Table of contents for 2022-06-08 in Post

sharron duff ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Luck is in your chart this week, but you need to do your part. The universe is aligning and manifesting with you. Take courage in your convictions as you may be confronted by a difficult situation at work. Stick to the truth if challenged. This will stand you in good stead for the month ahead. Lucky colour: orange. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Take control of your situation and try not to overthink things. You are not alone. Mend bridges while you can. You know what to do to overcome a challenging relationship with a colleague. Step away from drama this week. Lucky colour: pink. GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) There is money in your circle this week, but you…

South Africans spend over R100 billion on the SAPS and at least another R50bn on private security, but they are still not safe. The crime statistics for the first three months of this year showed South Africans were under attack and not safe. Between January and March, 6 083 murders were reported countrywide. It amounts to 67 people being killed every day and marks an increase of 1 107 cases compared to the same period in 2021. There were 10 818 rapes reported and 32 783 robberies with aggravated circumstances. Kidnapping shot up to 109.2% with 3 306 cases reported. That’s around 36 kidnappings per day. In KwaZulu-Natal, several police stations, including Inanda, Umlazi, Durban Central and KwaDukuza, made the top 30 of most cases recorded. The Inanda and Umlazi…

INFLATION in the UK has increased by 9%, the highest since 1989. According to the news website CNBC.com, inflation rose from 7% to 9% in April, and a quarter of Britons have resorted to skipping meals. BBC.com said the energy bills were the biggest contributor to inflation at present, as oil and gas prices remain at elevated levels due to the Russia-Ukraine war. “After a rise in the UK’s energy price cap last month, the average gas and electricity prices jumped by 53.5% and 95.5% respectively, compared with a year ago.” It reported that fuel prices were also surging, with average petrol prices costing 161.8 pence (about R31.10) a litre in April 2022, compared to 125.5 pence a year earlier. The April price is the highest on record. The government…

MAURITIUS’ economy is still recovering following the onset of Covid-19. Florian Lepoigneur, a journalist at Le’xpress Maurice, told POST that with the Mauritian rupee depreciating against the US dollar, the cost of importing food was affected. He said buying petrol in dollars also put state trading corporations under pressure. Lepoigneur said in 2020 the price of petrol was around Rs 50.70 (R18) per litre and diesel was Rs 37.30 (R13.25). The price of petrol is now Rs 74.10 (R26.30) per litre and diesel Rs 54.55 (R19.38) per litre. “Adjustments were made because of rising prices due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the further depreciation of the rupee. The price of using public transport also rose from Rs 5 (R1.78) to Rs 10 per trip. “With these hikes, the price…

A PRETORIA author has highlighted the success stories of 14 blind individuals in his latest book, A Passion for Success. Sivalingum Moodley, 72, who was born in old Mount Edgecombe and lived there for 30 years, shares the story of various individuals, including lawyers, academics and business owners. Moodley launched the non- fiction book in partnership with the SA National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) at the Al Ansaar Conference Hall in Overport on Saturday. The retired English teacher said the 260-page book included 14 chapters in which the contributors shared their stories. “A number of blind people are successful, not because of their blindness or because they are given special dispensation, but because of how they handle their work. There are 14 examples of this in the book. “We are not…

A MYSTIC guru, Sadhguru, is riding a motorbike from London to India, which will take him 100 days to cover the distance of 300 00km. This is one way of showing the world the serious concern with soil desertification. He has covered most of Europe, and some of the citizens of each country have duly realised the significance of the unbelievable journey through treacherous weather and road surfaces. Ninety-five percent of the food we eat comes from the soil. Fifty-two percent of agricultural soils are degraded. A study on nutrients in food concluded that we would have to eat eight oranges to get the same amount of vitamin A as our grandparents did with one orange, because soil depletion has caused massive drops in the nutrient levels in food. Soil…

