Table of contents for Wednesday, September 16, 2020 in Post

Hero pins down kidnap suspect Martial arts expert saves child from attacker NADIA KHAN Facebook A MARTIAL arts expert used a choke technique to pin down a man who allegedly tried to kidnap a child from his restaurant in Johannesburg on Thursday. Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, making Dishal Sooku, 38, of Lenasia, famous in South Africa as well as abroad. In the footage, Naseem Slamang, the accused, climbs over the railing and runs to a table where two women and a child are seated. He grabs the 4-year-old girl by the neck and attempts to pull her out of her seat. Sooku, who is seated nearby, gets up and tries to restrain him. He manages to pin Slamang to the ground until security guards…

Surge in number of cases IN 24 hours India recorded 92 071 Covid-19 infections and 1136 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data on Monday. By Tuesday, the rate of infection increased by an additional 83 809 and the death toll rose by 1 054. The country’s confirmed tally is more than 4.93 million. It recorded more than 80 770 deaths. According to the ministry, the recovery rate is 78% and fatality rate 1.64%. India has bypassed Brazil to the second spot globally. Brazil has more than 4.35m infections and 132 000 deaths. The US has the highest infections (more than 6.65m) and deaths (198 000). South Africa is 8th on the list. Maharashtra, in India, continues to be the worst-hit state followed by Andhra Pradesh,…

2021 university applications decrease THANDEKA MGQIBI UNIVERSITIES in KwaZulu-Natal have seen a decline in applications for the 2021 academic year, compared with last year. As at August 20, the number of applications received for placement at DUT, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand and Mangosuthu University of Technology in KZN was 110 166. This was 1 659 less than at the same time last year, said George van der Ross, the chief executive officer of the Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO processes applications for admissions to all universities, private and technical, and vocational education and training colleges in KZN. Ross said this was because of the uncertainty and disruption brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. But he still advised pupils to apply, even to other universities across the country. “Our…

IFP renews push to get SAHRC to act on grievance CHANELLE LUTCHMAN MONTHS after lodging a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against members of a closed religious Facebook group, the IFP has submitted a second complaint. The latest comments on the group, KwaZulu Natal Muslim Community – KZN Muslims that circulated last week, referred to the Hindu deity Shiva in derogatory terms. In March, Narend Singh, an IFP MPL, submitted a letter to the SAHRC about the posts. He said the posts, which were sent to him, displayed religious intolerance and hate speech towards Hindus. “It was brought to my attention that a certain Islamic religious Facebook group had been publicly defaming and slandering Indians in South Africa and generally, the world over, who practice the…

EDITOR’S VIEW More talking and respect is what we need THIS week was not a good week to die in South Africa, because funeral parlour workers were on strike. As a result, there was nobody to fetch a dead body or store it until it could be buried or cremated. The official line was that owners of funeral parlours were not fighting their clients. Their fight was with government which, they thought, had not done enough for them, especially during Covid-19. But those most affected were those who had lost loved ones. Initially, some undertakers said they would remain open. It included Ndabe Dignified Funerals in Durban. The owner, Ndabe Ngcobo, made a fair point: “We are a caring association and can’t allow members of the society we serve to…

Dharma Sabha leads the way AS A COMPATRIOT, I felt proud, strong and inspired when I read your superb article titled “Hindu society takes pastors to court” (the POST, September 2-6). It is high time this happened. Well done to the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha for consistently demonstrating the will and capacity to hold to account Hindu bashers. The Dharma Sabha is leading the way and Hindus need to join and fight back. Dating as far back as 50 years ago, the Dharma Sabha has consistently proved to be the unmatched champion of the Hindu cause in South Africa. Its long track record of achievements speaks for itself. Evidently, the Dharma Sabha has the rare courage to act swiftly against unwarranted denigration aimed at converting and decimating the Hindu…

