Table of contents for 2023-09-13 in Post

750g chicken breasts, cubed MARINADE: 2 tsp ginger and garlic 3 tbs yoghurt 1 tbs chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp salt SAUCE/GRAVY: 2 tbs oil 1 onion, chopped 1 tbs butter 1 tsp ginger and garlic 100g tomato paste 1 tsp salt 1 tsp chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 1 cup water 1 cup fresh cream In a bowl, add the ginger and garlic, yoghurt, spices and salt to the chicken. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. In a pot, add the oil and fry the chicken. Set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion and butter. Add the tomato paste, spices and salt. Let it cook for a bit. Add the…

1 large egg 1 tbs chopped parsley 2 tbs olive oil juice of 1 lemon ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper ½ tsp masala ½ tsp crushed garlic 500g chicken breasts 1 cup Kellogg Bread Crumbs 40g Parmesan cheese Sriracha Mayo: 6 tbs mayo 2 tbs Sriracha 2 tsp red chilli flakes In a bowl, whisk the egg, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, masala and crushed garlic. In a second bowl, add the crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Mix. Add the chicken to the marinade and then coat in the crumbs. Line the air fryer with foil and spray some cooking spray. Air fry at 180ºC for 15 to 20 minutes. To make the Sriracha mayo, mix the mayonnaise, Sriracha and red chilli flakes. Serve with lemon wedges and…

Dr Devi Rajab, with the help of her three grandchildren, has published a book titled We The Children of South Africa – A Children’s Guide to the Constitution of South Africa. Her grandchildren are Kabir Budlender, 16; Imran Budlender, 13; and Sofia Rajab, 7, who live in Johannesburg. They attend St John’s College, the Ridge School and St Katharine’s School, respectively. Rajab, a retired psychologist and columnist, said the book was written to inform and educate children about their constitutional rights and the workings of the Constitution of modern South Africa in an accessible, inviting, and illustrative context. “All three of my grandchildren showed an interest in reading from a young age. I can remember Kabir as a toddler ‘reading’ the newspaper and my other grandchildren also showed a love…

THE bitter conflict between actors, writers and other creative professionals and the major movie and TV studios represents a flashpoint in the radical transformation roiling the entertainment industry. The ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild were sparked in part by artificial intelligence and its use in the movie industry. Both actors and writers fear that the major studios, including Amazon/MGM, Apple, Disney/ABC/Fox, NBC Universal, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony, Warner Bros and HBO, will use generative AI to exploit them. Generative AI is a form of artificial intelligence that learns from text and images to automatically produce new written and visual works. So what specifically are the writers and actors afraid of? I’m a professor of cinematic arts. I conducted a brief exercise that illustrates…

IT IS A sad reality that even almost 30 years after the dismantling of apartheid, deep racial attitudes plague South Africa. The ANC and its leaders seem fixated on race, more concerned about race quotas than getting the job done. This kind of attitude has held back the country from achieving its full potential. A quick glance across the world shows that race should not be a factor in determining a leader’s capabilities. Singapore just elected an Indian origin president who beat his rivals by more than 1.5 million votes. Crime rates are low and corruption is punished severely. Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, has earned the respect of world leaders, for his transformation of India into the third largest economy in the world. The UK prime minister…

BUSINESS Unity South Africa (Busa) notes with sadness the loss of one of South Africa’s most iconic business figures, Raymond Ackerman. His remarkable legacy and resolute commitment to championing consumer rights, promoting inclusivity, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, set a benchmark at that time. Throughout his life, Ackerman was a retail pioneer who challenged the inclusion of VAT on essential food items and reduced the cost of daily essentials, thus positioning himself as a true advocate for the South African consumer. His philanthropic endeavours speak volumes about his dedication to empowerment and upliftment. The Ackerman Family Trust’s commendable support of education has resulted in the graduation of hundreds from diverse professional backgrounds, reaffirming his belief in the transformative power of education. Ackerman’s remarkable journey in the South African business sector…

