Table of contents for Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in Post

KZN police stations affected by trio crime CHANELLE LUTCHMAN “ You are most likely to be robbed at home on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday between midnight and 3am. SOUTH Africans are not safe in their cars, their homes or where they work. According to the latest crime statistics, trio crimes (carjacking, robberies at residential and non-residential places) were on the rise. Four KZN police stations made it to the Top 30 list of stations worse affected by trio crime. Pinetown, Inanda and uMlazi ranked 3rd, 4th and 5th on the list while Plessislaer (Pietermaritzburg) was placed at number 17. • If you drive a sedan or a hatchback, you are more likely to get hijacked than if you are driving an SUV. According to the crime statistics, in KZN,…

Alleged kidnapping syndicate members nabbed and charged CHANELLE LUTCHMAN “ We’ve been monitoring them and arrested them last Thursday Brigadier Vish Naidoo National police spokesperson AN IDENTITY parade will be held this week for three men accused of kidnapping a businessman. The men, who are alleged to be part of a kidnapping syndicate, were arrested on July 23 with two others after a police raid. The victim, a 72-year-old Indian national, was kidnapped on July 2 and rescued three weeks later in Kensington, Johannesburg, unharmed. Brigadier Vish Naidoo, the national police spokesperson, said: “He was kidnapped on July 2 and a few days later, they (the victim’s family) reported it to the police. Through our investigations, we have been monitoring them and subsequently arrested them last Thursday.” He said the…

OPINION Profiteering from Covid disaster is the action of scavengers President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest weekly column to the nation DEAR Fellow South African, Corruption during a national disaster is a particularly heinous type of crime and perpetrators are going to be dealt with decisively and harshly. It is difficult to understand the utter lack of conscience that leads a businessperson who has heeded the call to provide lifesaving supplies during a devastating pandemic to inflate the price of a surgical mask by as much as 900%. Nor can one explain why a councillor would stockpile emergency food parcels meant for the poor for their own family, or why another councillor would divert water tankers en route to a needy community to their own home. It is impossible to discern what…

Murder suspects to appear in court CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE family of Renardo Naidu want justice for his killing. Naidu, 20, of Newlands East, was found with gunshot and stab wounds to his body along Dumisani Makhaye Highway near KwaMashu last Sunday. He was taken to a clinic where he was certified dead. On Monday, police arrested five suspects, aged between 17 and 31, in connection with the killing. Colonel Thembeka Mbele, a police spokesperson, said four men were arrested in Newlands East and the fifth suspect in Effingham Heights. They are expected to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court later this week. Naidu’s sister, Adele, said they were thankful for the swift arrest but they were not notified by the police. “He left home on Saturday (July 25) to go…

HEARTFELT MEMORIES FOR SISTER SHWETA Singh Kirti shared an emotional note on social media on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan remembering her brother, Sushant Singh Rajput. Kirti took to Facebook on Monday to share a few throwback snaps from their childhood and teenage days, where her sisters were seen tying a rakhi on his wrist and feeding him sweets as their mother watches. “Happy Rakshabandhan mera sweet sa baby.” She said she loved Rajput a lot and she always would. “You were, you are and you will always be our pride! @sushantsinghrajput #happyrakshabandhan.” IANS…

Inspired by teacher’s selfless dedication KIRBY PILLAY I AM 17 years old and a pupil at New West Secondary School. I have decided to write about my teacher, Jaishni Naidu, and how she has inspired me. She has made a difference in my life and she is ready to face danger and endure pain for any child. In 2018, my 14-year-old friend was raped by her neighbour. Ma’am took her to the doctor and then to the police station to report the crime. She helped my friend and her family through this difficult time and raised R2 800 from her own family to pay for my friend’s medical bills and counselling. My friend was strong because Ma’am gave her support and encouragement. Within 12 hours her assailant was caught and…