No matter the ugliness of the past, historical context can’t be ignored WHILE Lukhona Mnguni’s column, “Interrogating the true meaning of heritage” (the POST, September 9-13), makes the point that “not all history becomes heritage”, just what he expects from an institution like the University of KwaZulu-Natal is difficult to fathom. First, he claims “the history of University of KZN is marred by colonialism and World War I and II.” His opinion is difficult to justify because if it had not been for the initiative of TB Davis, Howard College, the original core of UKZN, would not have come about. By maligning those who sacrificed their lives in the war against Nazism and in whose memory the great Memorial Tower Building was established, Mnguni’s credibility goes into free fall. His…

Court ruling disregarded rights THE outrageous court order against the Azaan is worrying and a gross blunder that can have serious implications, not only for Muslims but for South African citizens. The ruling disregarded a number of constitutional freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to equality. If not corrected, it can affect the religious and cultural practices of all religions. To quote Pierre de Vos, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Cape Town, just like how freedom of expression is not absolute, “property owners do not have an absolute right to undisturbed enjoyment of property”. Regrettably, almost three decades after the dismantling of the discriminatory laws of apartheid, South Africa has to deal with xenophobia, religious intolerance and other hate crimes. South…

Cinema bosses positive as patrons return THANDEKA MGQIBI Imdb.com MOVIE-goers are gradually returning to cinemas since their reopening last month under lockdown level 2. Cinemas were initially allowed to reopen at the beginning of July, but a number of them opted to open later to implement Covid-19 health and safety regulations. On August 28, selected Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and CineCentre cinemas reopened across the country in a phased-in manner. Lynne Wylie, head of marketing at Ster Kinekor, said it opened 32 of its cinemas, while the 21 remaining sites were scheduled to reopen on Friday. “What we have seen thus far is that guests are comfortable in coming to the cinema, and those who have come have indicated that they will return,” said Wylie. She said it was a…

Rich flavours The month-long fast of Purtassi begins on Thursday. Videhi Sivurusan, a celebrity chef, shares vegan dishes that can be incorporated into your meatless meal planning. Follow her on www.videhi.co.za and on Veganise with Videhi on Youtube Black Bean Vegan Tacos a glug of olive oil 1 large red onion, finely chopped 1 tbs (15ml) garlic paste 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1-2 tbs (15-30ml) taco spice mix (add more or less) 1 cup frozen sweetcorn (thawed) or fresh sweetcorn 1 medium tomato, washed and cubed 1-2 green chillies, sliced (remove seeds for less heat) ¼-½ cup chopped coriander leaves salt and pepper to season 2 medium avocados, peeled and cubed lettuce leaves 12 vegan taco shells lemon slices to serve Heat the oil in a pot or…

Slain Newcastle father described as a hero CHARLENE SOMDUTH Supplied A NEWCASTLE father who was killed while fighting off a robber has been hailed a hero. Siraj Bhula, 33, was shot in the chest as he tried to push a robber out of his family grocery and hardware store in Utrecht on Friday. Bhula, an Indian national, had been living in South Africa for the past nine years. Mohamed Shaheed Koli, his father-in-law and the store owner, said the premises were divided into a grocery and hardware store. “Siraj was at the cash register for the hardware section and my son Huzaisah, 25, was at the cash register for the grocery section. Just after 4.30pm two armed men entered and demanded money,” said Koli, who is also an Indian national.…

Woman killed in house robbery NADIA KHAN AND JANINE MOODLEY A GRANDMOTHER was strangled during a robbery at her Merebank home on Tuesday. Pam Govender, 56, of Alwar Road, was found in her bedroom. It is alleged her domestic worker and 18-month-old grandson were tied up with cable ties and locked in the bathroom. When the POST arrived, a woman, believed to be the grandmother’s sister, tried to enter the home. She was overheard saying that she had just spoken to Govender and that they had planned to meet on Thursday. A neighbour, who declined to be named, said he was told two men had entered his property, climbed over his fence and into Govender’s yard. He said a neighbour had alerted the residents to the incident, after Govender’s domestic…

