Post2025-02-19的目錄

TOUCHED by the gesture of actor Suriya, who has lent his voice for the Tamil version of his next film’s title teaser, tentatively titled #VD12, actor Vijay Deverakonda penned a heartfelt post of gratitude. While Jr NTR lent his voice for the Telugu version of the teaser, Suriya lent his voice for the Tamil version, and Ranbir Kapoor for the Hindi version. Deverakonda wrote: “Suriya, I have admired him for many years. The little I know him, I see the powerhouse of an actor he is, the softest sweetest wise man he is.”…

AFTER proving his mettle as an actor, Vijay Varma will soon be stepping into the role of a host with Iifa 2025. The Darlings actor wrote on Instagram: “It’s my first time hosting on the spectacular Iifa stage. And that too in my home state Rajasthan. Dont miss the biggest celebration on March 8 and 9.” Varma also posted a picture of him having a good time on the stage. “Wish me luck,” he said. He has also been nominated in the following categories: performance in a supporting role (male) – web film for Murder Mubarak; and performance in a leading role (male) – series for IC814: The Kandahar Hijack. He expressed his desire to continuously challenge himself with diverse roles. “I constantly feel like whatever I have achieved in…

Kadhalikka Neramillai is a romantic comedy helmed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, the wife of actor-producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is currently the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The title of the movie is the same as the 1964 film, but has no resemblance of the contents. Udhayanidhi, who has two movies and a web series to her name, has written, jointly produced and directed an engaging and engrossing movie that will appeal to youngsters. The movie is loosely based on the 2010 Hollywood film, The Switch. As usual, Kollywood goes the extra mile to spice up the screenplay by adding interesting elements. Nithya Menen plays Shriya, a successful architect in Chennai. She lives with her parents played by Lakshmy Ramakrishnan and singer-cum-actor Mano. They are conservative, and are mortified when Shriya…

2 to 3 dozens madumbi leaves 2½ cups chana flour (gram flour) ½ cup mealie meal ½ cup cake flour 5 tsp chilli powder 5 tsp fine salt 2 tsp turmeric powder 3 tsp ground green chillies 3 tsp crushed dried red chillies 1 tbs garam masala 3 tbs methi masala 2 tbs oil 4 tbs thick sauce from lemon achar (lemon pickle), optional 4 tbs masala from mango pickle (optional) ½ cup apricot jam (optional – heated in a saucepan to melt it) 3 large tomatoes 3 large onions 1 bunch dhania 1 bunch shallot 8 cloves garlic ½ cup full cream sour milk ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup vinegar 250g aamli (tamarind – mixed with hot water to form a thick sauce – strain to remove the…

Filling: 500g finely minced lean mutton mince 1 tbs finely ground ginger/garlic 1 medium onion, grated 1 medium onion, finely chopped and fried until crisp, then crushed 2 tsp dhania/jeera powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground green chillies 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp vinegar fine salt to taste ½ bunch dhania, chopped Fry the finely chopped onion in cooking oil until golden brown. Drain well, pressing the onion between two slotted spoons until all the oil has drained out. Spread on a paper towel and cool for about 10 minutes. Crush finely with your fingertips. Add this and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and grind for about 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and well blended. Roti: 2 cups…

This is usually mixed with tomato sauce and served with savouries. 1kg fresh red chillies 2 tbs fine salt 2 tbs whole mustard seeds 2 tbs whole jeera seeds 1 tsp methi seeds 2 tbs sesame seeds (optional) ½ cup vinegar ¾ cup oil 3 sprigs curry leaves 4 tbs brown sugar 4 tbs crushed garlic Break the stalks off the chillies, wash and drain. Grind in a mincer, liquidiser or food processor with a little vinegar. Add the oil to a pot and heat. Add the mustard, jeera and methi seeds. When the mustard seeds start to pop, add the garlic and simmer for ½ minute. Add the curry leaves and when they stop spluttering, add the ground chillies, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for…

Versatile dough: 2 cups warm water 4 tbs sugar 10g packet yeast 5 cups cake flour ¼ tsp salt 2 tbs milk powder – Nido, Cremora or any variant of your choice. ½ cup oil 1 tsp baking powder Combine the dry ingredients. Add the water as needed to form a soft and malleable dough. Mix and knead well. Set aside in a warm place and allow to rise for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Filling: Make a mixture with: 1 cup chopped dates 1 tsp cardamom powder 2 tbs-3 tbs dessicated coconut ¼ cup condensed milk To assemble: Make rounds with the dough. Flatten to form a circle, 5cm thick and 15cm round. Use your fingers to create an outer thick indent to create a border and press holes…

