Table of contents for 2022-11-16 in Post

For the mince filling 1 kg chicken mince salt to taste 2 tbs green chillies 1 tbs garlic 1 tsp red ginger masala 1 tsp dhania (ground) 1/2 tsp jeero (ground) 1/2 tsp Cajun spice pinch of white pepper pinch of fine cloves 1 tsp peri peri spice Method Braise an onion in ghee, with 1 tablespoon of whole jeero, until transparent. Add the mince and spices and cook until the mince is cooked and dry. Add the onions. Mix well, then boil 2 cups of milk and 2 tbs butter. Add 2 tbs maizena (of which you made a paste with some milk) and stir until thickened. Add salt and black pepper to taste. It should be a thickish white sauce. Add to the mince. When cooled, add the…

BEFORE going to work on Monday morning, Ashveer Maharaj and his wife Omgeezwa Dayise kissed and hugged their son Ashton Enzo goodbye. Little did they know that it would be the last time they would see him or hold him in their arms. Just hours after leaving their home in Brookdale, Phoenix, Ashveer received a call from his neighbour informing him that his house was on fire. Before he could get to his home, Ashveer was told that Ashton and his father, Vinodhkumar Maharaj, 60, had died in the blaze. Ashveer, works as a driver, and his wife, Omgeezwa, is an assistant at a dental surgery. They shared the three-bedroom home with Vinodhkumar. “A neighbour had seen my house on fire on his CCTV camera and informed me about it.…

The launch of The Indian Africans, written by Paul David, Ranjith Choonilall, Kiru Naidoo and Selvan Naidoo, published by Micromega, will be held at the 1860 Heritage Centre at 6.30pm on November 16. A traditional South Indian supper will be served. RSVP Yatin Singh at 072 331 4017. The book tour will be held at: Goodwill Manor in Posy Place, Reservoir Hills, at 3pm on Saturday. RSVP Anivesh Singh at 083 778 1991 or email anivesh@mweb.co.za. The Made in Chatsworth Market at Depot Road Memorial Primary School at 11am on Sunday. RSVP Kiru Naidoo at 082 940 8163. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg at 3pm on November 26, to mark the landing of the SS Belvedere. RSVP Anivesh Singh (details above). The book is available for purchase online at www.madeindurban.co.za.…

IN 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered two State of the Nation addresses. The first, in February of that year, was the 25th such speech in the history of our democracy. Back then, Ramaphosa was someone many had faith in – the type of person they believed would deliver a new dawn. As a result, in May 2019, more than 57% of those who went to the polls voted for the ANC. This allowed Ramaphosa to continue as president of the Republic and, in June that year, he delivered his second State of the Nation address for the year. During the speech, Ramaphosa expressed the hope that within 10 years South Africa would have made progress in tackling poverty, inequality and unemployment. Key to that, he said, was ensuring our economy…

IN acknowledging the 162nd anniversary of the arrival of indentured Indians in Natal, the accounts by Kiru and Selvan Naidoo are to be commended (POST, November 9-13). Regarding the circumstances in the return of 413 Indians on the Umvoti and Red Riding Hood in February and May 1871, reference is made to the meagre amount of cash – a total of only £21 – among the Red Riding Hood passengers. That figure appears to be challenged by two sources. In a letter in the Natal Mercury on September 26, 1871, Henry Binns of Sunderland Estate in Victoria County, a large employer of indentured labour, claimed that an amount of £800 was withdrawn from Natal Bank by passengers of the Red Riding Hood and that four individuals among them had an…

An open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa: Your response in Parliament to questions whereby you have defended black economic empowerment (BEE) and affirmative action against the aspect of merit requires introspection and a reality check. I have to respectfully disagree with your assertions. When South Africa assumed the mantle of freedom and democracy, the apartheid system that dictated life prior to this metamorphosis, evidently, would have had a consequential impact on life ahead. That was a given. Transformation, the previously disadvantaged, employment equity and the like became the buzzwords that have become a mantra. It commands a narrative of defence when justifying the prejudice foisted on other race groups besides black. I have no qualms or disagreement on the fundamental principles upon which such policies rested, as I suspect most…