Regime is never going to root out corruption THE outpouring of opposition to and criticism of the ANC regime is without precedent since 1994. Seldom in our history has there been such awareness of – and alarm at – the downward trend of the country. After 26 years of corruption and looting, it should be obvious that things are never going to improve. It should also be obvious that despite the alarming findings of the Zondo Commission, which has cost the taxpayer corps R700 million, there is no intention of rooting out corruption. Smuts Ngonyama famously declared in 2008: “I did not join the Struggle to remain poor.” This dire situation can only be countered by taking a leaf out of the ANC’s playbook. The formation of the United Democratic…

ANC leadership so ambiguous it’s a joke THE level of ambiguity in the ANC leadership is beyond illogical; a joke to be precise. As a government, they need to practise what they preach. With the exponential growth rate of Covid-19 infections in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, we have witnessed a number of deaths across our communities. Subsequent to the high infection rate, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs gazetted new regulations to be followed when burying our loved ones. According to these regulations, Covid-19 deaths are treated differently. Guidelines from the Department of Health state: “Only close family members should attend funeral services of persons that died of Covid-19”. It also stated “Burial services should not exceed two hours to minimise exposure...” and “Attendance at a funeral is…

Remote jamming warning ON JULY 24, at about 10am, I had an unfortunate incident of remote jamming on my vehicle in the vicinity of a shop on Monty Naicker Road (Pine Street). I am diligent when it comes to parking my vehicle, and I ensure that it is locked. I had gone to the shop for minutes, and on my return with my purchases, I deactivated the alarm and opened the boot. To my horror, I found that specifically my briefcase containing both my and my wife’s identity documents and other valuables had been removed. I went back into the shop and viewed the footage on its CCTV monitor, and I was alarmed when I saw an adult male removing my briefcase and disappearing with it. I am convinced that…

RAKSHA LAGHARI AML Distributions PTY Ltd. a leading building materials distributor company. AML was established over 10 years ago and has expanded to boost a host of activities, its main activity being the official distributor of Afrisam cement in KZN. AML serves as Afrisam’s sales, marketing, handling, distribution and logistics arm in the province. In 2014, AML successfully launched into the logistics sphere. Under the strong and powerful leadership of Raksha Laghari, the company has increased its product lines beyond cement and now distributes other major locally manufactured products including Marley roofing. The company dynamics have grown to incorporate manufacturing (AML Tanks) and wholesaling, with massive new manufacturing plans on the horizon which will rapidly grow the company’s size, portfolio and stature. The company also recognizes that long term wealth…

Former waiter badly mauled by pit bulls CHARLENE SOMDUTH Supplied A RETIRED waiter is recovering after a piece of his ear was bitten off when two pit bulls attacked him. Ronnie Madurai, 63, of Clayfield, Phoenix, travelled by taxi to his daughter’s home in Unit 13 last Sunday. He was attacked by the dogs soon after getting out of the taxi. His daughter, Sashnee Madurai, said her father was walking towards her home when the dogs came out of a neighbour’s yard through an unlocked gate and charged towards him. “I was inside my home and I didn’t know what was going on. A neighbour, who brought my dad to my home after the attack, told me that the dogs jumped on him and he fell.” Madurai said the dogs…

Rape cases rise in 3 years POST REPORTER WHILE the rape statistics over a 10-year period show numbers are falling, there has been an increase in the past three years. In the last reporting period, 8 017 rapes were reported, up by 5% compared with the previous reporting period. From a national perspective, two KwaZulu-Natal police stations recorded the highest number – Inanda (297 cases) and uMlazi (293). Plessislaer (Pietermaritzburg), Empangeni and Osizweni are other KZN police stations that made the Top 30 list. According to the statistics for KZN, most rapes happened at private homes, either of the perpetrator, the victim or homes owned by family or friends of the perpetrator or victim. Public spaces like open fields, parks, parking areas or the beach were also areas where a…

