Table of contents for Wednesday, December 9, 2020 in Post

WAS SAVING TO BUY A CAR Truck lover killed a week before his birthday NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za A CLAIRWOOD truck driver was killed a week before he celebrated his 25th birthday. Claude Lee Deepchand, 24, was returning to Durban from Johannesburg when his horse-and-trailer apparently crashed into a similar truck on the N3 after the Church Street off-ramp in Pietermaritzburg last Monday. He died at the scene. Deepchand’s relative, Sillest Kelly Chutergun, said: “As a child he loved drawing pictures of trucks, not missing a single detail. Trucks were his life. The passion never died. As he got older, he used to go to the truck yard and sit in the trucks. He also washed them to earn pocket money. After he completed school, he got his Code 14 licence…

FAMILY WANT JUSTICE Killed in front of his child CHARLENE SOMDUTH charlene.somduth@inl.co.za INSTEAD of celebrating his daughter's 13th birthday on Thursday, the family of Junaid Sheik gathered for his funeral. Sheik, 34, a call centre agent, was shot in the chest during an alleged dispute with his ex-wife's partner, Wayne Manuel, at their home in Sastri Park, Phoenix, last Wednesday. The father of three, who is from Northcroft, also in Phoenix, died at the scene. He was buried at the Ottawa Muslim Cemetery. Manuel, 31, was arrested by Phoenix SAPS supported by the private company, KZN VIP Security. He was charged with murder and appeared in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Monday. The case was adjourned to Friday for a bail hearing. Manuel was remanded in custody at Westville Prison.…

An excerpt from ‘Aiyo Rama Wedding Drama’ “No mom! No!” “How dare you tell me no!” my mother is screaming, “After everything I’ve done for you!” I sigh. “Are we going to go through this again? I DIDN'T ask you to do all this!” I throw my arms up and spin like a ridiculous ballerina. “We did the entire house, look outside. There are people helping out of the goodness of their hearts and you are acting ungrateful!” my mother says through clenched teeth. “I don't care! It’s my wedding, things have already been confirmed. You can't just change your mind two days before the wedding and expect things to happen like magic!” I say back loudly for everyone who is around to hear. I don't care anymore. “These people…

AN EMOTIONAL TIME Mother’s prayer for justice NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za AN OVERPORT man accused of killing his girlfriend, a make-up artist, will spend the festive season behind bars. Ebrahim Chohan, 37, who was arrested and charged with the murder of Sherne Pillay, 27, made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. On November 28, the mother of one was allegedly found with cable ties around her neck and multiple facial injuries on the bathroom floor of the Berea flat she shared with Chohan. State prosecutor, Calvin Govender, earlier said the State would oppose bail. He previously told the court that the accused and the victim were in a domestic relationship and that the deceased was found with a cable tie around her neck. She was also bleeding…

BRILLIANT MIND, GENEROUS SPIRIT US teen is Time ‘Kid of the Year’ IANS Facebook/TIME TIME magazine has put an Indian-American teen scientist and inventor, Gitanjali Rao, on its first Kid of the Year cover. Gitanjali was selected from more than 5 000 nominees for her “astonishing work using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying”. Gitanjali, 15, lives in Lone Tree, Colorado. Wearing a white lab coat over a casual outfit and sporting medals hanging from lanyards, Gitanjali is pictured on the cover of the December 4 edition. She cuts an image of cool confidence in a year that has been headlined by scientific breakthroughs. “Even over video chat, her brilliant mind and generous app and a Chrome extension that uses machine learning…

HEART ATTACK Covid-19 claims attorney’s life CHARLENE SOMDUTH charlene.somduth@inl.co.za RAJESH Hiralall, a well-known attorney, has died after suffering a heart attack while being treated for Covid-19 at the Mount Edgecombe Life Hospital on Monday. Hiralall, 52, of uMhlanga, had a fever two weeks ago and went to his general practitioner to test for the virus. His wife, Sonitha Hiralall, who is also an attorney, said his results were positive. "He was given medication, but a week later, he continued to feel ill and I took him to the clinic in uMhlanga for a check up. He was then admitted to the Mount Edgecombe Hospital and placed on a ventilator. On Monday morning, he suffered a heart attack and passed on." He was cremated on Monday evening at the Verulam Crematorium.…

