Table of contents for 2024-11-20 in Post

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad – South Africa recently hosted the South African National Hindu Conference at the Kendra Hall in Durban. The event aimed to chart the way forward for the further consolidation of a Hindu society for the upliftment of mankind. At the event were...…

BOYSIE Zungu, spokesperson for the Durban Metro Police, said officers were deployed to patrol the streets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Zungu said smash and grabs and cellphone theft were the most common crimes in the CBD. "We have a daily deployment in the CBD covering 24/7. We have the following types of patrols deployed: foot patrols, motorbikes patrols and motor patrols. We also have non-uniform to cover some certain hot spots. “We have approximately 120 metro police officers deployed to patrol the CBD," Zungu said. As the festive season loomed, Zungu said Durban Metro would be stepping up its operations. "Our department plans to increase our deployment on the ground, day and night. We will deploy more on the bus and taxi ranks, also covering the…

PAT Naicker, 60, has been living in Havenside for 57 years. He said he believed that the housing development was about generating income and expanding the revenue base of the municipality. “It is not about providing affordable housing for those in need. There are dozens of houses for sale in Havenside, some of which have been on the market for several years. There are also many abandoned houses, many of which owe the municipality hundreds of thousands of rand. If the municipality wants to generate income and increase its revenue base, it should auction these houses to recover the monies owed. If people cannot afford the houses currently for sale in Havenside, how are they going to afford the new Eldon Road houses which I believe will be sold…

THE 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. After the 16 days of campaigning against gender-based violence (GBV) ends, what happens to victims during the other 349 days in a non-leap year? GBV is a profound and widespread problem in South Africa, impacting on every aspect of life; it disproportionately affects women and girls and is systemic and deeply entrenched in institutions, cultures and traditions in South Africa. In his State of the Nation Address in February 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government would intensify the fight against GBV. The results of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide are yet to…

YOGIN Devan’s column, “Is it not time to drop the Indian racial tag?”, the POST, November 13-17, strikes at the heart of a persistent issue in South Africa’s democratic journey: the divisive legacy of racial categorisation. As a member of the National Assembly for the MK Party, I am regularly confronted with the identity challenges faced by various racial and ethnic groups in our country. The deliberate alienation and division of black South Africans under apartheid continues to shape the fabric of our society, even 30 years into democracy. This enduring segregation, particularly the rigid racial labels imposed on South Africans, calls for a deep reflection on how we define ourselves and others in this so-called Rainbow Nation. The apartheid legacy: a system of division Under apartheid, racial categorisation was…

Response to the prize awards THANK you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback about our recent reunion event. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the overall experience and appreciate your kind words. We also value your constructive criticism, particularly regarding the handling of prize draws and raffles. We understand your concerns and would like to address them. Regarding the raffle prizes awarded to committee members and volunteers, we assure you that the process was fair and transparent. The sponsor of the raffle gift was invited to randomly select the winning number, and the winners were announced accordingly. We hope that the videographer has captured comprehensive footage of the raffle and prize draws. Once the video is available, we will review it thoroughly to address…

A CHATSWORTH councillor is in hot water again. This time, Anoop Rampersad, 61, has been accused of obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duties, when he allegedly refused to accept a fine for driving without a number plate. He allegedly squashed the fine and threw it back at the officer. Last week, Rampersad, a councillor for ward 77, paid an admission of guilt fine of R2 500 at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. A police source said the officer was patrolling in the Chatsworth Main area when she spotted Rampersad’s vehicle with no rear number plate. “While attempting to charge him, he asked: ‘Do you know who I am? I am the councillor … you cannot charge me.’ “She told him despite his political status, he was not…

AFTER three years, the Mountain Rise Crematorium, in Pietermaritzburg, is now fully operational and grieving families no longer have to travel long distances at great cost for cremations. The crematorium had not been functioning properly due to technician issues. Families had to travel to Durban to have their cremations done at either the Clare Estate or Stellawood crematoriums and this put further financial strain on them due to the travelling costs. The Midlands Hindu Society had launched a petition calling for the restoration of the crematorium because the discontinued service had caused “distress and inconvenience” to families. But last week, the Msunduzi Municipality announced that the crematorium was now fully operational. Ntobeka Mkhize, the spokesperson for the municipality, said Crem A which houses two cremators had both been tested and…