Human rights group to reply to Chief Justice Mogoeng’s JSC affidavit by Friday CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE human rights group Africa4Palestine has until Friday to respond to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s affidavit to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). In June, Justice Mogoeng featured alongside Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein in a webinar hosted by the Jerusalem Post newspaper. In the online programme, Justice Mogoeng expressed what some interpreted as his love for Israel. He also criticised the ANC for its approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Africa4Palestine, formerly Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) SA, reported Justice Mogoeng on the basis that a judge should not become involved in political controversy or activity. In the complaint, the group said his conduct was improper for a judge. Justice Mogoeng responded to the JSC that judges should…

Pandemic takes toll on businesses Many owners asking government for relief POST REPORTERS “ The lockdown has actually worked in my favour. Raven Reddy Business owner THE South African economy was struggling long before the Covid-19 pandemic, and the situation has worsened since the lockdown in March About 38 of 40 small business owners in Overport, Reservoir Hills, Chatsworth and Phoenix have said their sales have dropped by between 40% and 95%. Some of them have said they might have to close within the next few months, while others are diversifying. But most of them are holding on to hope that normality will return after the virus peaks in the coming weeks. About 95% of those surveyed said the government was not doing enough to help small businesses. • Hemal…

School reports 24th break-in CHARLENE SOMDUTH TRENANCE Park Secondary in Verulam was broken into for the 24th time on Tuesday morning. Abby Naidoo, chairperson of the school governing body, said it was an easy target because the police had done nothing to catch the suspects. “During the early hours of Saturday, six suspects got on to the school premises. One of them was armed. The security guard was beaten and sustained injuries to his face and body. “The suspects cut the locks to the power room and tuck shop. They stole cooking equipment and cooldrink. “They went into the principal’s office and damaged his cupboards. They took a printer and 10 keyboards and computer monitors from the computer lab.” Naidoo said the stolen items and the damage to the property…

Fresh twist in Rajput suicide Bollywood actor’s father blames ‘girlfriend’ actress Rhea Chakraborty POST REPORTER Twitter ACTRESS Rhea Chakraborty, who has been named in a FIR (first incident report) filed by the family of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput with regards to his death, is allegedly missing. According to reports, Chakraborty, who was Rajput’s rumoured girlfriend, and her family abruptly left the building they resided in a few days ago. She allegedly went missing soon after Rajput’s dad, KK Singh, lodged a case at the Rajiv Nagar police station in Patna on July 25 against her for abetment (inciting) to suicide, misappropriating Rajput’s funds, and cutting him off from his family, reported the hindustantimes.com. The 34-year-old actor was found hanging at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, on June 14. The…

A real unsung heroine KERVIN, ANNIE, AKHIL AND BIVASH GOVENDER WE LIVE in Auckland, New Zealand, and in April we were booked to fly to Durban to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with our family in South Africa. However, Covid-19 changed all our plans. This is for my mother-in-law, Mano Govender, who lives in Asher-ville in Overport, Durban. She is a real unsung heroine who wears many hats. She has always put her children first and seen the good in everyone. She instilled in us traditions, cultures and values and taught us to respect and to treat people the way we would like to be treated. These are just some aspects of our unsung heroine. My mother-in-law is a humble and gentle woman who loves to socialise and is never…

A life committed to serving SURIE REDDY UPON looking at Pathma Gounden or Amma Gounden, as I affectionately address her, you are instantly taken in by her quiet, humble and welcoming disposition. However, this wonderful woman has worked tirelessly and diligently in our community to not only preserve our Indian culture, but to also empower women. Amma was at the helm as the founder of the Tamil Women’s Progressive Movement (TWPM) and the Caring Hands organisation, both of which are non-profit and non-religious organisations. She had dedicated her time, in her earlier years, towards teaching the Tamil language while rendering services to bereaved families at no cost, but rather with the intention of bringing some comfort to these families. Amma had the insight to start the TWPM 22 years ago,…