WHILE growing up in the early 2000s, I was surrounded by two versions of the fitness industry. One where people refused to admit they were taking performance-enhancing drugs, and the other where people admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs. If you wanted to make it as a bodybuilder, open-class bodybuilding was the direction to go in. It was all about who could build the biggest muscles and look the baddest on stage. The biggest draw for bodybuilders was the Mr Olympia competition. Winning the open-class category meant you were the best bodybuilder in the world. If you asked anyone who competed in the open-class body-building category how they got that big, they would tell you that you must eat six to eight meals a day and lift heavy weights. You must…

I WAS approached to write a column about the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard issue and the activist inside me lurched at the opportunity. I was ready to lay it all out there, use my 11 years of experience as an activist for male survivors of abuse, sexual abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) on paper and say, we have won. I drafted a column and sent it to my friend Rene for comment and awaited her response. In the meantime, I read the commentaries that had started to emerge. As I had thought, there are three firm camps in this story. First, there are those that don’t give a continental either way. That is, of course, their right, and in my humble opinion 99% of the problem. We need more people who…

BUYING POWER COMPROMISED THE prices of bread, flour, maize meal and oil are expected to further increase over the next few months. Premier FMCG, which produces and markets brands such as Snowflake, Blue Ribbon and BB Bakeries, said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had impacted the availability of wheat. It said, in addition, the increase in the input costs of oil, fuel, fertiliser and freight would also drive up costs. “It is anticipated that the Ukraine crop will reduce versus the prior year and that continued port disruptions will have a knock-on impact on wheat and availability of other commodities, throughout the world. “In the past year, critical inputs such as fertiliser, fuel, freight, and imported inputs had also experienced cost increases following the Covid-19 pandemic,” it said. Premier said in…

Former India pacer RP Singh has come out in support of KL Rahul, who will be leading India in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, while taking a dig at Manish Pandey for throwing his wicket away after getting good starts. RP Singh lauded Rahul for having a lot of game awareness and knowing when to step on the accelerator. Rahul has been criticised for not being able to score at a brisk rate, but he has been among the leading run-scorers for his franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the last five seasons. RP Singh, who was a part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad, praised Rahul for being technically sound. “KL Rahul is technically very sound. He has game-awareness as he picks the bowlers…

RICHARDS Bay FC assistant coach Ronnie Gabriel has expressed his hope the club will get to play at their home ground in the near future. The recently promoted top fight side were banned by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee (DC) from using the Richards Bay Stadium for two years in 2021 after it was deemed not to be of PSL standard. “This past season we only played one home game at our official home ground. After that the stadium was deemed not fit to host games. We played our remaining 14 home games at the King Zwelithini Stadium. “In a way, it was like playing 29 away games. “It made winning the league even more sweeter. We want to return to Richards Bay as we belong there but…

WWE’S Hell in Cell event was sports entertainment at its best. The opening bout was not in the Cell but the others were. Glenn Schouw with assistance from Bleacher’s Chris Mueller takes a look at what went down in the two contests that stole the show. The opening match: Triple Threat with Bianca Belair defending the Raw women’s title against Asuka and Becky Lynch. Thanks to the intro and the hype video for this bout, the first bell didn’t ring until about 15 minutes into the show. After sending Big Time Becks out of the ring, The EST of WWE and The Empress of Tomorrow squared off and locked up respectfully. The first few minutes saw Belair have individual sequences with both opponents before all three women fought at once.…

SOUTH Africans are in for a bumpy ride in July with the cost of utilities, petrol and food all set to rise. This week, councillors at eThekwini Municipality approved a budget of R55 billion – money it will raise from those who live and work in the city: Electricity goes up by 7.47% Water for homes rises by 5.9% while businesses pay 9% more Sewage costs go up by 5.9% for homes and 9% for business Refuse removal prices increase 4.5% for residents and 7.9% for business Those who live and work in the municipality have also been subjected to higher increases on insurance premiums following the unrest in July last year and the floods during the course of this year. Meanwhile, next week Parliament will debate the rising cost…

