The sole purpose of a temple is to promote pure Hinduism practices based solely on Hindu scriptures. Fireworks are in no way connected to any aspect of Hinduism or to India. These temple officials are, sadly, insulting the divine principals of Hinduism. Fireworks were invented in China and were introduced to India by Muslim invaders. The invaders killed millions…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za A State witness has given a detailed account of finding the body of slain Merebank grandmother, Dhanwathie Fakira. The murder trial started last Wednesday in the Durban Regional Court. Fakira, 79, of Arcot Place, was found with multiple stab wounds on November 25, 2018. Jithin Ramjaewan, 39, of Phoenix, was arrested and charged with murder on the same day. He is alleged to have been her former tenant. The father of two, who is represented by attorney Rajendra Nathalall, pleaded not guilty. Raj Lutchman, the first State witness and Fakira's relative, testified he and his family were meant to have lunch with her on the day. “I was invited for lunch by the deceased on November 23. On November 25, I left home in Pietermaritzburg and proceeded…

Charlene Somduth and Nikita Chiniah DIWALI is expected to give the KwaZulu-Natal tourism sector as well as the economy a boost. Msawakhe Mayisela, the spokesperson for the city, said about 45 000 visitors were expected to mark the Hindu festival of lights with most coming from Gauteng. It is expected these visitors will spend about R130 million and contribute R325 million to GDP. The city is confident people will come to Durban for Diwali now that the Covid-19 lockdown is at level 1. “Most people could not travel last year because of fears about Covid as well as the restrictions on gatherings. “It is of our understanding that people who come to Durban for Diwali are visiting with friends and relatives so the majority will stay with…

Nadia Khan nadia.khan@inl.co.za SOON after Adhir Ramsamujh’s mother had entered his bedroom to tell him that his dad was being held up by armed men, he peered through the window. One of the gunmen caught sight of him and shot the 28-year-old lab assistant through the chest. “I saw him lying on the floor,” Ramsamujh’s mother, Rekha Ramsamujh, said. “There was a bullet hole in the window. My son has been in hospital since and he is in a lot of pain. The bullet ruptured his left lung before exiting his back. “Adhir is distressed and just wants to come home. Right now, we are praying for him to make a full recovery.” She said the shooting happened on Thursday, at about 6am, at their home in Temple Road in…

ASHWIN TRIKAMJEE IF THERE is one occasion which is all joy and jubilation for the entire Hindu world, it is Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. Even the humblest of shacks are lit by a row of earthen lamps on this day. Fireworks light up the earth and the sky. The belief in the Divine is fundamental to this celebration and it is the basis of Hindu Dharma. Such is the intensity of this belief that in the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna “believe in me and I shall protect you”. It is strongly believed by Hindus that failure to acknowledge and respect the Divine is a road to disaster. According to the Bhagavad Gita (5:16): “When one is illumined with the wisdom by which ignorance is destroyed, then this knowledge…

An open letter to Pravin Gordhan, the Minister of Public Enterprises Dear Minister Gordhan The South African Hindu Dharma Sabha respectfully requests you to ensure that Eskom does not implement loadshedding on Thursday as it is Diwali time. Diwali is the world’s greatest celebration of light, love and life. Furthermore, Diwali is the most important national festival of South African Hindus. It symbolises the inevitable triumph of the good forces of light over the evil forces of darkness. It would be disempowering, disruptive, debilitating and distressing if our beloved country is plunged into darkness during the iconic festival of lights. Let there be light. It would be highly appreciated if your good office could equally accord the same degree of respect, sensitivity, goodwill and circumspection despite constraints, to Christians, Muslims,…

DEEPAVALI means a row of lights and it is a time to pause and reflect on our lives. It’s a time to acknowledge the many challenges that we have overcome with determination. It’s a time to appreciate the knowledge and wisdom that we have gained over the years. It’s a time to celebrate the historic return of Ram, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of banishment into the forest. Ram was the eldest son of Dasarath, the King of Ayodhya, in India, and his wife, Kausalya. At the time of his retirement, King Dasarath proposed to his advisers the name Ram as the future king, to which all were in agreement. King Dasarath had two other wives, Queen Kaikeyi with a son Bharat, and Queen Sumitra with twins…

THE Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided that 900 000 diyas (earthen lamps) would be lit in Ayodhya during Deepotsav, an annual Diwali event this year. An additional 4 500 000 diyas will be lit in the homes of the beneficiaries of the BJP government’s schemes. The state government had earlier announced 750 000 diyas would be lit in Ayodhya this year. The Deepotsav function is held on the eve of Diwali. According to a state government spokesperson, there are an estimated 900 000 beneficiaries of the prime minister’s (PM) and chief minister’s (CM) Awas Yojanas (housing schemes) in the urban parts of Uttar Pradesh. “The chief minister has said that his government would light one diya for each of them during the Deepotsav,” said the spokesperson. “While…

Charlene Somduth charlene.somduth@inl.co.za IN AN attempt to promote respect and protect the rights of communities, mediation and conflict resolution hearings among those affected by the unrest in July were held last week. The hearings were facilitated by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) at the Coastlands Hotel in Durban. It focused on building relations between the communities of Phoenix, Inanda, Bambhayi, Zwelisha, KwaMashu and Amaoti. During the unrest, more than 30 people were killed and 36 suspects were arrested. They were charged with, among others, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property. Some of the accused were released on bail, while the other cases are still being heard in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. Mpiyakhe Mkholo,…

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not happy with the way the Indian team has performed in their first two matches of the ICC T20 World Cup, and it is learnt that Virat Kohli might lose his ODI captaincy as well if the Men in Blue fail to qualify for the semi-finals in the showpiece event in the UAE. Kohli has announced that he will step down from India’s T20 captaincy after the World Cup. But now another question is doing the rounds following India’s flop show in the UAE: Will he continue as ODI skipper or not? If sources are to be believed, the answer from the board at the moment is “no”. “The board is unhappy. And there is serious doubt over his (Kohli’s)…

THE fishing has been going well for the past few weeks. There have been plenty of edibles around as well as some giant ineds to test your backing knots. The offshore fishing has been phenomenal. There have been giant kob for those who prefer the bottom fishing and the game fishermen have been gifted big tuna and the starting of the dorado season. The North Coast has seen plenty of action offshore. There have been couta, tuna, sailfish and a couple of others. Live bait has been the most productive method along the coast but has been particularly effective up north. Cape Vidal and Sodwana have been the main attractions for those able to travel. Zinkwazi has been the most reported spot up north and has had a good mix…