Roti: 2 cups flour ¼ tsp of salt ¼ cup oil boiling water Add the flour, salt and oil to a bowl. Rub together with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add boiling water, a little at a time, and use a spoon to mix together. As the dough comes together, oil your hands and bind until it is smooth and soft. Form rounds, cover and set aside for a few minutes. Alu filling: 3 potatoes boiled Once soft, mash slightly and add the following: 1 tsp green chilli garlic paste ½ tsp ground cumin salt to taste chopped dhania 1 freshly chopped chillies (optional) sprinkle of chilli flakes pinch of turmeric 2 tbs lemon juice Mix all the ingredients until well incorporated. Parata: Option 1: flour the surface.…

A Valentine’s Dinner and Dance with singer Ashleigh J and DJ Ziggy was held at the Mount Edgecombe Arts and Culture Centre. At the event were:…

SOUTHSIDE FM, a voice for South Indian culture in KwaZulu-Natal, has appealed for “crucial” and “immediate community support” as it goes through financial and staffing difficulties. The station, which broadcasts on 107.2 FM across many parts of the province, was established in 2022 to promote South Indian culture, language and music. But it has gone through numerous challenges in its early stages. Hopes for the tide to be turned have been pinned on a new interim board elected last December. Earlier this month, the station asked its listeners on its Facebook page to stand with them and help secure its future. It said it was making temporary adjustments to its broadcasting schedule due to financial challenges. In the post, the station appealed to the community to support it with sponsorships…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has highlighted critical systemic issues in South Africa's water sector, calling for urgent action to address infrastructure decay, high vacancy rates and the rise of water mafias. This was highlighted in its brief to the portfolio committee on water and sanitation on some of the water inquiry reports it had produced in recent years for KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Free State. The inquiry delved into communities having access to water, water service authorities, and the state of service delivery. Key systemic water issues from the reports indicated that there was inadequate skill and capacity in water units within water services authorities, a high vacancy rate in technical water units, and infrastructure decay and collapse. It further indicated challenges with the water tankering system,…

THE “Triumph of the Human Spirit” monument, honouring the resilience and contributions of Indian indentured labourers in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and reflecting on their enduring legacy in South Africa, was unveiled in Howick on Saturday. Located in the garden of the Howick Museum, the construction of the monument was spearheaded by the 1860 Legacy Foundation, chaired by Dr Isri Bedassi. Special guests at the unveiling included religious leaders – Pundit Oushnee Hanuman, Swami Maitreyi and Swami Vedanand Saraswati; the mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality, Christopher Pappas; deputy speaker of the KZN Legislature, Mmabatho Tembe; and the Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Thelma John David. Bedassi, who is from Howick, said the Indian community in South Africa had travelled a long way from their humble beginnings as indentured…

Planning and continued execution will be paramount for the Proteas, if they are to be successful in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which starts this week, bowling coach Anton Roux revealed yesterday. South Africa have had the opportunity to play a handful of matches on the subcontinent ahead of the tournament, revealing pitches that appear to be batting havens which have posed significant challenges for their bowlers, as conditions have offered little movement for either pace or spin. Roux, however, maintains that while the flat surfaces may present challenges, they also afford an opportunity for all 11 players to step up when it matters most on game day. “Pace is definitely part of our weaponry,” Roux acknowledged, emphasising the importance of tailoring their approach to specific phases of…

For those involved in Durban’s racing scene, be it circuit or drag racers, particularly from those during the pre-apartheid era, the name Manu Khan was revered in the Indian community. Khan was no political activist, however – he did most of his talking with his Ford Escort Mk1. Khan died at the age of 81 on Friday. For 12 years he battled with cancer, which eventually led to organ failure. He was considered one of the first Indian racers to enter stock car racing and run a 10-second quarter mile time on the drag strip, according to his fellow racers. Shaheen Khan, 51, Manu’s son, said he started building cars with his father at 15 years old. “Losing him really hurt because it was like losing a close friend. We…