THE death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has largely evoked the court of public opinion to come alive. Depending on one’s viewpoint, Buthelezi was either a saint or a sinner, but importantly, he at certain points of our historical trajectory played a significant role in shaping South Africa, and to an extent was part of her destiny. The dark past of this country has led to the destruction of many lives, and no amount of palliation can remove the wounds of families who have lost loved ones in the violence that brought us to the point of freedom and democracy. Buthelezi, as the head of the IFP, led the Zulu nation for decades, and there has been much finger-pointing at his role as the leader of the IFP when the country…

FOLLOWING the death of 77 people in an illegally occupied building in Johannesburg, the eThekwini Municipality is taking action to tackle the problem in Durban. The city has called for comments on the Draft Problem Building Amendment By-law. In last week’s eThekwini Weekly Bulletin, the city said they originally introduced the Problem Building By-law in 2015 to identify, control, and rehabilitate structures deemed as problem buildings. “The Problem Buildings First Amendment By-Law 2023 presents several amendments to the initial 2015 by-law. These amendments are designed to offer a more structured and comprehensive approach to the identification, management, and rectification of issues related to problem buildings within the city,” said the report. Alicia Kissoon, the councillor for ward 23 (Reservoir Hills and Clare Estate), said there were abandoned houses in both…

THE end of winter is near with a few warmer days creeping in. Nevertheless, we are still in the colder months so make sure you are prepped for the weather when you head out. The North Coast has seen plenty of grey sharks being caught. Zinkwazi has been particularly productive with some anglers landing double digits in a single outing. These fish are fussy so make sure you don’t go too heavy on your traces. Also, add floatation to your bait to get it off the bottom. Chokka and a fishy bait mix are deadly. The central coast has also seen some good fish being caught on lures. There are fish for all levels and interests. The shad have been full up around the piers and are always keen to…

COUGHS, colds, sniffs and sneezes abound during spring. But how does one differentiate between colds, flu, sinusitis and rhinitis and what preventative measures can one take to best cope? Dr Tamlyn Govender, an Ayurvedic specialist who is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, said some of the health issues common during spring include seasonal allergies, colds, flu, asthma, cough, indigestion, diarrhoea, fever and lethargy. “All the cold that has accumulated within the body during winter melts and moves to weakened areas of the body. During spring there is a natural aggravation of Kapha dosha – the combination of earth and water elements. Because the strength of the sun’s rays becomes stronger during this time, it tends to melt the accumulated Kapha, diminishing the digestive fire. “This…

400g chicken fillet, cubed 1 tbs olive oil 2 tbs crushed garlic 1 jalapeño, chopped 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp paprika 2 tsp masala/chilli powder 1 tsp jeera powder 1 tsp mixed herbs ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbs coriander/dhania, chopped Add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Cook the chicken on medium heat. When the chicken is cooked, remove from the heat and set aside. Place a tortilla wrap on to a non-stick pan. Add the chicken to half of the tortilla. chipotle mayo: 2 tbs mayonnaise 1 tbs Black Mamba Chipotle Chilli Sauce ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder Mix the ingredients together and set aside. In a pan large enough to fit the wrap, place down the first wrap.…

12 Bakers Boudoir Biscuits 1 cup whipping cream 1/3 cup icing sugar 250g mascarpone cheese (room temperature) 1 cup strong cold coffee cocoa powder for topping Whip the cream and icing sugar until they form soft peaks. Fold in the mascarpone cheese until combined. Cut the Boudoir Biscuits into bite-sized pieces and dip into the cold coffee. Layer the soaked biscuits and mascarpone cream and top with cocoa powder. Refrigerate to ensure the coffee soaks in. Makes 8 small servings or 4 large ones.…

BRYONI Govender, who will compete in the 72nd Miss Universe competition in El Salvador on November 18, said her superpower ahead of the pageant was being different. Govender, 26, from Gauteng, was the runner-up at the Miss South Africa 2023 finale last month. On Tuesday, the Miss South Africa organisation announced that Govender was Miss Universe South Africa. She will be the first person of Indian heritage to represent the country since Kerishnie Naiker, Miss South Africa 1997, was placed in the Top 10 at the Miss Universe pageant in 1998. “I have always believed that being different is a superpower, and becoming the second South African of Indian descent to represent our beautiful country on the international stage is a testament to that fact. I will be giving the…