About 50 kilometres out of Durban on the stunning South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, just past Umzinto, is a signpost ‘Esperanza’, which means ‘hope’ in Spanish. There stands Reynolds Bros.’ Lynton Hall, decorated magnificently in 19th century Indian colonial style. It has hosted royalty, prime ministers and ‘captains of business’ throughout the 20th century. During the royal tour of 1922, King George V’s sister, Princess Alice, and the Earl of Athlone stayed at Lynton Hall. King George VI chose it for his recuperation in 1952. Lynton Hall’s historic acreages incorporate the ‘Chequers’ of South Africa, Botha House, which was donated to the ‘nation’ in 1920 for the exclusive use of prime ministers and presidents. Like so much of South Africa’s past, if you dig a little deeper and move beyond the…

Rob Walter is a good human being. He greets each member of the media personally before an engagement. He checks up on how you’re doing, asks about your family, and seems genuinely interested in your life. That’s of course not his job though. He picks cricket teams with the intention of winning matches. Under the current structure, he is solely responsible for both these tasks due to Cricket SA having done away with the conventional structure that comprises a group of selectors headed by a convenor. In simple terms, the buck stops with Walter. It was not so long ago that Walter came within touching distance of becoming the first Proteas coach to lead the men’s team to the holy grail of a T20 World Cup trophy. He is already…

It’s that time of year again when Mariah Carey’s *All I want for Christmas* echoes wherever you go. And with that festive thought, if you’re hitting the water for some ski-boat fishing this season, make sure to get your stockings full, because the season is looking exceptionally promising! The recent weather has been ideal for anglers, with our coastline delivering rewarding days on the water and impressive pelagic catches hitting the decks. Starting up north near Umhlanga, if you're on the hunt for dorado—the “chicken of the sea” in green and gold—they’re out in spectacular numbers and sizes. This season, pink and purple Rattlers are the lure of choice, with their irresistible swimming action luring in both juveniles and bulls alike. Along the Durban coast, fishing skis have been the…

Aurets is a healer, psychic medium, intuitive mentor, masseuse and regression therapist. She also teaches meditation and breath work. She is passionate about holistic care and offers a small range of holistic products. Aurets practises in the Upper Highway, KZN. Find her on https://www.facebook.com/healing 1920. Contact her at 079 356 4657 or theeternalbreath@gmail.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Embrace the changes that are upon you. Celebrate lessons learnt and experiences, and release all appreciatively. Life cycles are endless. It’s time to embrace the new, accepting the abundant blessings due. Release the fear of letting go. You need room for new. Magic number: 8. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Get tenacious. Take charge of your body, mind and schedules, focusing on goals. Don’t be swayed by external influences. Stay…

RASHMIKA Mandanna has promised that Pushpa: The Rule will be an exciting ride. She revealed that the first half of the movie was amazing, the second half, even more so. Mandanna shared details of the film on Instagram. “Now that the fun and games are over, let’s get down to business.” She added: “The film’s first half is already amazing, and the second half is even more so. I am literally short on words.” Earlier this month, the film-makers released a poster featuring Sreeleela’s special number from Pushpa 2: The Rule. Pushpa 2: The Rule went through production delays as the makers moved its release date from August 15 to December 6. The release date was once again changed to December 5. The film was earlier supposed to clash with…

SOUNDARYA Sharma will make her Hollywood debut with series director Chad Stahelski. The Housefull 5 actress said: “I am thrilled. Dreams do come true; 2024 is incredibly special. It started with Housefull 5. Now I’m trying and paving my way in Hollywood, which I’m looking forward to. I shot a few sequences almost a year ago for the same project. “I’m super excited to finish my last schedule in Los Angeles and France in January.” Stahelski, an American stuntman and film-maker, is known for projects like Atomic Blonde. He’s also recognised as the primary stuntman behind successful projects like Transformers, The Matrix, Serenity and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Meanwhile, Sharma also bagged a role in Housefull 5, opposite Akshay Kumar. The dentist-turned-actress will play the female lead in the comedy. The…

10 boiled eggs, peeled dried fish vegetable oil 6 to 8 chillies slit lengthwise 6 garlic cloves 2 large onions, chopped and sliced 12 to 15 medium tomatoes, liquidised with cloves of garlic 1 tsp turmeric powder curry leaves salt to taste 2 tsp sugar (optional) Soak the dried fish in hot water to remove the excess salt. In a pot, add a little oil and fry the dry fish until it browns a little. Add the onions and salt (limit the salt because dried fish can be very salty). Allow it to fry for a bit until it turns translucent. Add the green chillies and curry leaves. Add the turmeric powder and mix. Add the liquidised tomato purée to the pot and stir well. Let it cook for a…