Editor’s View TOUCHSCREENS CAN’T REPLACE HUMAN TOUCH Times are changing – hopefully for the best THE final leaf in the history of cheque books in South Africa is being written. On the 31st of this month, the once popular cheque will become worthless, replaced by faster, safer and cheaper ways to exchange money. It illustrates the changes our society is going through as the old makes way for the new. The problem with tomorrow is that we don’t know what it looks like. In some ways, it is like a blank cheque that we can fill in. In other ways, it is akin to the cheque being in the mail. The demise of cheques mean we have even less to write. For electronic banking you don’t need a pen. All you…

NEW WORDS UNINSPIRING Covid-19 rules world vocabulary YOGIN DEVAN Pixabay WHATEVER has happened to words and phrases that generate strong positive affirmations that uplift and inspire? I am thinking of the likes of goal weight, laughter, single-malt whiskey, prawns, cancer in remission, bear hug, bonus, love and rainbow – a few among a whole dictionary of others. It is enough to make you despondent and feel demoralised that, year after year, words with a negative connotation have been clinching honour as Word of the Year. “Xenophobia” was chosen Word of the Year in 2016. “State Capture” came tops as the 2017 South African Word of the Year. In 2018, it was not so much a word but a phrase: “land expropriation without compensation”. Last year, “Zondo Commission” was adjudged Word…

Race is a myth but racism is not THE article, “This is not India, Newlands residents told”, (the POST, December 2-6), refers. The confrontation between the residents of Newlands and Muzi Hlengwa, the leader of the African People First movement, reflects the chasm of trust and cohesion that has festered between certain elements of South African society who perpetuate racism in the guise of Africanism. Notwithstanding that he is a leader of a movement whose name is suggestive of a racial narrative, his attitude, as portrayed in a video clip on social media, is indicative of the dissonance that some reinforce every time there is a dispute that may involve different races. We need to be honest and not hide behind the façade that South Africa, post-apartheid, is a country…

Pandemic united South Africans IN THE face of the Covid-19 pandemic, that no one knows exactly how to manage, I congratulate every teacher for saving the study year for learners. Besides impacting on economies, health and radically changing people’s lives, the pandemic affected learning and teaching. However, with the unprecedented disruption to education, teachers developed novel approaches to connect with and teach learners. Like other front-line workers, such as doctors and nurses, we owe these outstanding, resilient and brave teachers our appreciation. This contagion has proved to me the interrelated nature of humanity and that the world is truly a global village. The pandemic brought people closer and taught us life skills such as solidarity, compassion, empathy and the value of collective efforts. It gave our shallow lives the true…

Iran supported SA’s liberation movement AS A SOUTH African, I recall Iran being among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with post-apartheid South Africa. Its people had staged a war of resistance against a Pahlavi regime that was propped up by the US for over five decades. And then, in 1979, they exploded with the fury of a volcano that had ripped out its cone and ejected those who propped up a corrupt regime. The US under President Jimmy Carter and successive administrations have not forgotten that and they have connived to effect regime change in the only Muslim country to stand up for the people of Palestine. Iran was also one of the few countries that supported the liberation movements in South Africa with no strings attached. Yes,…

FUR BABIES Plan for your pets this festive season POST REPORTER Pexels.com PETS can become stressed by changes that may occur in their usual schedule. This unfortunately can lead to them becoming sick or attempting to escape, especially if they have a pet sitter or are left on their own for long periods of time. David Roache, from dotsure.co.za, a pet insurance company, said this year may be more tricky with many people having worked from home, or are still working from home, and pets have become used to having them around. Roche said there are a few things pet parents should add to their December checklist: • If you are going away and can't take your pets with you, be sure to arrange a pet sitter or book them…