Triple tragedy strikes KZN family within days CHARLENE SOMDUTH MINUTES after arranging his brother’s funeral, Nathen Deokie and his stepfather, Roychand Autur, were killed in a car crash on the R74 near KwaDukuza. Last Tuesday morning, Deokie, 37, a supervisor at a security company, and Autur, 49, a sofa manufacturer, were travelling to their home in Warrenton when they were involved in a head-on collision. They sustained multiple injuries and died at the scene. Deokie’s brother, Kalesh, 35, who was unemployed, was supposed to be buried later that day. Christina Subraylu, the family spokesperson, said they went to the mortuary at the Stanger Hospital to wash and dress Kalesh’s body. “Kalesh was on drugs and preferred to live on the streets. His family tried to get him help but he…

Crash victim succumbs to injuries CHARLENE SOMDUTH JUWAIRRIYYAH Haffejjee, who was in a vehicle crash a month ago, has died. Her parents and nephew died on the day of the crash. Haffejjee, 22, of Parlock, sustained severe facial injuries and was in a critical condition at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital. Her father, AK Haffejee, 63, the owner of Inanda Cash and Carry, his wife, Farzana, 52, and her nephew, Zaid, who was six-months old, died at the accident scene on Nandi Drive. Her sister-in-law, Zahra, 25, sustained a broken leg and arm and was admitted to the Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. Zahra’s sons, Amal, 3, and Ebrahim, 5, sustained minor injuries. A relative, who declined to be named, said the crash happened when the family were returning home…

New criteria used to select matric markers JANINE MOODLEY SCHOOL governing bodies and teacher unions have welcomed the decision to ease the criteria for those who will mark the 2020 National Senior Certificate examination papers. But they hope the quality of marking will not be compromised. Last week, a circular was signed by Mathanzima Mweli, the director-general of the Department of Education, informing provincial heads of department that the selection criteria for markers would be relaxed. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, markers who were above the age of 60, or had comorbidities, may not offer their services, depending on the country’s lockdown level. The circular said that those who fell under either category and were at home following the reopening of schools on June 8, would not be eligible…

Bright spark uses childhood hardship to light the way CHARLENE SOMDUTH DUT The system was designed to help alleviate the symptoms of load shedding.Sameer Khan Student WHEN Sameer Khan was a boy, his family fell on hard times and they were forced to move to an informal settlement in Reservoir Hills with no electricity or water. As he grew older, Khan and his brother, Ameer, got part-time jobs which helped them earn enough money to move out of the informal settlement. They found a one-bedroom outbuilding in the same area and lived with their mother, Maimoonesha. Khan matriculated from Reservoir Hills Secondary and achieved four distinctions. He received bursaries to study horticulture at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He graduated cum laude and, because of his achievement, DUT paid…

Interfaith webinar to promote harmony THANDEKA MGQIBI THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha will host an Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion webinar on Heritage Day. The webinar was initially scheduled for Human Rights Day on March 21 as a workshop but it was postponed because of Covid-19 and the lockdown. Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the Sabha, said the webinar was an attempt to improve communication, reduce tension and promote tolerance across the religious sector. “The interfaith tension in recent months is disturbing. It undermines social cohesion and sub-divides minority groups,” said Trikamjee. “In contrast to the apartheid era, democratic South Africa is a multicultural and multireligious society in which freedom of worship and association is constitutionally enshrined. Tolerance and respect for all faiths and modes of worship are important principles.”…

Murdered cop suspects out on R5 000 bail CHARLENE SOMDUTH TWO suspects accused of killing Warrant Officer Theena Pillay were allegedly hired to “eliminate” him. This emerged during the bail application of Mbhekiseni Ncanana, 36, and Thobani Ngema, 30, at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The accused, from KwaMashu, face charges of murder. They are employed as rank managers for the Bester Taxi Association. Pillay, 48, was shot and killed outside his mother-in-law’s home in Woodview, Phoenix, last December. He managed to return fire before succumbing to his injuries. A suspect, Lindani Ncanana, who is Ncanana’s brother, was also killed. It was believed that Pillay was targeted because of his investigations into the drug trade in Phoenix. In April, a suspect linked to the killing was arrested in Phoenix…