1kg pea dhal sour herbs (clover leaves) 1 onion, large 2 tomatoes, large green chillies cloves of garlic Step 1: Once the above have been prepared,put into a pressure cooker. Step 2: Mash well and set aside. Step 3: Get ready to braise the dhal. You will need: vegetable oil mustard seeds braising spice 1 diced onion red and green chillies turmeric powder curry leaves tamarind water salt butter ghee In a deep pot, add the vegetable oil. Once the oil has heated, add the mustard seeds. Allow the seeds to splutter, then add the braising spice and sauté for a minute. Add the diced onions and salt, and mix well. As the onions brown lightly, add the chillies and curry leaves with the turmeric powder, and mix…

Step 1: Rinse the fish roes and remove the surplus water. Place them in a pot, and add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and salt. Cover the fish roes with water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and drain the water completely, or drain using a colander. Cool them completely and place them in a shallow bowl or dish. Step 2: 1 egg 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder 1 tsp ground ginger and garlic Mix the ingredients and evenly coat the fish roes with the marinade for about 15 to 20 minutes. Heat oil in a pan over medium to low heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish roes to the pan and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, usually…

GIVEN the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children in KwaZulu-Natal, the calls for more intervention from society, government, law enforcement, and organisations have heightened. This comes before the country commemorates 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign which runs annually from November 25 to December 10. Adeshini Naicker, the director of Childline KZN, said GBV remained a “serious and pervasive” issue in KwaZulu- Natal. She said the organisation frequently received calls from children and other individuals seeking help. “The violence often affects vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, leaving them traumatised and in urgent need of support. The prevalence of GBV indicates a deep-seated societal issue that requires urgent attention and intervention at every level, from individual care to systemic reform.” Naicker…

It is heartwarming that so many organisations and individuals organised events to honour the memory of Indian indentured workers at the weekend. That painful story has to be told with humility, respect and dignity. For at least two generations, the Gokul family organised an inclusive ceremony at the landing site on Durban beach where they also organised a luncheon mainly for our senior citizens. The 1860 Heritage Centre picked up that tradition with an interfaith prayer and lowering marigolds into the ocean to remember the departed alongside the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, and the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality among others. Year after year, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and those of other persuasions have gathered in one voice to remember, reflect and restore.…

I WISH to address the public at large regarding the proposed monument for indentured labourers of Indian descent and the insensitive comment made by an unidentified member of the ANC at a recent full council meeting of the eThekwini Municipality. In 2000, as a first-time councillor, I motioned council for the erection of an Indian Indentured Arrival monument. This motion was escalated to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature where the late Amichand Rajbansi, founder of the Minority Front, ensured that R10 million was set aside by the premier’s department for this project. My late leader, during his lifetime, continuously called for proper recognition of the struggle of the Indian indentured labourers brought by the British as slaves to save the economy of South Africa, which was effectively bankrupt due to a lack…

THE National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will hold public hearings on Eskom’s Sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD6) revenue application for the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years in Durban this week. Eskom has proposed revenue increases of 36.15% from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026; 11.81% from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027; and 9.10% from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028. Ratepayer associations have raised their objections and recommendations. Ish Prahladh, the chairman of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA), said the total requested revenues of R446 billion for 2026, R495 billion for 2027, and R537 billion for 2028 amounted to a combined total of R1.478 trillion over three years. “These increases place a substantial financial burden on ratepayers and businesses across eThekwini,…

Selecting the right golf club off the tee is crucial for setting yourself up for success on the course. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which club to choose. When choosing a club, it’s essential to consider various factors that can impact your shot. Course conditions, such as wind, slope, and terrain, can significantly affect the trajectory and distance of your ball. Understanding the hole layout is also vital, as doglegs, obstacles, and green placement require strategic club selection. Measuring the yardage to the landing area or green is another critical factor. This helps determine the required distance and accuracy. Additionally, considering your skill level and desired level of forgiveness is crucial. Golfers with slower swing speeds may require more loft, while faster swing speeds require…