CAPTURING MEMORIES THROUGH FOOD New cookbook aims to inspire LATOYA NEWMAN latoya.goldstone@inl.co.za Supplied LINKING food to memories and culture is what Lobiyna Mitha, an avid chef and author, has aimed for in her cookbook, The Way We Were: Reminiscing the memories and food of the good old days. She said that as someone who straddled four generations – from her grandparents, her parents, her generation and now to her children’s generation – the landscape of life had changed. Mitha wanted to capture the changes and memories, through a journey with food. “As these changes materialise we sometimes cling to particular ways, which are, to our perception, the way things should be. Sometimes these are forcibly left out by the new realities. However, when it comes to food and the union…

Sharks Bullish MIKE GREENAWAY mike.greenaway@inl.co.za GERHARD DURAAN BackpagePix FOR the Sharks, Saturday’s home match against the Bulls is about way more than Currie Cup points. It is personal, according to Thomas “The Tank” du Toit, who says his team is hurting after two big defeats in Pretoria. The Sharks lost heavily to the Bulls in the Super-Fan Saturday match that celebrated the resumption of rugby and then a month later got another Loftus hiding in Super Rugby Unlocked. “It hurts when you get 40 points put on you by the same team in quick succession, especially if you feel that you let yourselves down by not playing to the best of your ability,” Du Toit said. “So yes, we feel we owe them one. We want to rectify matters …” But…

Son stays on song ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za PREMIER League clubs would have experienced a great sigh of relief last weekend as supporters were allowed at games, albeit in a reduced capacity. Certain areas of England allowed up to 2000 fans to attend games, while following Covid-19 regulations. It’s safe to say that Spurs attacker Son Heung-Min is among the elite number sevens in world football. The South Korean would easily slot into the starting side of any team and is arguably the greatest Asian footballer of all time. He continued his good run as Spurs eased to a win over North London rivals Arsenal. It was yet another Jose Mourinho masterclass. Despite Arsenal dominating possession, Spurs frustrated their opponents who had no killer instinct and are now closer to the…

Not in our name JANINE MOODLEY janine.moodley@inl.co.za • Judge Thumba Pillay: “I am totally against it. A photo of myself and other activists were used on Facebook, suggesting that we were part of the campaign and I am very upset about that. I have actually taken it up. While we understand the grievances, this movement will not help the cause but will create further division.” • Kiru Naidoo, author and historian, said: “A nameless, vulgar man is doing damage to our society. I am also concerned about the faceless business people funding this incitement of racial strife. They are lighting a fire. Rascals run away when it gets hot. These pozie people are not powerful, they are pathetic.” • Yogan Moodley, who joined the ANC’s underground movement in 1978, said:…

‘ALLEGATIONS WERE FABRICATED’ ‘My father died a hero’ CHARLENE SOMDUTH charlene.somduth@inl.co.za Supplied FOR Jordan Basdeo his father will always be his hero. Prem Basdeo, 60, was to stand trial in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for the alleged murder of his second wife, Dawn Basdeo. But he was shot and killed during an armed robbery and attempted hijacking last Sunday in Atteridgeville, Gauteng. Basdeo, was a former superintendent at Sydenham SAPS in Durban. Basdeo, formerly from Southgate, Phoenix, was previously charged with the murder of his first wife, Neetha. In December 2000, Neetha's body was found in a shipping container with a single gunshot wound to the head. They were living in the container with Jordan, who was 16 at the time, while their home underwent renovations. Basdeo…

ROMANCE, COMEDY AND DRAMA A wedding tale everyone can relate to NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za Supplied SHIKA Budhoo, an actress and comedian, has written her first novel, Aiyo Rama Wedding Drama. Budhoo, 36, formerly of Verulam, north of Durban, said the story was based on the fictional character Rani Behari, who shared her experience of being engaged to Raj. It explores their journey of deciding on a wedding date to the food, décor and booking the venue. She said the book, which is set in Verulam, also looked at how their relationships with loved ones were tested. “The novel is written in the first-person present narration. We are, therefore, given a fly-on-the-wall view of Rani’s life and her thoughts. It is a romantic comedy with drama, of course." Budhoo, who lives…