The lioness who does everything for her cubs NATASHA NAIDOO Supplied NINE out of 10 times, when you speak or think of a role model, for many it is either an actress or a television superhero character. But for me, it is my mother, Priscilla Naicker. At the age of 5, my parents divorced. My late elder brother, Donovan, and I stayed with her. My mom was a factory worker and became our little family’s sole supporter. Despite being faced with immense financial strain as she had two young children to take care of, she refused to give up and worked hard to ensure that we were happy. I clearly remember one occasion where this would come into play. As a factory worker, my mom did not earn much. I…

It is easy to think animals don’t suffer when killed DR AMAN MAHARAJ THOMAS MUKOYA Reuters BY VIRTUE of belonging to a particular faith, it is arguably somewhat acceptable to be critical of it. It’s about balancing not being offensive with ensuring one’s version of the truth is not sanitised into losing its essence. Has there ever been a victim, who, after being sexually assaulted, chose to be grateful for the “event”? It is highly unlikely, even if the wounded forgives the perpetrator. Hypothetically, would any animal, after being killed, speak of the intense joy experienced during its slaughter? It is unlikely that any person simply lies back passively to be violated. Similarly, a defence is put up by pastoral animals, bucking, bleating and writhing before the actual slaughter. The…

He was highlighting Lewis’s bigotry WITH reference to the letter “Nothing wrong with a Benz” (the POST, July 29 – August 2) in which Lucky Laljeeth responded to a previous letter by T Markandan on the luxury brand. Laljeeth’s view was uncalled for. The writer does not understand the letter. At no point did Mr Markandan say that ordinary people should not drive one in current times. He merely gave points of fact regarding the company’s sinister past, which are already published. He also used phrases like “sought-after cars”, “enviable reputation in the motor industry” and “one of the iconic car brands in the world”. He also makes it blatantly clear that he has no problem with the car but the image of the company, with its questionable past. Credit…

Covid-19 unleashes an economic battle THE Covid-19 pandemic has virtually decimated normal economic interaction. In the midst of this crisis, corruption has robbed the nation of billions of rand earmarked for assisting the masses at a time of virus-induced unemployment, closures of businesses linked to the lockdown, increases in poverty and malnutrition. Many pregnant women go hungry and many households live below the poverty line. About 1.3 million children under the age of 5 are unable to access meals on most occasions. Our country’s unemployment could reach a staggering 50%. At the individual and social level, we are watching a tragedy unfold, which no civilised society should tolerate. The implosion of the economy is escalating at a rate that could result in an economic and financial meltdown by the end…

Many Christians forget their teachings and are led astray THE letter, “Why I will always be a Hindu” (the POST, July 29 – August 2), was brilliant. It was in response to the column: “On the path to soul-destruction – the crisis that is shaking our faith” (the POST, July 22 – 26) by Prishana Sumeri. During my lifespan on Earth, and after millions of people were killed during World War II, an anger, greed and hatred unfolded on people from the Christian faith. As devout Hindus, we have forgiven the evildoers, but one cannot forget the tyrants and their actions. Most Christians have lost their direction to follow the path of the Sabbath and their pivotal following of the commandment, thou shall not kill. One can compliment the Seventh…

Your Stars PRISCILLA GENDRON Aries (March 21 – April 19) Not everything you have attempted has been successful but you are about to get it right the first time. Have faith in yourself and those around you as you take this next step on to a new path. Know that it is the best way forward at the moment and the people around you will be supportive of your decisions. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) The wait is over and things will happen in a fast and exciting way, so look out and don’t forget to check all the contracts before signing legal documents or accepting offers if you are selling a property or business. Clarity of thought is needed for it to go smoothly. Gemini (May 21 –…

Sholain Perumal The Gold Bar is fast becoming the preferred Gold Recycling company in SA. Owner and Philanthropist Sholain Perumal is driven by her passion to help and empower those around her. Being a Feminist, Sholain Perumal believes in every women’s right to be successful. Hence her passion to empower, upskill and motivate women from all walks of life. For many years, women have been programmed to believe that they are not meant to be in positions of power and that they are inferior and not capable, but the truth is WOMEN ARE MORE THAN JUST CAPABLE. Sholain’s involvement in Women and Youth Empowerment comes from her seeing too many abused women who end up in hospital or dead by the hands of their partners. Youth empowerment comes in where…