Here’s an oldie but a goodie regarding SA cricket – the Proteas have won an International Cricket Council tournament, despite their nightmare history in ICC events over the years. The very first incarnation of the ICC Champions Trophy – which begins this week in Pakistan and the UAE – was as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in Bangladesh in 1998. South Africa had a depleted team, due to injury and resting protocols even at that time, which saw virtually their entire bowling attack missing out: Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Roger Telemachus, as well as left-handed opener Gary Kirsten. Only off-spinner Pat Symcox remained from the usual specialist bowling line-up, along with batting all-rounder Jacques Kallis. But that was no problem for master tactician, coach Bob Woolmer. He came…

For young Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the present moment is an exciting time in his cricketing career. The youngster achieved huge success as the highest run-scorer in SA20 2025 by accumulating 397 runs across 12 innings for Paarl Royals. The solid left-handed wicketkeeper-batter recently landed a deal with Hampshire for this year’s T20 Blast. Despite not having earned a senior South Africa team call-up yet, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik predicts Pretorius’s inclusion in the IPL wouldn’t be surprising, based on his close observation as his teammate at Paarl Royals. Karthik, who became the first Indian player to feature in SA20, also had a close look at young pacer Kwena Maphaka, whose career has skyrocketed in the last 12 months. Teenage fast bowler Maphaka’s meteoric rise includes winning Player of the Tournament…

Dough: 1 cup water 1 cup flour ¾ tsp fine salt 3 tbs butter Add the water, salt and butter to a small pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and then add the sifted flour and mix quickly to form a ball (as per choux pastry). Knead using a little sprinkle of flour. Roll up into a ball and leave wrapped in cling wrap while preparing the filling. Use any pie filling but the meat (chicken, steak or mutton) must be shredded, as large lumps of meat may cut through the pastry. Roll the dough out to 2mm thickness. Cut into circles using a puri or biscuit cutter (7cm to 8cm in diameter). Place the filling on one half of each circle. Brush the opposite ends with beaten…

* 1kg chicken fillets, cut into tiny cubes * 2 tbs butter * 1 large onion, finely chopped * 1 tbs ginger/garlic * 1 cup frozen sweetcorn * 1 tsp chicken spice * 1 tbs Aromat * salt to taste * 1 tsp crushed black pepper * 2 tbs ground green chillies * 1 tbs crushed dried red chilli flakes 1 bottle Jalapeno or Steers Garlic sauce 1½ cups cheddar cheese 1½ cups mozzarella cheese 3 tbs flour 1 bunch dhania, finely chopped 1 bunch shallot, finely chopped Heat the butter and braise the onion until softened. Add all the ingredients marked with an asterisk and simmer until the water evaporates. Remove from the stove and cool. Add the sauce. Add the flour and the cheese. This helps to prevent…

5 large (UTD) potatoes, cubed 1 big onion salt to taste ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 curry spoon oil ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp ground jeeru 1-2 tsp green masala (chilli and garlic) depending how spicy you prefer it. lemon juice chopped greens Place all the ingredients in a pot and mix well. Leave on a low heat and cook. Once the potatoes have softened, add one more chopped onion (optional) and cook further on low heat. Mash the potatoes and add few tablespoons of lemon juice and a handful of chopped coriander. Fill once completely cool. Adjust the spices as preferred. We like it tangy, so I had a bit more lemon. Variation 1: Add 1 to 2 cups of cheese. Variation 2: Add 2 cups steamed corn.…

1 cup cubed potatoes 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 onion, chopped (medium-sized) 1 cup carrots 1½ cups red lentils (soaked in boiling water) 2 tbs tomato paste 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp red chilli powder /paprika salt to taste crackle of black pepper juice of half lemon 2 to 3 tbs oil Saute the onion and garlic until light and translucent. Add the carrots and potatoes. Allow to cook slightly. Add the tomato paste and the spices, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the lentils and mix well. Top with water and cook on a low heat. Once the vegetables have softened, blend until smooth and add the lemon juice. Allow to cook further on low heat. Chilli oil: 2 tbs butter 2 tbs oil 1 tsp cumin powder…

SOUTH Africa’s first openly gay Imam, Muhsin Hendricks, was gunned down in Bethelsdorp, in Gqebera, on the morning he was to officiate in the interfaith weddings of two couples. His death has sparked widespread condemnation and debate in the Muslim community. Hendricks, 57, of the Western Cape, was killed on Saturday morning, in Haley Place, moments after he jumped into the backseat of a vehicle. The driver escaped unharmed. A video of the killing, which has gone viral, showed a gold Volkswagen T-Roc, in which Hendricks was the passenger, being blocked off by a silver Hilux double cab. A person jumped off the double cab and ran towards the Volkswagen and he opened fire at the back window, killing Hendricks. Hendricks had studied Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies at the…