“We have the fondest memories of waking up on a Sunday morning and following the fragrance of fresh lamb curry with rasam… to the kitchen. It was the most comforting feeling in the whole world for one reason – it touched our souls.” IN EVERY culture, cooking and sharing food brings people together. In KwaZulu-Natal, breyani is a rich metaphor to describe its people and the natural mingling of cultures and cuisines. In spite of the rigid segregation of both colonialism and apartheid, food breached the barriers. A visit to any farm store in the remotest part of the province will invariably turn up a packet of Rajah curry powder. The ubiquitous bunny chow, recently served as a Heritage Day food festival menu option at KFC, has become a firm…

KWAZULU-NATAL has a long history of political violence and criminal activities, and now the province has been singled out as one of the most violent provinces in South Africa. The recent shoot-out in uMhlanga, coupled with about 11 political assassinations in the province, have highlighted murders, assassinations, and the lack of value of a person’s life. The various typologies of violence, deviance and other criminal activities have only escalated with dire socio- economic conditions and the continual political instability fuelled by corruption, money laundering and intra-party conflict. Many scholars have adequately researched, explained and discussed that poverty, the lack of food and basic necessities, contribute towards the prevalence of criminal and deviant behaviour. This has been the case in most developing countries, where crime rates continually escalate when unemployment soars…

THE church has lost its godliness. It is no longer a sacred religious institution devoted to the worship of God. It has become a haven for the crooked and the wily – from imposters, swindlers and conmen to sexual perverts. Some of its flamboyant leaders are literally rolling in money. They no longer lead simple, humble lives committed to the religious and social upliftment of their flock. They masquerade as men of God, but if you pull off the religious mantle, you will see they are the biggest humbugs who walk this Earth. Through the ages, the church has been embroiled in numerous scandals, mostly of a sexual and immoral nature and using religion to amass a fortune. Many of its leaders see the church not as a sacred institution…

THE South African government has failed its people once again by claiming it does not have the money to perform daily operations. It would be pointless to ask how this happened when it’s obvious – the extravagant lifestyle government officials live by, exploiting funds in most cases. The lifestyle audit that President Cyril Ramaphosa wants to implement will be fruitless without holding the culprits accountable and getting rid of the rot within our political system. We are living in a lawless country at the mercy of predators who have no social consciousness and take no moral responsibility. Ramaphosa and his followers have brought our beautiful country to its knees in all spheres of the government; most parastatals are a failure, inflation is on a sharp rise, youth unemployment is rocketing,…

As South Africa gathers to pay its respects during the funeral of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, we take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that defines this nation. Among the many customs and traditions that flourish in this land of harmony, two communities stand out for their profound and deeply ingrained practices related to ancestor veneration and death rituals as practised by the Zulu and Hindu communities. This column is based on research I conducted into the unique convergence of these traditions in South Africa for my doctoral studies, which took me to all parts of South Africa and a three-month study tour of India as a Ford Fellow. To understand the unity between the Zulu and Hindu communities, we must first explore their historical roots.…

She was just 19, yet the doubts had already crept into Coco Gauff’s young head that she had plateaued or might not quite have what it takes, because it was her fate to come of age in a microwave era in which tennis champions are expected to pop like popcorn out of the bag, ready-made when zapped with a little heat. All this time she was taking to develop – when it wasn’t that long, really; it’s just that the rest of the world is in such great haste that four years felt like 40. Among the many things Gauff did with that magnificent backhand that won the US Open on Saturday – a blast of self-certainty that said, “All right, here I am” – was to restore a decent…

Duff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for more than 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall, KZN. She can be contacted at 072 986 5514 or sharron@quantsoul.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Don’t sidestep an important issue that needs to be addressed. Use your discernment in your relationship and find a way to connect. Heal the past with therapy or get closure by talking through your issues. Practise patience with others. Lucky colour: khaki. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Find ways to bring in the joy factor and then go for it. Abundance is coming in, but you need to know what you want. Make a list of your goals and plan…