LUELLA NAIDOO - DIRECTOR OF JEZRIEL CRAIG HOLDINGS Luella Naidoo has over 15 years experience within the devices and pharmaceutical sectors (both Ethical and Generics). She is an astute social entrepreneur and passionate about empowerment, skills development and creating value and impacting empowerment and financial inclusion for all entrepreneurs. She has dedicated most of work she activate to supporting the empowerment of youth graduates and people with special needs through job creation mentoring coaching and training Luella is a trailblazer and creating value in the business sector she influences is what sets this highly driven visionary on a trajectory to build bridges, support social cohesion, influence job creation and offer high impact problem solving solutions especially in skills development. Her advocacy using entrepreneurship to support interventions in the treatment and…

getting HOOKED Top tips for bottom fishing THE offshore fishing has been good on most fronts. The garrick have made an appearance along with the snoek. Reports about the deeper waters have been dominated with news of the guys fishing on the bottom. The Durban area has been focussed on the snoek at Blue Lagoon and the bottom fish on the deeper marks. The snoek have also been a bit smaller than the earlier season fish, but they are still fun to catch and make a delicious meal. Much like in the north, a redeye sardine fillet trolled behind the backline produces a bite on most mornings. The Strike Pro Magic Minnow has earned its reputation and deserves a spot in every snoek tackle box. The bottom fish have been…

EUROPA LEAGUE Chance for Red Devils to experiment ESHLIN VEDAN BackpagePix FOR some, the Europa League is more exciting than the Champions League. A lot of the ties are unpredictable. The competition also exposes football fans to new teams which they might never have heard of. On the other hand, there are regular teams which contest the Champions League knockout stages every season. The Europa League also features many teams which are not exactly financial powerhouses in the football arena. For some football traditionalists, it is also more enjoyable than the Champions League for this reason as the games can be somewhat more neutral. The Europa League last-16 second legs resume tonight and will conclude tomorrow with four games being held on each day. While the remaining Champions League single-header…

Cremation delayed for more than a month JANINE MOODLEY THE body of a Hindu man from the Western Cape has been lying in a mortuary for more than a month as his family wrangled over who should perform his last rites. Rakesh Nana, of Worcester in the Western Cape, died on June 24 after contracting Covid-19. In terms of health regulations, the body should have been cremated or buried within three days. According to Hindu custom, the disposal of the body should happen as soon as possible after death. The matter is now before a judge in the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town and is set down for August 17. Nana was 40 years old. He was married to Praneshvari, but for the past two years the couple…

Arguments are main cause of murders CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE leading cause of murder in KwaZulu-Natal is because of arguments and misunderstanding among strangers. According to the national crime statistics, the province recorded 4 859 murders from April 2019 to March 2020. Revenge and retaliation attacks account for 336 deaths, followed by mob justice and robberies. According to the statistics, nine people were murdered as a result of school bullying compared with a prison fight, which had a death toll of three. Murders are most likely to occur at the hands of an acquaintance, boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse or a close family member. Nationally, one of the Top 10 instruments used to commit a murder is your cellphone or laptop charger. The statistics revealed that 20 people were murdered using these…

SA can’t afford to turn blind eye to IS revolt Pretoria may have no choice but to intervene in conflict between militants and Mozambique CHANELLE LUTCHMAN DESPITE a warning by the Islamic State (IS), South Africa may have no choice but to get involved in matters between the militant group and Mozambique. Since October 2017, the Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah, a group linked to IS, have reportedly been unleashing a violent revolt in neighbouring Mozambique’s northern-most province, Cabo Delgado. More than 1 400 people have been killed. The group aims to establish an extremist form of Islamic law in the province. In recent months, the violence has escalated. In May, Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, told the SABC during an interview that South Africa and Mozambique were…