A WISE man once said, “love quickens all the senses except the common”. And we have witnessed this unfold in countless ancient tales of tragic love. In Samson and Delilah, from the Bible, Delilah tricks Samson into revealing the secret of his strength (his hair), then betrays him to his enemies, leading to his capture and death. In The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald) Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan: Gatsby spends years believing Daisy loves him as much as he loves her, only to be abandoned when she chooses wealth and comfort over love. In Othello, Othello is manipulated by Iago into believing Desdemona is unfaithful, leading him to kill her out of jealousy before learning he was deceived. And, in more modern stories, Frozen (Disney) Anna and Hans: Anna…

A 54-year-old man, who allegedly robbed a 66-year-old woman on their first date, appeared briefly in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Monday. Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in KZN, said the man was charged with theft. She said the case was postponed until Friday for an identity parade and possible bail application. It has been alleged a woman from Isipingo had been chatting to the man for three months after matching on the online dating site, Badoo, and they met for the first time that day. On their first in-person date, the man allegedly robbed the woman of her R2 000 – her pension money and that of her elderly mother. “After they exchanged telephone numbers, their conversation continued on WhatsApp.” The man was arrested…

LENASIA has always prided itself on the quality of its local education system. Like their counterparts in the erstwhile Natal, parents here placed a high value on the education of their children. They spared little in financing their children’s education, often digging deep into their pockets at the expense of meeting other needs. For them education was an important lever to overcome racial inequality and poverty. It is the key to social advancement and a better quality of life. Lenasia has 21 public schools, two special needs schools and six private schools. The quality of public education remains above the national average with a good many pupils receiving outstanding academic achievements year-on-year. Lenasia’s public schools are non-racial with most having a large complement of African learners, many of whom are…

FASTEN your seatbelts folks and prepare for turbulence as South Africa has never before experienced the diplomatic crisis it now faces in the wake of the passage of the controversial Expropriation Act. It appears that President Donald Trump has been eagerly waiting to punish and humiliate the ANC-led South African government whose foreign and domestic policies he openly despises. The South African government is now caught between a rock and a hard place. It appears that the governing ANC needs to find a way to appease both the intransigent Trump Administration and the populist MK and EFF political parties. These two parties want to see land expropriated without compensation and historical injustices addressed. The passage of the Expropriation Act has further alienated and provoked the US to finally act against…

WHEN the eThekwini Municipality had Mike Sutcliffe as the city manager, it could service its residents with water. But under the current dispensation, areas like Verulam, Tongaat and Phoenix are suffering for water and electricity. It takes very long to fix outages, and I believe the right expertise is lacking in the municipality. Just like Eskom, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, SABC and the airports, it appears that the municipalities also need to be bailed out at the expense of the hard-working people and the taxpayers. Like American President Donald Trump made law – people must be employed not by their sex or race, but by merit. The ANC and EFF need to learn and practise this. ZAHIR DANBAR Phoenix…

Arne Slot insists Liverpool can handle the mounting pressure of the Premier League title race after the leaders were hampered by nerves in their tense win against Wolves. Slot’s side head to Aston Villa today knowing a victory would move them 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in their bid to clinch a record-equalling 20th English title. But Liverpool, in dynamic form for much of the season, have looked less secure of late and almost blew a two-goal lead in Sunday’s 2-1 win over lowly Wolves at Anfield. The Reds had already suffered a costly collapse in the Merseyside derby draw just days earlier when Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a stoppage-time equaliser. Liverpool’s reserves also crashed out of the FA Cup with an embarrassing fourth-round loss at second-tier Plymouth recently,…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his side had just a 1% chance of progress to the Champions League last 16 against Real Madrid today but the English champions’ new recruits could offer a lifeline. City blew a late 2-1 lead in the first leg of the play-off tie last week at home to lose 3-2 to the holders. That collapse was part of a wider trend this season as Guardiola’s ageing squad have struggled to last the pace, particularly when the intensity is turned up on Champions League nights. As a consequence, City broke with their usual transfer policy to spend big in January, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez for fees totalling £170 million (about R3.95 billion). However, none of them started the…