SUFFERED ALONE IN SILENCE Author reflects on her abuse to help others NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za Supplied FIRST-TIME self-published author Thaakirah Mohamed's book, Mercy, is about her journey from being abused to healing. Mohamed, 32, who was born in Johannesburg and relocated to Cape Town, said she hoped the non-fiction book would become a survival kit for other gender-based violence survivors. She writes about being abandoned as a child to being molested and raped, as well as her suicide attempts. “I wrote the book as a mercy to myself for everything I went through and for all the times I suffered alone and in silence. “I wrote it to remove myself from the mental enslavement. It is also a form of healing for myself and others in the same situations. "The…

‘HE GOT WHAT HE DESERVED’ Family happy with judgment JANINE MOODLEY janine.moodley@inl.co.za Supplied AS MIGUEL Louw's family embraced one another outside the Durban High Court on Monday, they said: “God is great.“ Mohammed Vahed Ebrahim, who was accused of killing the 9-year-old, was found guilty of premeditated murder. He was also found guilty of kidnapping Miguel from his school in Sydenham and stealing an identity document and two birth certificates, one of which belonged to Miguel. In handing down judgment, Judge Jacqueline Henriques said the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She said there was a plethora of evidence against Ebrahim, 44, and when viewed in its totality, the case against him was overwhelming. “I have analysed the evidence carefully, considered the probabilities and improbabilities, contradictions, inconsistencies,…

’I PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS ME’ Great-grandmother turns 100 CHANELLE LUTCHMAN chanelle.lutchman@inl.co.za Supplied AT THE end of each day, Dhanalatchmee Pillay places her hands on her eldest son’s head and offers a prayer. The great-grandmother then lies in bed until she falls asleep. “This has been her routine for a few years,” said her son, Dees, 76, of Orient Heights, Pietermaritzburg. On November 27, Pillay turned 100. But she still cannot believe her age. “She blushes and then tells friends and family that it’s not the truth,” said Dees. “My mother still has a good memory. She can talk for hours about her life and family. Even though she hasn’t seen her great-grandchildren for a while, she remembers each one by name.” Pillay has six children, 19 grandchildren…

Political stalwart remembered for work in community NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za RASHID Ahmed Mahmood Salojee, a medical doctor and political activist, died of natural causes at his home in Westpark, Johannesburg, last week. He was 87. Salojee, who studied medicine at Wits University, practised for almost 45 years. He retired in 2011. His son, Mahmood, said: “For the past 60 years, my father played a significant role in the lives of people and was involved in different organisations, from political, sporting and educational to cultural, religious and medical. “My father was the vice-president of the Transvaal Indian Congress and the vice-president of the United Democratic Front Transvaal. He accompanied Nelson Mandela on an ANC delegation to Iran, France and Saudi Arabia in 1993. He later attended several conferences of the International…

ROLE IN SOCIETY No, Indian South Africans are not being left behind FATIMA MOOSA ON DECEMBER 12, the National Indian Congress of SA (Nicsa) is planning to “Park by the Pozie”. The congress is calling on Indian South Africans residing in eThekwini to “Park by the Pozie”. Nicsa says it represents the South African Indian population. It wants Indian South Africans to use their economic power and stay home. This is to supposedly send out the message that “the Indian community is a part of the fabric of SA and that we need to be treated and respected as such”. Well, there are a few problems with this idea of “Park by the Pozi”. Let’s start with the most obvious. Nicsa says Indian South Africans have been left behind in…

Dharma Sabha will not tolerate Hindu bashing THE South African Hindu Dharma Sabha and the South African Hindu Youth Movement welcome the guilty verdict imposed on horse trainer Frank Robinson. This was for using language that could be construed as racist, on Facebook during Diwali. He was also fined R25 000. We acknowledge, with appreciation, the compliance with due process professionally and fairly implemented in respect of Robinson by the National Horseracing Authority’s internal disciplinary panel. The appropriate sanction, cited above, will surely send out a message to potential perpetrators of racist and/or religious Diwali rants, amounting to hate speech, that intolerance will not be tolerated. South Africa is reeling from a polarised and painful past and it needs healing, not hurting, humiliating and harming. The Dharma Sabha and the…