Couple caught up in shooting on mend CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE Overport couple caught in an alleged shoot-out between police and hijackers were discharged from hospital on Friday. Omar Ismail, 30, an employee at an accounting firm, was shot in the head. His pregnant wife, Asma, 26, a medical technologist, was shot in her legs. Her right leg was amputated. Their 21-month-old daughter, Yusraa, was also injured. The couple were travelling in their VW Jetta on July 16 when the shoot-out started. Asma’s father, Farouk Omar, said the couple had been discharged from hospital. “Asma underwent surgery last Tuesday at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital to have the bullets from her left leg removed. The surgery was successful. “Her condition is now stabilised. Her (unborn) baby is also doing well. Yusraa is…

Hawks probe missing Tamil million JANINE MOODLEY THE matter where almost R1 million meant for the Tamil community went missing is now being investigated by the Hawks. This was confirmed last Tuesday by Premi Govender, the president of the South African Tamil Federation (SATF). Earlier this year, the POST published a series of articles on a 2004 BEE empowerment transaction from the sale of Telkom shares from which the Tamil community was expected to benefit. But the SATF said it had no record of the money being received. Karolia Jeena, the auditor who oversaw the transaction, said the KZN Tamil Business Forum motivated to be allocated shares on behalf of the Tamil community. To do so, it set up a private company called Four Arrows Investments 187 (Pty) Ltd. Four…

Ma was brave and strong To commemorate Women’s Month, readers shared tributes to their mothers… ANNUNDHEE RAMSUGIT BRAMDEO Supplied THOMAS Gray, the English poet, once wrote: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness on the desert air. Women’s Month brings to mind the many women who were born to procreate and nurture as well as toil and serve unconditionally. Generally, a child will carry his father’s name long after his father is gone and for many generations to come. Women, if lucky, will have their names carved on their tombstones or their portrait hung in a garlanded frame. There are no medals or trophies in their names to express their worth or deeds. One such woman was my mother, Bhagwanty. She was born on…

Kudos to my mom, my pillar of strength … and to women who have filled similar roles in their lives SHASHIKA MOORUTH Supplied I ALWAYS joke that my mom is more informative than Google! Actually, my mom is a busy-bee and there is never a moment when she is not engaged in some activity or another. She is 80 this year, and my greatest inspiration. As a child in the late 1960s, I remember mom sitting at her embroidery sewing machine turning out the most beautiful saris for customers. She would take care of every detail and even today she has the patterns that she would show them to choose from. Mom is amazing at stitching. From my school uniforms to my concert dresses she was the expert behind it…

My mom, a hero who never let life get her down PREMA NAIDU Supplied A HEROINE is selfless and a genuinely good person. Someone who has overcome many obstacles. Fighting your own personal wars in life and coming out stronger than ever. My heroine is my beautiful mother, Linga Maistry, who was called to rest on October 21, 2011, at the age of 55. My mother married at the age of 19. Life was not always a bed of roses for her. My dad was diagnosed with renal issues and he used to be in and out of hospital on dialysis. Having four daughters, managing a home, looking after my grandparents (my dad’s parents) and seeing to my dad could take a toll on any woman, yet she always had…

Business ethics of ANC cadres and cronies created moral hole AMI NANAKCHAND African News Agency (ANA) Archives IN RECENT chats with Imtiaz Kajee, the author of The Murder of Ahmed Timol. My Search for the Truth, and Philippa Garson, the author of Undeniable: Memoir of a Covert War, they make powerful statements that the criminal trials of those who were complicit in the brutal enforcement of apartheid and in factional violence in the 1970s, ’80s and early ’90s have yet to commence. Twenty-six years into the post-apartheid period, the new democratic political order has been spooked into revealing its true colours. A rash of exposés and allegations of sleaze and skulduggery over the procurement of equipment to fight the virus that has caused Covid-19 have surfaced in the past four…