MAASHI Rampersad strives to unite South Africans across cultural and language differences with her publication, Your Basic isiZulu Guide to the Kingdom of the Zulu. Rampersad, of iZinga Ridge in uMhlanga, said: “It is a survival guide in which fellow South Africans and tourists can learn the basics of isiZulu and communicate efficiently and confidently.” The former Miss India South Africa completed a BA degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), majoring in isiZulu and English. She then attained a higher diploma in education and completed her Honours in isiZulu at UKZN. “I was an educator for several years at primary and secondary schools, and involved in moderating and editing isiZulu books and literature. For the past five years, I have been lecturing isiZulu at a higher institution of learning.…

THE floods are over but its devastating effects are being felt. Some 90 people are missing and many homeowners are coming to terms with the damage to their properties. Roads, bridges and railway lines, which were washed away, may take a long time to repair. Many causes were put forward for the extensive damage. A geotech engineer, from Stellenbosch University, is of the view that poor soil and the hilly terrain in Durban played a major role in the flood damage. Basically, I think it’s rapid and poorly controlled urbanisation. If you build a house on a hill or a slope, there should be adequate drainage so that water does not run down the slope into your neighbour’s property below. Often the by-laws are not strictly enforced. In the townships,…

THE Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard defamation case that has recently been concluded with actor Depp being awarded compensatory damages of about $10 million (R154m), garnered public attention globally during the trial running from April to June. The lawsuit has been of particular interest to many around the world because of the domestic abuse allegations that both parties levelled against each other, and the sordid details that emerged during the testimonies delivered by the witnesses for both sides. The “he said” and “she said” nature of the trial has in many ways raised multiple questions about whether a woman’s testimony of alleged domestic violence perpetrated against her by her intimate partner is more credible, than a man’s counter claim that those allegations of violence are actually fabricated, and in fact…

THE Sivananda World Peace Foundation will host the 8th annual International Yoga Day on June 19 at the amphitheatre on Durban’s North Beach. Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, president of the foundation, said in the run-up to International Yoga Day, programmes were held in schools in rural areas and religious institutions. A programme for peace and harmony was also held at the Nelson Mandela capture site in Pietermaritzburg. “We have partnered with the national Department of Health to promote health and wellness through yoga. “Yoga is a medium in which we can achieve social cohesion, peace and harmony. It is also known to offer disease prevention and promote health and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. “Yoga is a 5 000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice speculated to date back to pre-Vedic…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is backing his young team against favourites Morocco in tomorrow’s Group K Afcon qualification opener at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco (9pm). Following the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Africa Cup of Nations qualification competition, Group K has been reduced to Morocco, South Africa and Liberia who, at 149 on the world rankings, are one of the lowest-ranked teams in Africa. Despite the yawning gap between Morocco (24) and South Africa (69) on the latest world rankings, Bafana have a fair record against the Atlas Lions. In the head-to-head record, the teams have drawn thrice in five meetings since 2002, when South Africa defeated Morocco 3-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations clash. Morocco’s success was a 2-1 win in July 2019.…

JUST just like that, we are into the sixth month of the year and we have the sardine run to look forward to. Make sure you are ready for the sardine run and get the tackle you know you are going to need before it is too late. Things like braided leader and thicker braid for the shore shark hunters, spoons for the spinning guys and trolling lures for the boat guys. The rock and surf fishing has been slow with big seas and brown water ruining the fun. There are still good numbers of kob around and the fishing should pick up soon. Snoek, kingies and the last of the summer bruisers. Spinning along the North Coast has accounted for some good fish recently. Throwing spoons at first light…

FAMILIES in many countries have to adjust their budgets to navigate the pressures of rising day-to-day costs. In Canada, fuel has soared to record heights, inflation has sky-rocketed and food prices have spiked. The average price of fuel is Canadian $2 per litre (about R24). According to the Canadian news site, The Star, the increased movement of people as well as the Ukraine-Russia conflict had contributed to the high price of fuel. This has had a ripple effect on the price of consumer goods and food. These prices, together with an increase in Canada’s inflation rate, which rose from 3.4% to 6.8%, were said to be the steepest in 30 years. Michelle Pillay, her husband, Pastor Julian Pillay, and their teenage son Christopher moved from South Africa to New Brunswick…