Second Covid-19 wave will be a medical nightmare AS WE intensify our efforts to regain a sense of normality during the Covid-19 pandemic, we run the risk of a second wave. The number of infections are rising in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, and it will inevitably spill over into the other provinces. If we allow the virus to spread unhindered, the cost to all of us would be astronomical. Infectious disease models are never static and several unknowns could significantly alter the trajectory of the second and third waves. A second wave would be a medical nightmare. This is what happened with the Spanish Flu after World War I, when a second wave was deadlier than the first. As we prepare to celebrate the festive season, we…

ON THE ROAD Tread safely to your destination POST REPORTER FOR those planning to travel long distances by car these holidays, tyre safety should be a top priority. Dean Horn, Super Tyres managing director, said: “Your tyres are the only point of contact that your vehicle has with the road and it, therefore, needs to be in good working condition at all times to ensure your safety.” While human error is the biggest cause of car accidents on the road, badly maintained vehicles and poor tyre condition also contribute to the national road toll every year. “Many accidents can be prevented by ensuring that tyres and shocks are kept in the best possible condition,” said Horn. The safety of yourself and your passengers, along with the other road users, may…

Local stalwarts pay tribute to Maradona ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za THE legendary Diego Armando Maradona died a fortnight ago, aged 60, following a heart attack. The Argentinian was regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have graced the planet. Maradona famously almost single-handedly led Argentina to 1986 World Cup glory in Mexico. He scored a brace against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final which included the famous “hand of God” goal and another which is believed to be one of the greatest goals scored in history. Maradona is also noted for having guided a modest Napoli side to two Serie A titles in 1986-87 and 1989-90. Despite being a wizard on the football field, Maradona was besieged by problems off it. He admitted that he would have been able…

England tour gives Proteas black eye STUART HESS stuart.hess@inl.co.za BackpagePix ON and off the field, the short tour by England wasn’t a success for South Africa. On the face of it, Cricket SA, will be embarrassed by the fact the One-Day International series had to be called off because of players - three in the South African team, one the England side - and at least one member of the England coaching staff testing positive for the coronavirus. There is certainly further reputational damage for the organisation which has been mired in controversy for much of the last 18 months. However reports that England didn’t adhere to measures required to secure the bio-bubble in Cape Town - including playing golf and training at the Newlands nets which were off-limits -…

SECOND ROBBERY IN A YEAR Ex-cop and wife shot in home invasion CHARLENE SOMDUTH charlene.somduth@inl.co.za DAYS before Sagie and Salosh Naidoo celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary, he was shot in the leg and she in the arm during an armed robbery at their home in Newlands West. The attack took place last Wednesday. Sagie 63, a former policeman, was shot in the right leg. It had to be amputated due to excessive bleeding. He is in a stable condition in hospital. Salosh, 62, a housewife, was punched in the face and shot in the left arm. She suffered nerve damage and is unable to use her arm. Salosh had moved in with her daughter in Phoenix but on Tuesday was readmitted to hospital for further tests. Recalling the incident, she…

‘EVERY WEEK YOU HEAR OF A NEW INCIDENT’ Armed robbers act with impunity THANDEKA MGQIBI Thandeka.Mgqibi@inl.co.za FAMILIES in KwaZulu-Natal are under attack by criminals. According to recent crime statistics, the highest number of housebreakings were recorded in this province (335000 incidents) during April last year and March this year. Even those living in informal settlements, like Siyathuthuka in Sea Cow Lake, are not safe. In the past few weeks an armed gang has terrorised Siyathuthuka residents. “It has become very dangerous here and we are scared to even walk outside, even when it's during the day. We close and lock our doors as early as 6pm,” said a resident, who declined to be named. The resident said the gang was not from the area. “There are rogues here in this…