Internet helps families connect WHILE Covid-19 rages globally, devastating families, there has been a surge in social media groups on the internet. Long-lost family members confined to their homes, with nothing much to do during the lockdown, are using social media to reach out to other relatives and friends. They are able to reconnect, exchange greetings, reminisce about the old times and dig up old family photographs and post it on social media. That is the positive effect of the pandemic. While it must be conceded that the internet has revolutionised communication, I still maintain that it is not better than the warmth of a personal meeting. A hug and a smile make family bonds stronger. Of course, that is out of the question for now. So we have to…

Protect farmers and our future THE column “Recognise farm attacks as priority crime” (the POST, July 15 – 19) by Narend Singh of the IFP is indeed a campaign that must commence immediately. Cast your mind back to the start of the lockdown and think about those moments when you either stockpiled or thought about stockpiling. The thought of not having food to feed oneself and one’s family is a terrifying one. How will we survive without food? We take the work that our farmers do, in ensuring that we as a nation can survive each day, and we give little thought to the challenging circumstances that they are confronted with. Beyond the daily environmental challenges, our hard-working farmers and their families are easy targets for criminals. What or where…

Hon. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi MPL- KZN Legislature Leader of the Minority Front “GENERATION EQUALITY: REALISING WOMEN’S RIGHTS FOR AN EQUAL SOCIETY NOW” Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi hails from Newcastle. Her debating skills were recognised at the tender age of 12 at S.E. Vawda Primary, in the 70’s. She was elected Head Girl of St Oswald’s High School in 1982 and received the Most Promising Student award in matric. She won numerous accolades, such as the Jan Hofmeyer Freedom Speech contests, Incandu Jaycees Trophy, the Chetty Shield and the Orator of the Year Trophy. Most of the topics she chose were politically driven given her stance against Apartheid. She started the tough journey at UDW to fulfil her parents’ wishes, qualifying as a pharmacist in 1986. Pharmacy students were well organized in anti-apartheid politics…

Focused, confident, headstrong and highly affluent is the best way to describe Ashni Shah. Residing in Briardale Village, Shah is one of South Africa's highly acclaimed Empowered Women. Over the years she has evolved as a person and worked extremely hard to make herself an independent and a formidable force to reckon with. Through her dedication Shah has gained the respect and hearts of many people. A woman who clearly knows her worth she speaks very little about her accomplishments but her glaring stature speaks volume. Shah is a multiple titleholder and when asked about her titles, she sat back and smiled saying she cannot remember all of them. This commendable lady teaches us that success should never inflate a person's ego. Simplicity is what makes Shah stand out. Shah…

ESHLIN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VIEW Old Lady, City favourites to advance Man City v Real Madrid set to be a thriller ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za NOW that the domestic leagues are over, European football’s elite clubs will focus on the Champions League. The remaining Champions League last-16 second leg fixtures are due to take place this Friday and Saturday. The winners from the fixtures this week will advance to the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals and semi-finals of Europe’s premier club competition will be different this season. Owing to the Covid-19 crisis, they will take place over one leg with all remaining games being held at the Estadio José Alvalade (home of Sporting Lisbon) and at the Estadio da Luz (home of Benfica) in Portugal. In Friday’s Champions League fixtures, Italian champions Juventus will…

Vettel puzzled by Ferrari flop IT WAS painfully obvious just how badly Sebastian Vettel’s final season with Ferrari is going when the drivers’ standings after four races were shown on TV this past Sunday. Page one with the top 10 came and went before Vettel appeared on page two, with a meagre 10 points in 13th place, and 78 points off leader Lewis Hamilton, who won the British Grand Prix on three wheels. And while Ferrari chairman John Elkann has already admitted that the Scuderia may not have a winning Formula One car again until 2022, Vettel’s ordeal is quite baffling. Teammate Charles Leclerc has at least two podiums, even though they were only achieved because of misfortunes of others, but on 33 points is clearly better than the German…