Table of contents for 2025-01-08 in Post

RAKUL Preet Singh recently revealed what she considered to be the two greatest assets of her life – health and time. In her latest social media post, Singh emphasised the importance of prioritising physical and mental well-being, as well as the value of time in her personal and professional life. “Invest in your health. It will buy you more time.” Singh also announced her new film, Mere Husband Ki Biwi, which also stars Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. The movie is slated to release on February 21.…

NAYANTHARA and Vignesh Shivan stepped into 2025 by choosing to leave behind negativity, and embracing a year filled with positivity and growth. The couple decided to focus on the brighter side of life. Vignesh shared a photo of the two of them and captioned it: “Where there is love, there is happiness. Happy New Year to all of you. Focus on love, focus on all the good things in life, focus on working hard. Keep all the negativity out of focus and blur it away from your life. Faith in your blessings and being faithful to your conscience not only brings success but also gives a lot of satisfaction and abundant happiness. May 2025 give you all that you wished for. Much love from us to you.” In the image,…

A TRIBUTE show to honour the centenary birth anniversary of legendary Indian playback singer Mohammed Rafi will be held on February 5 at the Suncoast CineCentre. The event, which is scheduled to start at 6.30pm, is being co-hosted by author and veteran Bollywood critic, Fakir Hassen. There will be performances by local artists. Those who attend will be given a free 120-page e-book by Hassen, titled Sau Saal Pehle – A South African Tribute to the Legendary Mohammed Rafi on his Centenary. For the first 50 fans only, who respond by January 15, there will be a unique opportunity to secure a limited edition printed copy of the book for R250. Each prepaid purchase at R250 will include a goody bag worth over R500. “The launch, co-hosted by AB Moosa,…

2 tbs (30ml) olive oil ¼ cup finely-chopped onions 1 sprig curry leaves 1 black cardamom 2 star anise a 5cm piece cinnamon stick ½ tbs (7.5ml) finely-diced garlic ½ tbs (7.5ml) coriander powder 1 tsp (5ml) cumin powder 2 tbs (30ml) mixed masala or paprika powder or mild chilli powder ½ tsp (2.5ml) roughly crushed black peppercorns 1 tbs (15ml) fresh oregano leaves 2 cans chopped Italian tomatoes 1 tsp (5ml) salt ¼ tsp asafoetida 200g firm tofu cubed 4-5 green chillies cut diagonally fresh pineapple cut into 12-16 small pieces 12-16 black pitted olives ½ (125ml) cup fresh basil roughly torn into pieces Heat the oil in a pot. Add the onion, curry leaves, cardamom and star anise. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, for about…

A PHOENIX father was stranded with a broken back and leg for more than half an hour after the water machines were allegedly shut off while he was going down the second highest slide at uShaka Marine World. Junaid Singh, 34, who is self-employed, was visiting the water park with his family on Sunday when a thunderstorm started. He claimed at this point workers “informally” called on patrons to evacuate the water slides and “forced” people out of the park. Singh’s brother-in-law, Wahed Nazeer, a pharmacy assistant, who was also at the park with his family, said that no proper announcements were made to ask people to leave the slides. “They just closed the slides and asked everyone to leave. Junaid was on the second highest slide at the…

AFTER years of sluggish or stagnant economic growth, South Africa is beginning to experience a promising revival. Forecasts suggest gross domestic product (GDP) growth could strengthen to 1.7% this year, bolstered by a stable political climate under the Government of National Unity (GNU). The electricity crisis, once a daily disruption, has significantly eased, with Eskom reporting nearly 300 consecutive days without load-shedding since March last year. This remarkable milestone is a direct result of the Generation Recovery Plan, which has improved the reliability of the coal-fired fleet while slashing diesel costs by more than two-thirds compared to the previous year. Eskom has reconnected unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the Western Cape to the national grid following its long-term operation programme. This initiative extends the unit’s lifespan…