Ahead of the much-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on Sunday, pacer Haris Rauf said that he was ready to face legendary batter Virat Kohli in the encounter, who smashed famous consecutive sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli’s unbeaten 82 in that match steered India to victory and his dual sixes off Rauf also heaped him a plethora of praises from former cricketers. Recalling that moment, Rauf said that Kohli never teased him for hitting those sixes in his over and added that the former India captain was a world-class player who can take charge on any bowler in the world. “With his world-class batting, Kohli poses a stiff challenge to any bowler and it’s the same…

Novak Djokovic said a majority of players believed favouritism was at play in the tennis anti-doping system and called for it to be overhauled in the wake of cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Sinner on Saturday accepted a three-month doping ban after testing positive for anabolic agent clostebol last year, while Swiatek served a one-month ban at the end of 2024 when the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) showed up in her test. While Djokovic was not suggesting that either of the Grand Slam champions had intentionally done anything wrong, he did say there were inconsistencies in their treatment at the hands of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). “The two cases of Swiatek and Sinner have attracted a lot of attention and it’s not a good image for…

National men’s outdoor hockey team coach Sihle Ntuli feels the indoor team’s recent World Cup bronze medal will fuel their medal ambitions. The men’s indoor hockey team secured a shock third-place finish at the recent FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia. They were praised for their flair and ability to express themselves on court. “It’s what I’ve always believed we can do. I think both the outdoor and indoor set-ups have got great depth,” Ntuli said. Ntuli feels the achievement is extra special because it came against teams that boast the luxury of separate indoor and outdoor professional leagues. This allows them to select teams geared specifically for each format, and to rest their star players in each. By contrast, a number of the top SA players feature in…

DIRECTOR Rahul Paramahamsa’s film, Subramani, starring actor Richard Rishi in the lead, will feature a Belgian Malinois dog in a pivotal role, its makers have disclosed. Sources say director Vincent Selva, a well-known film-maker in the Tamil movie industry, penned the story, screenplay and dialogues of this action-crime thriller. The film features Rishi, who has proved his calibre as a strong performer in various films including Draupathi. A source said: “For the first time, a rare breed of dog called the Belgian Malinois, which is used only in military operations, is getting featured in a pivotal role in this film.” Pointing out that the makers had taken adequate measures to train the dog, the source said Rishi had spent over a month bonding with the dog. “The film will be…

Ahluwalia, from India, is a certified astrologer and Vastu expert. He will be available in Durban from February 21 to March 9. For consultations, email ahluwalia.shrey@gmail.com Aries (March 21 – April 19) Horoscope: March will be a high-energy month. Focus on your career growth as opportunities for leadership roles may arise. Avoid impulsive decisions in relationships. Hinduism fact: Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength and devotion, is deeply revered on Tuesdays by many Hindus for courage and protection. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Horoscope: A good month for financial stability. Focus on managing expenses and nurturing personal relationships. Health may need extra care in the second half of the month. Hinduism fact: Hindus believe in the sacredness of the Tulsi plant, known for its healing properties and connection to…

1kg mutton or chicken (cut into cubes/pieces) Grains: 1 cup wheat ½ cup barley 2 tbs gram dhal 2 tbs oil dhal ¼ cup moongh dhal 1 tbs ground ginger-garlic 1 large onion, chopped another onion, chopped for vagaar 1 tsp whole jeera seeds 2-3 elachi 4-5 whole pepper corns 3-4 cloves 2-3 pieces cinnamon sticks 3 whole green chillies, slit 1 tsp turmeric powder 2-3 tsp chilli powder 2 tsp dhania/jeera powder ¼ cup oil or ghee 1 tsp garam masala salt to taste 1 bunch dhania, washed and chopped 1 bunch shallot, washed and chopped Wash the grains and boil in salted water (1 tablespoon salt) until softened. Then liquidise in a blender when cool. Back in the day, this mixture was pounded in a mortar and pestle…

3 cups flour 1 tsp fine salt 500g butter (unsalted preferable) 100g extra butter +/- 1 cup ice cold soda water or ice water 1 egg yolk (optional) 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar ¼ cup flour ½ cup maizena (corn flour) 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Rub in 100g butter using your fingertips. Beat the egg yolk together with the lemon juice/vinegar and ice soda water. Add a little at a time to the flour, mixing it to make a soft, springy dough. It must not be sticky. Add a little more flour if it is sticky. Wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate. Sift together the ¼ cup flour, ½ cup maizena and cream of tartar, and set aside. Divide the…