URBAN HISTORY Book explores forced removals in Durban NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za LEONARD Rosenberg, a retired architect and author, launched two books at the weekend. Bleaching Durban: Forced removals of formal Black urban settlements in central Durban formed part of his PhD in Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal last year. It aims to give readers a collective understanding of where Africans, Indians and coloured people lived in central Durban during the colonial and apartheid periods. “The book looks at the different areas such as the Magazine and Railway barracks as well the peripheral areas such as the Melbourne Road flats, the development of Durban from the 1870s to the 1980s, and the various legislative measures in the city’s development.” Rosenberg, of Treasure Beach, said his initial research started about a…

INQUEST INTO FIERY DEATH Victim’s mom blames accused CHANELLE LUTCHMAN chanelle.lutchman@inl.co.za THE mother of a Johannesburg woman who was burnt to death in 2011 was cross-examined in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this week. Nazeema Ahmed's daughter, Suraya Deedat, 31, and her four grandchildren, aged six months, 2, 3 and 4, died after a fire gutted the home they were renting in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg. An inquest is being held into her former son-in-law, Naeem Deedat’s alleged involvement. During her testimony last week, Ahmed said Suraya was unhappy in her marriage and she blamed Deedat for her death. On Monday, advocate Paul Jorgensen, led by advocate Shaheen Seedat, asked Ahmed if she had any knowledge if Deedat had wronged her daughter, to which she said “no”. Jorgensen asked if she…

’TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ Teacher shares prize money TIBETAN spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has congratulated Ranjitsinh Disale, a primary schoolteacher in Maharashtra, India, on winning this year’s Global Teacher Prize, saying educating the young, especially the poor, was perhaps the best way to help them as individuals. “I would like to congratulate you on being named the world’s most exceptional teacher and to express my admiration for your generosity in sharing half the prize money with runners-up in the competition. Educating young children, especially from poor and needy backgrounds, is perhaps the best way to help them as individuals, and actively contributes to creating a better world. “Your work to ensure that disadvantaged girls go to school, as well as your efforts to prepare study materials for…

NEW OPPORTUNITY Innovator to spearhead the WHO Foundation POST REPORTER THE World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation has appointed Anil Soni as its inaugural chief executive. His post will become effective from January 1. According to reliefweb.int, the foundation is an independent grant-making agency with its headquarters in Geneva. It was launched in May to work together with the WHO and the global health community to address health challenges. It reported that Soni joined the foundation from Viatris, a global health-care company, where he served as the head of global infectious diseases. "As CEO, Soni will accelerate the foundation’s work to invest in innovative, evidence-based initiatives that support the WHO in delivering on its mission to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all," reported reliefweb.int The WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom…

MASS TESTING UNDER WAY Mystery disease grows AFTER ruling out contamination of water and milk for the mysterious illness reported in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, India, officials are collecting vegetables samples from 20 affected places to test. Himanshu Shukla, local joint district collector, said: “We are collecting vegetables samples from top 20 places. Cases are being reported in the entire Municipal Corporation area.” To zero in on the places from where vegetables are procured, he said the patients are being asked for information. “Until now, water has been tested for heavy metals, pesticides and any other toxin. I think we will not find anything in water. There are some test results to come,” said Shukla. With water and milk ruled out behind the mysterious disease, a team of experts suggested…

REAP THE DIVIDENDS OF FREEDOM Time for Indian community to reconnect KRISH NAIDOO FROM time to time, one hears the lament from members of the Indian community that they have been sidelined in the new South Africa whereas, during the heady days of apartheid, they stood side by side with the African majority to overthrow apartheid. There is a measure of truth in what is being said. But it is only half the story. The other half is that because of their contribution to the liberation Struggle, there is a window of opportunity for the Indian community. Like everyone else, the Indian community must actively take the next step into the new South Africa and reap the dividends of freedom. In short, it is time for the Indian community to…