Health-care workers are the true champions of the pandemic Primary reason for KZN’s high recovery rate despite government failures DR RISHIGEN VIRANNA African News Agency (ANA) Archives KWAZULU-NATAL health institution inspections conducted during the midst of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic have merely highlighted a functionality crisis that existed long before. The pandemic could have been used to finalise the necessary administrative reforms, infrastructure maintenance and staff recruitment needed to ensure that all KZN residents, regardless of economic status, have access to quality health care. With scientific evidence now indicating that KZN is past the surge, this opportunity must be used to assess and to hold the province’s ANC-led executive accountable and to offer proper solutions in this regard. The DA commends and applauds our front-line health-care workers. There can be…

It’s time to unite, defend our police THE SAPS remembered all men and women in blue who paid the ultimate price while serving their country. Six members were honoured at a Commemoration Day at the Chatsworth Police Academy. We salute our departed officers for their bravery and may their souls rest in peace. No police must die in the hands of criminals. Recently, we have witnessed an upsurge in crime. Thankfully, there has been a breakthrough in the killing of popular cop Warrant Officer Theena Pillay. Letter writer Narendh Ganesh’s house was invaded three times, Comrades winner Nick Bester ended up with broken ribs… the list goes on. We have some vigilant Community Police Forums, while in other areas they are just taking up positions and doing nothing. This needs…

Search for relatives I AM trying to locate the descendants of my aunt, Dhanabhai Singh (my dad, Aroo Singh’s sister). She was married to a Mr A Soobramoney Chetty. They had five children, some of whom were Rajval Chetty, Sunthravel Chetty, Ruthnaval and Anjalai. From my limited knowledge, I understand that they lived in Carlisle Street or the Victor Lane area. I am keen to get in contact with the family. If you could assist, please call me at 082 579 6052 or email mayasingh399@gmail.com MAYA SINGH Umhlatuzana…

Prayer and patience needed in our country BEFORE I comment on Professor Anand Singh’s letter, “An outdated tradition in a multi-religious society” (the POST, September 9-13), which he conscribes as “an outmoded tradition in a multi-religious society”, allow me to thank the editor for publishing the opinions of various issues. Freedom to express one’s opinions is woven into the DNA of our constitutional democracy and, therefore, even the Bharatiya Janata Party/Hindutva praise singers are permitted to have their say. By their publications, they stand on record as having aired their views and opinions and are judged by history. That is why I thank you, Mr Editor, for the responsible and objective manner in which you are mediating a critical conversation. I don’t think Professor Singh can help himself being a…

Comedienne not your normal ‘stekkie’ LATOYA NEWMAN DURBAN comedienne Felicia Pillay recently debuted her one-woman show online. Titled, Not your Average Stekkie, Pillay said the show unpacked real-life issues with comedic flair. “This is my first solo show which, I must add, has been a scary but thrilling experience. “I am overwhelmed by the support from colleagues in the industry, friends and family. “I touch on the Covid-19 pandemic, motherhood and relationships. Basically everyday experiences. “I love observing others but not in a creepy, stalker way,” she laughed. “I think most of the things I speak about are relatable and that for me is the purest form of comedy; when it’s honest and based on real-life experiences.” Pillay said she decided to use the online platform as part of her…

Sky’s the limit for Hail Columbia ANDREW HARRISON Hail Columbia will be carrying the weight of a punting nation on his back when he lines up on the turf in the first leg of the Pick 6 at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon. In only two outings, the imported son of Starspangledbanner has garnered a big reputation and if he lives up to his billing it should be a case of what will run second. After shedding his maiden at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last month, Dennis Drier was lavish in his praise. “I expected him to win first time but unfortunately I think he met a bloody good horse. I think that horse of Garth’s (Captain Fontane) is going places. I think he’s a progressive little horse.” Rider Sean Veale was a…