THIS book is the result of my two-year search for an answer to the question: ‘How can I be more dangerous?’ The idea was planted in my head by a client a few years ago. I vividly remember finishing a call with an executive I was coaching at the time and being absolutely fascinated by what I had just observed. I was engaging with a successful leader by any external measure that you might traditionally apply. He was running a substantial organisation doing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue a year, was married, a father to two kids, liked and respected by colleagues, and earning more than enough for him and his family to ever want for anything. And yet, on the call it was clear something was missing.…

THUMBS up to the new radio station Southside FM, which is broadcast on the frequency 107.2. After almost a decade, Southside finally made it on air and this is exciting for South Indians. It will promote our culture and traditions. With the Covid-19 battle not over and dwindling listenership of other radio stations, Southside is a breath of fresh air. Other than promoting local talent, I hope Southside will host talk shows and discussions around pertinent issues. It must not only stimulate discussion but educate on important issues that affect our daily lives. I also trust that the station management does the prudent thing, by ensuring the new staff are happy, so that we, the listeners, will also enjoy this happiness and positivity on-air. To the staff, remember that in…

General and regular home maintenance, like checking the structures around your house for weak spots and clearing debris from gutters, is essential and will significantly reduce your risk during floods. If you live in a flood-prone area, it is also important to reinforce vital structures. If you notice there is insufficient drainage, or possible safety hazards, alert the authorities immediately. Always watch the weather forecast for warnings of heavy rain and avoid dangerous areas, like areas where the drainage is poor. Ensure you have emergency numbers, including that of your insurer, saved on your phone, and brief your family on what to do and who to call in an emergency. Heavy rains are often associated with lightning strikes. The power source of a lightning strike can easily overload appliances and…

BACK in August 2015, members of our Parliament voted on whether or not Jacob Zuma, who was then our president, should pay any money towards the multimillion-rand upgrades that were done at his home in Nkandla. Nathi Nhleko, who was then our minister of police, presented a report that said Zuma did not need to pay a cent. Some 199 men and women of the ruling ANC voted yes to accept the report. The group included one Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. They did so even though Thuli Madonsela, the then public protector, found Zuma and his family had unduly benefited from upgrades to his home and said he should repay a portion of the money spent on non-security features. Ninety-nine people, all from the opposition, voted no. Just over 100 members…

FOR many South Africans, chicken is a preferred source of protein as it is more affordable than other meat, but hikes in farming costs, such as feed and fuel, have resulted in price increases. Hoping to relieve some pressure on the poultry sector, the South African Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), recently held a briefing to explore how South Africa could develop a poultry export market as quickly as possible. Paul Matthew, the CEO of AMIE, said poultry exports could be a game-changer for the country. “Creating a robust, successful poultry export market for South African chicken would bring material value to the entire value chain, from local producers and their shareholders, to medium and small scale farmers, exporters, processors, and consumers. “Unfortunately, the country is missing a…

WHEN Pajavaranam Manickam decided to look for a potential bride, he did not know he would find his soulmate at the first house he visited. “When I laid eyes on Sandammal, I knew she was the one for me. I feel blessed to have found the perfect partner with whom I am growing old,” he said. Manickam, 86, and Sandammal, 76, of Overport, celebrated their diamond anniversary on May 6. Manickam, who worked in the import and export clearance division at the Natal Blood Transfusion Service before retiring, said he told his brother-in-law that he wanted to get married. “I asked him to help me find a suitable partner in 1961. I was already in my 20s and felt I was getting old. I did not want to start a…

IT is all but confirmed that Wales will be playing in the World Cup later this year. The Welsh qualified for the showpiece in Qatar following their 1-0 win over Ukraine in their World Cup qualification play-off on Sunday. The result means Wales have qualified for a first World Cup since 1958 and that Gareth Bale will play in a World Cup for the first time in his career at the age of 33. Bale is a generational great footballer and has won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid, in addition to winning three La Liga titles. He made his international debut in 2006 as a teenager and playing at the World Cup for the first time will be a great way for him to bring down the…