Cheating in exams offers a quick-fix path THE business of cheating in exams refers. This is certainly not just about inherent dishonesty or using a preplanned strategy to get ahead. That idea holds true for only a minority. Grabbing any opportunity to make it easier is a natural human trait. Ethics and morals seldom enter the mind when one is offered an easy escape route. Normally, even holier than thou individuals cannot escape this spontaneous, automatic trapdoor to an easy quick fix on their path. The phobia of tests runs across primary, high school and straight through to university. I know of a person, who is pious and intelligent, and who was about to write a medical exam. This person does not normally need help for an exam. But he…

Well done, Gandhi hospital I HAD the pleasure of being hospitalised for 16 days at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. A team of doctors called the "orange team" attended to me. They were Dr Gumede, Dr Mbona, Dr Seedat, Dr Chetty and Dr Sadhabris. They were professional and diagnosed my condition early. The treatment by the nurses, under Mr M Zwane, who work under pressure, was exceptional. I also saw another team of doctors, of different races, work together to save a man's life. What a sight. What a feeling. Well done Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. BRUCE TITUS MANICKUM Phoenix KHAYA NGWENYA African News Agency (ANA) Archives…

Gone, but not forgotten THANK you, Yogin Devan, for your tribute to Durban's best-known restaurateur Monty Moodley (the POST, December 2-6), who died after a short illness. Moodley has left wonderful and cherished memories in the food industry. He and Silverani’s became synonymous with home-cooked curries. Moodley’s involvement in the community, cultural and religious institutions also cannot go unnoticed. At times like this, we all place questions at the door of God, but we will never be able to obtain answers that pacify our grieving hearts. While we accept the inevitability of death, we can never come to terms with its timing. Moodley will be missed. My condolences to his wife, children and relatives. Thank you for the privilege of being a small part of your life. But we know…

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 How to stay safe over the holidays PAMELA M AALTONEN THERE is no mistaking the coronavirus is out of control. Ultimately, lowering the staggering numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths lies squarely with us. Yes, governments can mandate actions; but we’re the ones responsible for adhering to them. Changing behaviour is a must Modifying our behaviour minimises the chances to spread infection. But this is a big task. Government actions are most effective when based on local data and the option to loosen or tighten restrictions based on solid information. We should not view these actions as an attempt to take away our civil liberties. Instead, we should think of them as liberating, a way to keep us away from the virus. It is…

Your Stars PRISCILLA GENDRON Aries (March 21 – April 19) This week brings its own challenges and changes. You must decide what you want and how you will process the changes. You have the tools you need and things will be easy if you allow the universe to help you achieve your goals. Lucky number: 4 Taurus (April 20 – May 20) This week comes with its own stress and worries. Ensure you have the emotional strength to forge forward. A lot of people demand your time. Don’t overdo things and rush around. Lucky number: 9. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) The sun gods are shining on you as you ride the wave of success. This will be a continual flow in the months ahead. Focus on what is…

gatting HOOKED Catches plentiful THE weather has been less than ideal, but the fishing has been great. The festive season is here and the shad season is open. Offshore fishing has been going great, even though heavy winds have made the sea a little rough at times. The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast has seen a lot of boat and ski traffic this past week. The launches off Vidal and Sodwana have been the most popular. The boats have reported couta, tuna, dorado and sailfish. Live bait has been the most successful method. Finding the right depth has been the key to getting consistent results. Try rigging down baits with different weight sinkers. Start with an unweighted bait on one rod and one with a 2oz sinker. As soon as the sun…

Calls for Pandya to be retained for Tests HARDIK Pandya's stellar performance with the bat in the limited-overs series, in which he aggregated 268 runs at 89.33 in five One-day Internationals and T20s against Australia, may have improved his chances of inclusion in the Indian Test squad for the series beginning this month. Pandya, pictured, is currently not part of the Test squad. India are struggling with injuries to Test team regulars like Rohit Sharma, who will miss the first two Tests due to injury. Ishant Sharma too is in India and recovering from an injury while Ravindra Jadeja is yet to recover from the concussion he sustained during the first T20 International on Friday in Canberra. There are calls on social media for Pandya's inclusion in the Test side.…