AMEESHA Patel recently found herself at the receiving end of a social media backlash after posting a cosy picture with businessman, Nirvaan Birla. While many of her fans expressed admiration for Patel, a section brutally trolled her. Birla was seen holding Patel and they appeared to be at a restaurant. She wrote in the caption: “Dubai – lovely evening with my darling @nirvaanbirla,” adding several red heart emojis. Birla replied: “Too much fun. Love you.” One fan wrote: “Ameesha likes rich men.” Another said: “You look like his mom.” Patel is 49 and Birla is 30. Birla is an entrepreneur, edupreneur and singer. He is the founder of Birla Brainiacs and Birla Open Minds, and is the son of Yashovardhan Birla and Avanti Birla. Patel has been linked to a…

SHRUTI Haasan recently shared how during her early years, she sometimes pretended to be someone else to avoid constant questions about her famous father, Kamal Haasan. In a recent interview, she discussed growing up with her famous parents and the challenges she faced in coping with their stardom. Haasan stated that she was “very proud” to be the daughter of Sarika and Kamal Haasan. She said: “People would constantly ask me about him all the time. I would feel like, ‘I am Shruti, I want my own identity’. People would point at me and say, ‘Hey, that’s Kamal’s daughter’. If anyone asked me, I would say, ‘No, my father is Dr Ramachandran’. It was our dentist’s name. ‘And I am Pooja Ramachandran’, a name I made up.” She said she…

Kanguva stars Kollywood action hero Suriya in a dual role as Kanguva and Francis. It is an epic-fantasy action genre that was in production for two years. The film also introduces Bollywood stars Disha Patani and Sunny Deol in his impressive debut in a Kollywood movie. Kanguva’s story spans two timelines, 2024 and 1070AD. Suriya plays Francis, a swashbuckling bounty hunter, who hunts down criminals for reward. He meets Zeta, a young guinea-pig subject, who is on the run from a group of scientists. He is mystified when he realises this young boy has a strange connection with him, which goes back to 1070AD. The storyline pendulums between the two timelines as Kanguva battles a marauding army of warriors, who are hell-bent on wiping his people off the face of…

2 cans of middle-cut tinned fish vegetable oil 2 large onions, sliced 6 to 8 medium-sized tomatoes, grated green chillies and jalapenos ground ginger and garlic 1 tsp turmeric powder salt curry leaves scallions coriander In a pot or pan, add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to warm up. Add the onion mix and the salt mix. Allow the onions to become translucent. Now add the chillies and curry leaves, giving this a mix. Add the ground ginger and garlic, mixing well. Add the turmeric powder; mix and add the tomatoes. Allow the juices from the tomatoes to evaporate. The oil will surface, and it’s time to bring in the middle-cut tinned fish and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Gently move the chutney over the fish and sprinkle…

150g dried fish, cut into cubes vegetable oil or oil of your choice 1 large onion, sliced ½ tsp mustard seeds, optional ½ tsp cumin seeds, optional 4 green chillies, finely sliced 1 tbs Kashmiri red curry chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric powder eggplant or brinjal (cut into cubes or sliced lengthwise, and soaked in some salted water) salt to taste Heat a pan on medium heat, and add the oil. Add the dried fish and fry on low heat on both sides. Add the onions and curry leaves and fry until translucent and soft, for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the green chillies and fry for about a minute. Add the Kashmiri red powder and turmeric powder, and cook for about a minute on low heat, mixing frequently and…

DESPITE being raped at 18, married and divorced within three months, becoming a young mother and a failed suicide attempt, Tivania Moodley did not let her circumstances deter her from becoming the “woman of her dreams”. Moodley, 43, of Johannesburg, now uses her story to bring hope, healing and empowerment to others. “The very experiences that used to shame me have now become a gift to serve this world,” said Moodley. The mother of two is also the co-founder of the organisation Change Her Story, which is working towards empowering the lives of single working mothers. “We aim to change the narrative that is associated with single motherhood and help these women redefine their story. Furthermore, I think my personal story is effective because it demonstrates the possibility of hope.…

FROM a young girl, Minority Front (MF) leader, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi’s passion for questioning the injustices faced by people arose, by participating in school debates and later in Parliament. After a two-year hiatus from politics due to the loss of her loved ones in 2022, and not having enough funding to contest in the 2024 elections, the “tigress” is set on making a comeback. Having celebrated her milestone birthday on November 17, Thakur-Rajbansi, reflected on her life – from a young girl to date. Childhood Thakur-Rajbansi, who is the eldest of six daughters, said she hailed from an indentured background. Her paternal grandfather was among the last group of indentured labourers to arrive in South Africa in 1910. “He was 17 years old and alone when he came to Natal. He…