1kg tenderised steak fillets, cut into strips or cubes 350g kidneys, chopped, boiled and drained 1 tbs ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp zeal, meat tenderiser or bicarbonate of soda 2 large onions, chopped fine salt to taste ½ cup milk/fresh cream 1 tbs dried crushed red chillies 1 heaped tsp fresh crushed green chillies, optional 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup maizena (corn flour mixed in a little water) 1 bunch dhania leaves, chopped 1 bunch shallot, chopped 1 sprig curry leaves ¼ cup oil Boil the kidneys to remove the urea and other muck. Rinse them well. Braise 1 onion in oil until softened. Add the steak, zeal and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the steak is soft. You may have to add a little water to help soften…

Peanut butter dates: 8 medjool dates ¼ cup peanut butter 2 tbs toasted almonds or peanuts melted chocolate Melt the peanut butter slightly and add to a piping bag. Toast and chop the nuts. Slit the dates and remove the seeds. Pipe the smooth peanut butter into each date. Garnish with nuts and a drizzle of chocolate. Bounty dates: 8 medjool dates ½ cup dessicated coconut 2 tbs condensed milk ½ tsp cardamom powder melted chocolate Combine the coconut, condensed milk and cardamom. Fill each date with the coconut mixture. Garnish with a drizzle of chocolate and edible roses.…

1 litre milk 1½ tsp china grass powder, make a paste with water 1 tsp pistachio/almond essence 1 cup dessert cream 1 cup condensed milk a drop of green colour milk chocolate pistachio paste pistachios Heat the milk in a pot. Make a paste with the falooda (china grass powder) and add to the milk. Allow to boil. Add the essence and syrup. Lastly, add the cream and condensed milk. Whisk well. The mixture must reach boiling point. Pour into bowls or a mould. Refrigerate. Once set, decorate with milk chocolate, pistachio paste and pistachios.…

LENHAM Primary in Phoenix has recorded 89 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) as the outbreak rapidly spreads across several schools and daycare centres in KwaZulu-Natal, prompting health officials to raise the alarm bell. The other affected schools in Phoenix include Allingham Primary, Grandmore Primary, Whetstone Primary and Phoenix Pioneer Primary. Apollo Secondary in Chatsworth has also been hit by the outbreak. The KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, said the total number of cases in the province now stood at 195. She was speaking during a visit to Lenham Primary on Tuesday morning. “We are deeply concerned about the rapid rise in the number of HFMD cases in our province. On Saturday, we had 36 cases and this rose to 168 by Monday. Overnight the cases went…

THE Competition Tribunal has approved a R101 million settlement agreement with the Willowton Group, ending a nine-year legal battle over alleged price-fixing and market division allegations in the edible oils sector. The settlement included a R100 million in public interest commitments and significant social responsibility initiatives. In December 2016, the commission launched an investigation into Willowton, Wilmar, FR Waring, Africa Sun Oil, Epic Foods, Sea Lake and Unity Food Products for alleged price-fixing and market division, in contravention of the Competition Act. The investigation focused on claims that these companies had colluded to fix prices and divide markets for edible oils, including baking fats and margarine, dating back to 2007. In a statement on February 17, the Competition Tribunal said it “had confirmed a consent agreement between the Willowton…

Exploring the challenges faced by older individuals in the online dating scene, this article highlights the importance of companionship at any age and offers insights from a relationship expert, writes Nadia Khan WHILE finding a companion online has seemingly become the go-to option for many, it also comes with judgement, especially for those who are older daters. Over the past few weeks, there have been several reports of “older” women allegedly falling victim to men online, seeking financial gain rather than companionship. Last month, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said they had been approached by women, aged between 65 and 78, seeking assistance in recovering monies after they were allegedly scammed by a man identifying himself as a medical doctor from the UK. Prem Balram, the head of Rusa, said…

LISA Sukdev, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, launched her first book, Unlocked: Building Emotional Intelligence for a Fulfilling Life, last Thursday at the Gatvol Cafe in Glenashley. At the event were:…