In commemorating Heritage Month, the 1860 Heritage Centre will host a Heritage Food Festival on Saturday, from 9am to 4pm. The festival will include food stalls, food demonstrations, a tug-of-war family challenge, tours of the centre, and live radio broadcasts. The food stalls will be open from 11am. Vendors will sell traditional favourites, including pulisadam, khichdi, mutton breyani and falooda. Heritage food live demonstrations will take place from 1.30pm with chefs such as Simmi Ramnarain, Selvan Naidoo, Priyanka Chanderdeo, Prem Pather, Jimmy Moodley, Neha Valjee and Prim Reddy. The day will culminate with the tug-of-war competition. The winning team will get a restaurant voucher to the value of R2 500. The entrance fee is R10, and pensioners enter free. For more information, call Yatin Singh at 072 331 4017.…

In 1957, the movie, Mother India, was released. It told the story of a woman who, abandoned by her husband, had to raise her children alone and face the many challenges that came with living in rural India. Despite her trials and tribulations, she soldiered on, maintaining her values and not losing her dignity. The movie became a hit because it was a story that resonated with many in India. In the year that Mother India was released, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was recognised by the apartheid government as chief of the Buthelezi clan. It was a hereditary position he had assumed four years earlier. Why it took so long for him to be recognised depends on who you believe. Buthelezi had said the apartheid government was reluctant to recognise him…

ActionSA mourns the passing of the founder of Pick n Pay, Raymond Ackerman. Ackerman was a pioneering South African entrepreneur, who revo- lutionised consumer retail in the country to ensure that customers were always placed at the centre of retail operations. His dedication to the South African people saw him go head-to-head with the apartheid government over its race-based policies. He fought no fewer than 27 court battles to help decrease prices for consumers. Ackerman represents the entrepreneurial spirit that ActionSA values and seeks to achieve, and we honour his unwavering patriotism to South Africa and its people. ActionSA will continue to work to honour his legacy to improve the lives of our people and create an economic environment that allows all entrepreneurs in the country to flourish. HERMAN MASHABA…

MY FIRST encounter with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was when I was about 20 years old. I attended a function at the school I taught at and he was the guest of honour. I was ignorant of how gigantic a figure he was until he entered the room. The respect he commanded was unequalled. The room was filled with words of admiration, love and gratitude for a man who changed the trajectory of the destinies of many. It was impossible not to be overwhelmed. A few years later, I was among those who were monitoring the counting of votes for a local government election at the Durban International Convention Centre when news spread that Prince Buthelezi would arrive at the venue. When he entered the auditorium, officials, politicians and observers surrounded…

A SECOND DNA test on a body, believed to be that of Peter Solomon, at the Phoenix Medico Mortuary, has come back inconclusive. Solomon, 46, from Newlands West, was employed by a company that repaired trucks in Springfield Park, Durban. On September 15 last year, Solomon used a company bakkie to visit his partner in Unit 13, Phoenix. Later that night, the bakkie was found on fire in Bhambayi near Phoenix. After the fire was extinguished, police found the charred remains of a body in the back of the bakkie. It was burnt beyond recognition. Police were able to read the number plate on the vehicle and traced it to the company. Clive Solomon, his brother, said he was not allowed to view the body because the police first needed…

FIVE residents participating in the Westville Ratepayers boycott have had their municipal services cut off by the eThekwini Municipality. The ratepayers association had applied for an interdict in the Durban High Court against the municipality, which was meant to be heard in November. It will now be heard on Thursday. The interdict is to prevent the municipality from disconnecting the water and electricity of residents participating in the payment boycott. The Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) is disputing the tariff hikes. The increases were imposed despite concerns by ratepayer groups that they were too costly. Asad Gaffar, the WRA chairperson, said the municipality had sent notices to residents, and cut off services of some of them. Gaffar said he was not one of the residents – known as the “Westville 5”…