THE excellent editorial comment in the POST, "Racist councillor must be exposed and punished" and the article by Professor Brij Maharaj, "Go Back to Bombay," addressed the unacceptable incident of racist behavior that has garnered significant attention on social media. It’s crucial to expose and condemn this type of behaviour. We must hold the perpetrator accountable and, most importantly, name and shame the councillor involved. It is astonishing that racism still exists, allowing individuals to spread hatred. I am interested to see what action the eThekwini Speaker, Thabani Nyawose, will take in response to this incident. The public’s reaction has been swift, with many denouncing such behaviour. Unfortunately, it seems that many have forgotten the immense contributions we have made to the economy and various spheres of life, and yet,…

I AM WRITING on behalf of a group of Durban Girls’ Secondary School alumni following our recent school reunion, which brought together former pupils from 1950 to 1999. It was a joy to reconnect with old friends and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the steering committee for their vision, dedication, and extraordinary efforts in organising such an ambitious event. We also wish to thank the POST for the excellent coverage in last week’s edition. Despite the overall success of the event, we feel compelled to express our disappointment with certain aspects, specifically the conduct of the master of ceremonies, Professor Suria Govender. It is indeed a pity when someone entrusted with a key role at an event appears to consider themselves more significant than the occasion itself. From the…

THE man accused of killing Senior Superintendent Desmond Arumugam has been remanded in custody. Arumugam, 50, who was employed at the KwaDukuza Municipality’s Traffic Department, was shot when he stopped to investigate a taxi which stopped in the middle of the road, on the N2 near the Groutville off-ramp, on November 4. On November 11, police arrested a 27-year-old suspect in Melmoth. He was charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday. Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal, said: “The case was postponed to November 26 for further investigations and for an ID parade.” Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said on the day of the…

METRO police are clamping down on drivers who have modified their cars due to an increase in the number of road accidents. Boysie Zungu, spokesperson for Durban Metro Police, was commenting after a recent incident where the owner of a VW Golf 7 had his licence disc suspended over alleged illegal modifications. The alleged violations included the suspension being lowered, the car had black tint applied on the windscreen, and the rear lamps were tinted black. At the time, Zungu said the owner would have to renew his licence disc and take the car through the testing process again. "Basically, he needs to get that COR certificate before he can drive again," Zungu had said. He said the car was no longer roadworthy, and that these modifications compromised road safety…

BRIGADIER Indera Chetty was the first Indian female to be recruited into the South African Police Force (SAPF) in 1982. Formerly from Merebank, Chetty worked at the SAPF Training College in Wentworth from May 1982, training women who joined the police force. She retired from her position as commander of the SAPS Training College, in Pretoria, about 20 years ago. However, she remains actively involved as a board member of the SAPS Widows and Orphans Fund, ensuring that the families of fallen policemen and women receive continued support from SAPS. After being in the education profession for 20 years, Chetty said she saw an advert for the first recruitment of Indian female police officers and felt an urge to apply. At the time she had been employed as the deputy…

The year 2023 was probably Temba Bavuma’s most successful in South Africa’s green and gold colours. The right-handed batter was named captain of the Test team at the beginning of the year and scored a career-best 172 in his first series captaining the Test team. In white-ball cricket, Bavuma was enjoying a rich vein of form. He scored centuries against England, West Indies, and Australia, establishing himself as the backbone of both the Test and ODI teams. While opposition players could not stop Bavuma’s form, injuries did as a right adductor strain ruled him out of the fourth ODI against Australia in Centurion, a month before the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Bavuma carried that injury into the World Cup and despite his team doing well…

As the Springboks close in on a clean sweep of the northern hemisphere, Sharks fans are switching one eye to the blockbuster United Rugby Championship derby between their team and the Stormers, in Durban on November 30. Reports from Hollywoodbets Kings Park suggest the fixture could be one of the best-attended at the stadium for some time. Ticket sales have been booming, and for the first time in many moons, the upper tier of the Shark Tank will be opened because the lower tier has sold out. That means more than 20 000 tickets have already been sold and next week, sales will escalate. The big question for Sharks coach John Plumtree will be how many of his large contingent of Springboks will be available for the match. The Sharks…