getting HOOKED THE sea has been a bit upside down this past week with some bumpy conditions. The fishing has been worth the discomfort though with plenty of decent catches made. Amongst the usual reds and rockcod, a couple black musselcracker have been landed. These along with the copper steenbras enjoy a bigger bait such as a flapped slinger or whole shad. These are very strong fish so heavy tackle is required. A 10 inch KP filled with 80-100lb Daiwa J-braid and a Kingfisher Poseidon Offshore series Geelbek rod will give you more than enough power to pull these brutes from the deep. The Durban stretch has seen some proper tuna landed. Most of these fish have been caught throwing a popper at sighted action. There has been plenty of…

AB gives Kohli a high-five The IPL starts in the UAE on Saturday SENIOR Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman AB de Villiers has heaped praise on Virat Kohli, saying the skipper sets the example by leading from the front which makes it very easy for the players in the team to follow. RCB would be eyeing their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title win when the competition begins this Saturday in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament, which was originally scheduled to be played in March, had to be postponed and then moved out of India due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I think the clarity about the IPL happening came one month back, more or less. BCCI has done a remarkable job in getting the IPL going and we are…

Bafana hopeful in strong English League One debut ESHLIN VEDAN ETHAN Chislett marked his English League One debut in style by netting for AFC Wimbledon in their season opener against Northampton Town this past Saturday. The 22-year-old Durban-born attacking midfielder recently declared his intention to represent Bafana Bafana in international football and earned a move to Wimbledon after scoring nine goals from 38 games for National League side Aldershot last season. “I am very happy to say that I am representing and playing for AFC Wimbledon, a club with huge ambitions and a clear plan regarding the levels they want to reach. “Firstly, the intensity of the game I believe will be much higher as players will be athletic and be proactive on and off the ball. However, I believe…

‘Peace meeting’ ends in death Father and son granted bail CHANELLE LUTCHMAN A WIFE and her teenage children have described how they watched their family’s breadwinner being attacked and stabbed on Saturday. The family said that despite pleading with the attackers, a father and son, to stop beating Vishnu Dhaver, her husband and the teens’ father, the men ignored them. On Friday night, Dhaver’s 18-year-old son and his friends were with a group of men in Moorton when a fight broke out and he was stabbed. The following day, Dhaver, 42, a tuckshop owner of Moorton, Chatsworth, his wife, Beverley, their son and their daughter, 16, went to a home in nearby Arena Park. “Vishnu wanted to find out what happened and settle it. He wanted to make peace with…

Mayor orders audit on Covid-19 expenditure CHANELLE LUTCHMAN THE eThekwini Municipality has ordered an audit on all Covid-19 expenditure to determine the level of corruption perpetrated during the lockdown. During a media briefing on Tuesday, to mark mayor Mxolisi Kaunda’s first year in office, he said the city was concerned some officials had mismanaged the Covid-19 relief funds by inflating prices against Treasury regulations. “We will support all the work by our law enforcement agencies to uncover any wrongdoing and we want all those implicated in the report to face the full might of the law. We say this because we warned our officials against the squandering of Covid-19 relief funds,” said Kaunda. He said that since his appointment last year, more than 2 000 title deeds had been issued…

‘Doctor with heart of gold’ CHANELLE LUTCHMAN PATIENTS paid their last respects to Dr Govindaraj Muruvan on Saturday, as the hearse transporting his body stopped outside his surgery in Havenside, Chatsworth. Muruvan, 69, who also lived in Chatsworth, died on Friday. He had tested positive for Covid-19. A video of a patient speaking outside the surgery on Saturday was shared on Facebook. “No one in this community will come close to him. Nowadays, all doctors care about is money, but he had a heart of gold,” said the woman. “He was always there for us. I can’t tell you the number of times I entered (the surgery) and he treated me with dignity and love. Some doctors do not know their patients by name, but Dr Muruvan knew our names,…