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump reignited global attention on South Africa by offering refugee status to the white minority Afrikaners, citing alleged “government sponsored persecution” linked to land reform policies. This move by Trump, while framed as humanitarian intervention, sparked a diplomatic crisis, economic uncertainty and renewed debates about race, justice, and post-apartheid reconciliation. While Trump’s executive order claims to address human rights violations, its foundations rest on misinformation, historical revisionism and geopolitical posturing. The repercussions extend beyond symbolism, threatening SA’s economy, bilateral trade and social cohesion. South Africa’s history is inextricably tied to colonialism and apartheid, where black South Africans were dispossessed of 90% of land, confined to homelands, and denied political rights. Today, white South Africans, counting about 7% of the population, still own approximately 70% of private farmland,…

THROUGHOUT history, oppressed people’s have found solidarity in shared experiences of colonisation, dispossession, and resistance. Among the most striking parallels in modern history are the struggles of Africans against colonialism and apartheid, and the Palestinian people’s resistance to occupation and displacement. These struggles, though distinct in their historical and geographical contexts, are deeply interconnected through their fights against racial injustice, land dispossession, and systemic oppression. The African continent endured centuries of European colonial rule, during which indigenous populations were subjected to brutal exploitation, land theft, and racial segregation. Countries such as South Africa, Algeria and Kenya waged long and bloody wars to reclaim their sovereignty from colonial powers. Similarly, Palestinians have faced forced displacement since the early 20th Century, culminating in the Nakba of 1948, when hundreds of thousands were…

Three men who were convicted for the murder of former Verulam mayor Sagadava “Manna” Naidoo, were sentenced to life imprisonment in the Durban High Court on Friday. Naidoo, a 74-year-old farmer from Canelands, was shot in the head on May 24, 2022. His body was found next to a railway track, metres away from his home. The accused, Sibongiseni Langa, 30; Clement Nkwanyana, 28; and Ignatius Chihoho, 47; were arrested and charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a semi-automatic firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. They were also sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences will run concurrently. They were acquitted on the other charges. During the trial, it emerged that prior to the incident, the men decided and planned to rob…

RESIDENTS in Durban were facing a worsening water crisis that posed significant health risks, particularly amid the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, said water crisis and ratepayer organisations. “Two children contracted the disease in Verulam, and nine schools have been identified as hot spots. This makes infection control more difficult without water,” said Roshan Lil-Ruthan, the spokesperson for the Verulam Water Crisis Committee. This followed the release of the South African Human Rights Commission reports into a water inquiry. “Residents face erratic water supply. This inconsistency has led to difficulties in planning daily activities and maintaining personal hygiene. The spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery has also become a significant concern. “In many areas, raw sewage is flowing freely near homes, streams and into the…

Ships are an important part of the indenture story and we have a constant focus on the Truro and Belvedere that brought the first indentured to Natal from the ports of Madras and Calcutta. But what about the ships that took the very first indentured migrants back to India? In this column, we bring into history the story of the Red Riding Hood, who set sail for India from Port Natal on February 12, 1871, with 387 passengers. It is a harrowing story of a fairytale that turned into a nightmare. Bittersweet: The Red Riding Hood and the Wolves of Empire For most of human history the ship was the fastest we could travel. The furthest we could think. Wind was the invisible force powering colonial expansion. BETWEEN 1860…

You can forgive Rassie Erasmus for having broken out into an ironic grin when one of the players he left out of the imminent Springbok alignment camp delivered a match-winning performance in Pretoria when the Sharks upset the Bulls. We are talking about Siya Masuku, the Sharks flyhalf who came in from the wilderness to slickly pull the strings in the Durban team’s 29-19 defeat of the Bulls. This was a few days after the Springbok coach regarded him as surplus to the 56 players he invited to the national alignment camp that starts on March 9. To be fair to Rassie, Masuku had not played much for the Sharks after a breakout 2024 season suddenly saw him sidelined as coach John Plumtree backed his recruit from the Lions, Jordan…

Two-time winners Australia will be on a quest to regain the Champions Trophy title after a gap of 15 years. They had won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009 but have failed to reach the finals in the 2013 and 2017 editions, after which the event was discontinued. For the 2025 edition, the reigning 50-over World Cup winners are placed in the four-team Group B which also includes England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Australia will open their campaign with a clash with arch-rivals England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 22. Beset by injuries, Australia will be hoping to come out unscathed from the league phase and go into the semifinals without losing a single match. But it could be easier said than done for the depleted squad…