THE family of Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo say she can no longer live a normal life. Lakraj-Naidoo, the director of finance and supply chain management in public safety at the City of Johannesburg (COJ), is facing a disciplinary hearing for allegedly bullying, intimidating and harassing staff. Jack Mokalapa, of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union representing Lakraj-Naidoo, said the charges were brought against her because she had uncovered alleged wasteful and irregular expenditure, amounting to R8.2 billion, in the Department of Public Safety in 2020. “The expenditure was related to, among others, fleet control, property and procurement. Sarika reported the matter to the now-late mayor, Geoffrey Makhubo, who gave her the go-ahead to investigate the matter. “She reported the matter to the Special Investigating Unit. “There are 12 separate cases.” Mokalapa said…

Days before Cohan Mariemythu was due to leave South Africa and start a new life in New Zealand, he was killed during an altercation near his home. Mariemythu, 27, from Foresthaven in Phoenix, was stabbed last Tuesday. He later died in hospital. Shaun Arnagiri, his uncle, said Mariemythu was seated in his car with a friend when a man approached and began to argue with the friend. “Cohan told the man to calm down and this angered him. We believe the man kicked the car and Cohan became angry. An altercation ensued and Cohan was stabbed. The man’s friend, who was nearby, also assaulted Cohan with an unknown weapon. They fled the scene. Cohan was taken to hospital, where he died.” Arnagiri said he learnt of Mariemythu’s death from his…

SEVERAL karate “superstars” from across the African continent will soon converge on the shores of the kingdom of the Zulu to do battle against the “best of the best” in the “action-packed” All Africa Karate Championships Durban 2022. Headlining the list of superstars is Olympic gold medallist (Tokyo 2020) Dr Feryal Abdulaziz, a multiple African and world champion from Egypt. Thirty countries from across the continent will be in attendance, with top fighters from the big five African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia joining Dr Abdulaziz in the pursuit of gold. The South African challenge for the title of African male champion in the senior category will be led by Team South Africa captain and multiple national champion Morgan Moss (Gauteng), accompanied by the very talented Aiden…

The fishing has been fantastic in the weather gaps, and with the summer rains arriving the sea has plenty of colour. Top tip: Edges. Predatory fish like to hunt along edges. Edges include colour lines, current lines and physical structures, such as rocks. Try to fish along these edges to make the most of your fishing time and to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone. The offshore facets have been producing. There have been plenty of competitions and some amazing catches. Beyond the north border, the Paindane competition saw some amazing fishing. The OET has also just taken place, with some beautiful billfish caught. Most of the North Coast has seen good fishing, with the garrick keeping most of the guys busy. The section from Salmon Bay…

● Sasha Lee Monique Shah was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Kyle Inderlall, who then turned the gun on himself in a parking lot at Gateway Mall on October 30. Jessica Shah, her mother, said her daughter had earlier sought an interim protection order against Inderlall. ● The National Prosecuting Authority recently dropped charges against 13 men and a minor accused of gang rape, sexual assault and robbery of eight women. The women were in Krugersdorp filming a music video in July. DNA results could not link them to the crime. The crew of 20 were robbed of equipment, money and cellphones. ● Gqeberha police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who died after she was allegedly turned away from a local clinic. Zenizole Vena escaped after she was…

1 & 1/2 cups chana flour (gram flour) 1 cup cake meal 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbs maize flour 1 tsp salt 1 tbs green chillies 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp red ginger masala 1 tsp methi masala (pickle masala/atchar masala) 1 tsp fine dhania 1/2 tsp fine jeero 1 tsp whole jeero 1/4 tsp turmeric 1 egg a handful of fresh green dhania (cut) 1 onion (grated) 1 potato (grated) METHOD Mix the above and then add just enough water to make a thick droppable batter. Lastly, add 2 tsp baking powder and mix well. Drop spoonfuls in medium hot oil and fry until cooked through. Drain well and place in a dish lined on a paper towel.…

THE Shiva statue site at Cathkin Park in the Drakensberg that had become a tourist attraction, was closed on Monday. Cedric John Hood, who built the three-metre statue, said neighbours had complained about noise and disturbances. Hood, 65, who owns the Dragon Rock Reptile Nature Park on the same land as the Shiva statue, is now liaising with the Okhahlamba Local Municipality to reopen the site. “While meditating, I got a sign from Lord Shiva (a Hindu deity known as the destroyer) to build the statue, which I completed three years ago. My friends from the reptile park, Corniel van Niekerk and his dad Johannes, and I built the Shiva statue for our own devotion. But the energy of Shiva exploded and we went viral. “Everyone wanted to visit. “Last…