Surgeon loses battle with virus NADIA KHAN A JOHANNESBURG maxillofacial surgeon died last Wednesday, more than a month after he tested positive for Covid-19. Dr Yusuf Bamjee, 65, of Auckland Park, had displayed mild symptoms of the virus and self-isolated before he got tested on July 31. Hours before he received the results on August 1, his wife, Aysha, began to cough. Their son, Muhammad Rifat Bamjee, said: “I rushed to her room and monitored her oxygen levels. I then went to the bedroom next door where my dad was isolating, to tell him that mom was not well. “While he was standing at her door, I asked him what I should do while I checked his oxygen levels. “My dad then fainted but he soon regained consciousness.” He said…

PRINCIPALS CONCERNED OVER MARKING QUALITY • THE department needed to be cautious about who was chosen, a Phoenix principal said. He said there could be cases where teachers, on paper, seemed eligible but were sometimes unable to efficiently perform the task required. “Yes, I understand a marking memo is given with at least three answer variables, but what if a pupil provides a fourth variable which is technically correct but is marked wrong by a teacher who does not fully understand the subject?” He said that could pose a problem and possibly affect the pass rate. “Then take, for example, a teacher who has a historically low pass rate in the subject and yet qualifies for marking. “How certain can we be that the teacher understands what he or she…

Incense letter handed to SAHRC CHARLENE SOMDUTH THE South African Hindu Dharma Sabha has reported Wakefields Property Management to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). This follows the real estate company’s letter to residents living in Morning-side Ridge, Durban, about the burning of incense. The letter, dated September 9, reads: “Numerous complaints have been received from occupants regarding smoke from religious practices affecting their units and causing discomfort/ nuisance and we appeal to all residents to be mindful of other residents when burning incense.” Referring to a clause in the body corporate rules, the letter stated what an owner was permitted and not permitted to do. The letter was posted on social media and it garnered widespread attention. It was later retracted and another letter issued. “The trustees and…

Killer to hear his fate today CHANELLE LUTCHMAN RAYEN Chetty, who was found guilty of killing a Chatsworth mother of three, will be sentenced today (Wednesday). Chetty was in a relationship with Raheesa Sheik. The couple had an argument on August 10, 2017, and Chetty went to her home in Woodhurst the following day to talk. There was an argument between Chetty and Sheik’s uncle, Aziz, who also lived on the property. During the trial last year, it emerged that Chetty was walking away during the argument but continued to exchange words with the Sheik family. He testified that he got into his vehicle but the family blocked his way and he could not move forward. As a result, he reversed. At that time, Sheik’s parents, Salma and Afzal, were…

Live sheep export creates shortage of trotters YOGIN DEVAN Pixabay “Trotters – like sheep head – is a timeless culinary classic.” Baa, baa, black sheep Have you any trotters? No, sir, no, sir All gone to Kuwait PROVIDED the EFF does not object to the colour of the sheep, the adapted ditty is intended to deliberately downplay a grave gastronomic situation facing the community – there is a dire shortage of sheep trotters at local butcheries. Tens of thousands of live sheep have been shipped in recent months to Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries, thus creating a critical shortage of offal products. South Africa and Australia are among several countries that have found a new market in the Middle East for live sheep. Apparently, the sheep are transported live…

Faith bashing a serious concern THE letter by Anand Singh titled “An outdated tradition in a multi-religious society” (the POST, September 9-13) warrants comment. Religion has been the biggest divisive force in history. At the dawn of the 21st century, a casual glance at world affairs would suggest that religion is at the core of much of the strife around the globe. It is an act of sacrilege for Singh to equate the words of the Azaan to an act of xenophobia. How could a polished intellectual like Singh make such a cardinal error of judgement? Such an unfair comment is tantamount to a recycled mantra of hate and intolerance. It is vile and detestable when it is shrouded in hateful bigotry, which glorifies mindless moralising and religious hatred. Perhaps…