THE US Embassy in South Africa has twice raised the alarm recently about terrorism in the country. On October 26, it issued a security alert for a possible terror attack in Sandton, the financial centre of Johannesburg. Days later, it blacklisted four individuals and eight companies as terrorist financiers for Islamic State (ISIS). This followed media reports, most notably by The Economist, showing that ISIS was using South Africa to add to its war chest. There is a long history of concerns about the country’s deficiencies in dealing with terrorism financing activities within its borders. More than 15 years ago, John Solomon, an American terrorism expert, warned that lawlessness and government corruption in the country facilitated terrorist financing. I have been researching terrorist financing within South Africa for many years.…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is riled by the US, which snubbed him. He expected US officials to have a tête-à-tête with him or his government officials on the suspected terrorist attack. Instead, the US ignored diplomatic protocol, bypassed the South African government, and recently announced publicly that there was a possible terrorist threat in Sandton. As it turned out, it was a hoax call and only created panic among the people. The US is a superpower with naval and air force bases around the world. It has an elaborate network of sophisticated intelligence services, which keep an eye on developments worldwide, especially in hostile nations and extremist organisations that may threaten its hegemony. After 9/11, it has become even more vigilant. On the pretext of defending democracy, it is, in fact,…

THE traffic lights at the entrance of Darnall is a concern to motorists and pedestrians. Darnall community policing forum members and the community have been complaining to all concerned but this has been in vain. The traffic lights work for two months and then don’t work for 10 months. Many accidents have taken place. Thank God there have been no major injuries and deaths. Are we waiting for people to die for the traffic lights to be repaired? Are we waiting for one of the ministers to visit for it to be repaired? At the moment, there is no police guidance at these traffic lights. Is the government not worried about the well-being of our people? I appeal to the Minister of Transport to intervene before we lose innocent lives.…

BLACK Friday, which has proved to be a successful marketing strategy for retailers, is gaining momentum. Soon thereafter, the silly season starts. Reckless and unnecessary spending will soon start. I therefore urge all POST readers to spend wisely and do not incur unwanted debt. Show restraint. I would hate to see consumers starting out the new year negatively and with financial difficulties. The wise ones who are careful will have no problem in meeting their commitments like school fees and uniforms. Warren Buffet provides some appropriate wise words: “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” DHAYALAN MOODLEY Mobeni Heights…

THE National Horseracing Authority (NHA) has found Garth Puller, a former jockey turned racehorse trainer, guilty of misconduct. In July, Yaseen Ebrahim, a businessman and racehorse owner from Zululand, accused Puller of racism after he mistakenly received a voice note from Puller via WhatsApp. The voice note said: “Ya, it was a f****** Muslim. Plenty of money but they are just bragkat (Afrikaans word for brag a lot) f*****’ try to show off all the time.” Edward Abraham, from Pather and Pather Attorneys, who represented Ebrahim at an inquiry at the NHA offices in Greyville, said the voice note was received shortly after his client and Puller had a disagreement on June 6. “Mr Puller trains three of my clients’ horses in Summerveld. In June, my client called Mr Puller…

THE KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is hosting a travelling exhibition called South Africa World War One (SAWW1). It tells a broader story – of South Africa’s harbour workers, of the country’s rich natural resources in funding the war economy, of the fate of its interned civilian ‘enemy aliens’, and of the battlefield experiences of black, white, Indian and coloured people. Viranna Frank, the marketing and public relations officer at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, said: “SAWW1 fosters joint commemoration that speaks to all ages and population groups. World War I was a seminal period for South Africa’s development as a nation and for its population. Yet remembrance has long been confined to events on the European battlefields. “At the start of World War I, South Africa was still under British rule and…

Uncertainty over mixing of genders, rape The Department of Basic Education wants to introduce guidelines that create a more inclusive environment in schools. This includes the introduction of unisex toilets. Elijah Mhlanga, its spokesperson, said the violation of human rights and discrimination perpetrated against children of diverse sexual and gender identities gave rise to the guidelines. The guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following: ● Schools will soon be required to provide “genderless/unisex toilets and changing rooms”. ● Teachers are to be told they must avoid gender segregating by splitting classes, lines or groups into “boys and girls”. ● The provision of gender-neutral uniforms must also be made available to all pupils who require them. ● “Dead-naming” will also be outlawed. That means a student identifying with a…