Good to take a stand but… THE letter, “An outdated tradition in a multi-religious society” by Anand Singh (the POST September 9-13), is a superbly written piece. It is lucid and logical. One small observation is that it is not right to say “Prayag (previously Allahabad)” since Prayag has been the city’s original name for thousands of years. It was Allahabad only during the Moghul and British foreign occupation. Even then, the people to whom the place was dear, always in their own circles, referred to it as Prayag. This was so, even with the Nehru family. I must say that I was impressed with Rivaaj Ramdas’s declaration on eNCA that he was prepared to go to prison to ensure that the Azaan would resume. But I would have been…

True religion is about having respect for others LAST week’s edition of the POST (September 9-13) featured many opinions on religious issues. It’s good to hear all the sides. There are rights and wrongs in the way basic tenets are overplayed by all religions. Paradoxically, religion boasts unity but simultaneously excludes the “others”. Discussion and debate and sound arguments may help to an extent. For instance, Neelan Govender’s “Relent and let go” comes close to enlightening readers about the unfortunate rigid interpretations of the Abrahamic faiths, though this should not be used to justify the disturbing or annoying “others”. There are many seemingly irrational practices among non-Abrahamic religions too. Other readers rightfully condemn the irreligious shenanigans of fanatics who destroy statues and religious idols in some areas of the world.…

Kool & the Gang founder dies POST REPORTER RONALD Bell, one of the founding members of the pop group Kool & the Gang, died at the age of 68 last week. Bell was a singer, songwriter and saxophonist who co-wrote the band’s biggest hits including Ladies’ Night, Jungle Boogie and Celebration. Bell was born and raised in Ohio, US. His father was a boxer and a close friend of jazz musicians Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis, who frequented their home. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in 2015, Bell told of how he and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, would collect old paint cans and use them as makeshift percussion instruments because they could not afford drums. He said they would figure out tones depending on how much paint…

Your Stars PRISCILLA GENDRON Aries (March 21 – April 19) This week is a bit of a hit and a miss. Things may not always go according to plan. Express yourself in the correct way so that you are not misunderstood. You are making changes and they will be good for you in the long run. Lucky colour: yellow. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) It’s all about finances and money and making sure that all the numbers make sense at the end of the month to ensure there is enough to go around. It’s also a time to look at your home and the changes that need to take place whether it be in relationships or changing its appearance. Lucky colour: brown. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) It…

NEYMAR HITS BACK PARIS Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Neymar has said he could not leave the field without responding to Alvaro Gonzalez after claiming the officials ignored his accusations of racism against the Marseille defender. Neymar was one of five players sent off on Sunday as Marseille clinched their first victory against PSG in nine years after Andre Villas Boas’ side beat PSG 1-0 in a game which will be remembered for aggressive fouls and a late brawl. The Brazilian was sent off for slapping Gonzalez in injury-time, who he accused of racism as he left the field and also on social media following the match. In a lengthy post on Instagram, Neymar has now said he “acted like a fool” to earn a red card but said that it is…

WWE celebrates 25 years with HHH TWENTY-FIVE YEARS in anyone’s life is usually a huge celebration, whether it be a birthday or work anniversary. The latter is exactly what 2020 means for Paul Levesque, aka Triple H, as he celebrates his 25th anniversary with WWE, having been with the brand since 1995. He is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time by WWE fans. This month WWE DStv Channel 128 runs through the superstar’s 25 years with WWE on WWE Originals Specials – 25 Years of Triple H: The Game Changing Matches. Viewers can watch the matches that crowned him the King of Kings, including the “End of an Era” Hell in a Cell Match against Undertaker, a WWE Championship Street Fight against Cactus Jack, a…

Big guns set to fire in round two ESHLIN VEDAN THE 2020/21 Premier League season has started off with a bang! Liverpool were made to work hard for their 4-3 win over Leeds United. The Reds’ defending was shabby by their standards and it will have to improve if they want to defend the title this season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side, which is playing in the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, nearly claimed a point against the Reds before Mohamed Salah converted an 88th-minute penalty and completed his hat-trick. Last season’s Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy scored his first two goals of the season, albeit from the penalty spot as Leicester City secured a 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion. Everton earned an impressive 1-0 win over…