Nitasha Pillay, from Chatsworth, an information systems and technology Honours student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is making strides in the tech world. She recently received the Aspiring Teen Award at the fifth annual Women in Tech Global Awards ceremony in Dubai under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum. Pillay said her love for tech started in primary school when she participated in the First Lego League. This guides youth through Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning and exploration. She said through First Lego, she was exposed to problem-solving skills and solution development. “I was always curious and always questioning, how does this work? Why does it work this way?” Even with her curiosity, Pillay did not study IT or related subjects in high…

INDIAN presence in South Africa was chiselled into history 162 years ago today (November 16). If you stood on the Bluff head on that bright morning and looked out to sea, the SS Truro freshly landed from Madras would have been bobbing on the choppy waters. The SS Belvedere was still far out on the Indian Ocean. A sandbar at the entrance to the harbour prevented the paddle steamer from entering the Port of Natal in the Zulu Kingdom, founded by Emperor Shaka kaSenzangakhona. Coolie number one, Devaram, and 341 others had to be paddled to shore. Fast forward more than a century and a half, and their descendants have propelled themselves to the frontline of South African history, society and economy. Along with late Struggle stalwart Paul David and…

dr sHEETAL bHOOLA PHYSICAL abuse and other violent crimes against women and children have been identified as a primary concern in South Africa amidst various socio-economic and political challenges. The impact of emotional and psychological trauma experienced by a victim of physical violence is painful, challenging, and conflated with perceptions of blame, responsibility, and acceptance. Similarly, the impact of verbal abuse is equally as painful but destructive to the self, and one’s dignity is eradicated. Physical violence has always been far more identifiable by many in society than verbal violence. Often, the perpetrator of verbal abuse will selectively know when to be abusive and when not to, and very often, it happens behind closed doors. The mere fact that no one knows about these acts makes it easier for perpetrators…

AS WITH any being on this planet, every action taken should, in theory, be to enhance one’s own well-being. As often is the case, what is beneficial to an individual may not be to those around them. Disagreement followed by compromise is the essence in understanding this inevitability. Of South Africa’s population of 60 million plus people, 38 million are adults. With different views, opinions and persuasions it’s impractical to fully represent each individual. While one may agree with all political party principles or policies, the core values and the actions taken in this regard is what makes a person inclined in that direction. The representation expected by the voter is that concerns are addressed and rights respected. Let’s cut to the chase and ask why we are where we…

WHITE and coloured people are under-represented in Mpumalanga’s government departments. This is despite claims by Speedy Mashilo, leader of Government Affairs in the Mpumalanga Legislature, that the ANC does not look at skin colour when appointing personnel. The figures also tell a different story of discrimination against white and coloured people when it comes to job opportunities. The FF Plus queried the state of affairs, to which Mr Mashilo responded by saying that the ANC appointed individuals of all races who possessed the relevant qualifications. He also encouraged people from minority groups to apply for public positions. Statistics in the Legislature’s 2021/22 financial annual reports make it abundantly clear that white and coloured people are increasingly discriminated against. Where minority groups comprise, on average, 9.35% of the province’s population, their…

THE IFP in the KZN Legislature would like to extend its sympathies to the Edendale and Ashdown communities in Pietermaritzburg on the loss of their hard-earned belongings due to floods that ravaged the area last week. Families were left homeless after persistent inclement weather hit these areas and the Msunduzi River burst its banks. Households in Thamboville and Copesville were reportedly submerged by floodwaters after a storm, with a number of businesses also affected. The IFP calls on the government to urgently assist these communities, as they have lost their homes and possessions, as well as – where possible – to house them in safe temporary accommodation, such as halls and churches. We would like to ask residents in and around Msunduzi Municipality, especially those living in low-lying areas, to…

CHATSWORTH police station was named the best police station in KwaZulu-Natal at the SAPS Provincial Excellence Awards ceremony in Musgrave, Durban, last Wednesday. At the handing over of the award, it was said: “The winning station aligned itself with the strategic objectives of the SAPS, which is to serve and protect the inhabitants of the country. “The station has many successes, including but not limited to having digital signage, excellent working relations with the CPF (community policing forum), it well contained the looting and unrest with the provincial management, and crimes committed against women and children are prioritised by investigating officers. “The station recovered 66 firearms and 48 vehicles and many more accolades.” Reacting to the announcement, Yugan Pillay, the newly elected CPF chairperson, said: “Community partnership, and in particular…