Mala, a dear friend, an eloquent Tamil orator Always loved and forever cherished Leaving us so soon is unacceptable A lot of pain and sadness you left. Love your dedication and commitment Untiring effort in promoting the Tamil language Talking Tamil was your passion Compering cultural, social and religious programmes Hosting local radio shows, a versatile legend MMSSO bids you a tearful farewell Author of “Valliama” as you are known to us Nostalgic moments shared with you Are embedded in our hearts Nandri, dear friend for the everlasting bond. Om Namah Shivaya Karuppiah, the chairperson of the Malaysia-Mauritius-South Africa Socio-Cultural Organisation (MMSSO), submitted this poem as a tribute to Mala Lutchmanan, who supported its cultural tours to South Africa and the online spoken Tamil classes. In August 2022, Lutchmanan was…

An open letter to a new crl commissioner Dr Rajendran Govender The CRL Rights Commission Braampark, Johannesburg Dear Raj Now that the Christmas tree has been packed away and the last bit of leftover roast gammon has been eaten, please allow me to add my congratulations on your appointment to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Commission). I do not know who nominated you to serve on this independent chapter nine institution that draws its mandate from the South African Constitution. But I do know that with your teaching background; service as director of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture; Masters and PhD obtained through research in cross-cultural practices in South Africa; and experience as a changemaker and…

NOW that the holiday season is over, it is time to take stock as we enter 2025. It is one of the most tumultuous periods as we are witnessing a rash of dramatic events with the Government of National Unity. The political climate in our country has taken its toll from the highly-charged atmosphere of tension within the government. With the petrol price soaring and inflation on the rise, it is clear that the year will demand discipline, resilience and financial management. The increase in the petrol price will have far reaching consequences, impacting not only our daily commutes but the overall cost of living. With inflation it will erode purchasing power, reducing the value of money and dropping the standard of living. It is time to fasten your seatbelts…

SALOCHANA Moodley joined Child Welfare Chatsworth (CWC) three decades ago as a social worker. She served for many years before being appointed as a supervisor and ultimately as a chief social worker. It was through her employment at CWC that she came into contact with our clients, stakeholders, sponsors and the Chatsworth community in general. In her tenure at CWC, she was supported by a team of 10 social workers. She was in turn managed by the board of management of CWC. She officially retired on October 30, 2018, at the age of 60. She was offered contract work for a further five years, which terminated on October 30, 2023, at the age of 65. Moodley has been the only employee to pass on in CWC to date. Importantly in…

WHAT started off as a fun outing soon turned into a nightmare for a young Pietermaritzburg woman when she allegedly found herself in “a dangerous situation with an e-hailing driver”. Zhanay Jazmin Joseph, 22, was returning to her Northdale home from her father-in-law's house in Bombay Heights when she was allegedly accosted by the driver. At around 1pm Joseph requested for the e-hailing cab and a yellow Renault Triber arrived to fetch her. She said it was only after she had jumped into the vehicle did she notice that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. She said she became fearful after she noticed his odd behaviour. “I realised I was in danger a few minutes after jumping into the taxi. The driver appeared to be highly intoxicated and was driving…

JAYANATHAN GOVENDER Glimpses of Tongaat is a temporal project of time, space and perspective. Notwithstanding that writer Tholsi Mudly attempts the Tongaat project through glimpses, her reading audience will experience the power of a groundswell tipping local history. Buttressed by the triumph of democracy and new freedoms, as well as her courage, Tholsi quantumly transports a generation of 19th-century people frozen by disorientation and fear from the Port Natal harbour to this modernity in which we live. After a remarkable metamorphosis into new generations, a culturally coherent, adaptive and spirited diaspora gazes at the globalised world. This book is an affirmation of self-consciousness framed by identity, origin, destination, memory, trace, story, past, present and future, and so on. Moreso, Tholsi recognises her affiliation to a community that came and continues…

AND so, the long-awaited festive season has come and gone. It’s now back to the grind and back to normalcy. How did Durban (eThekwini Municipality) do? Did it behave? Well, let me do a POST-mortem, if you excuse the pun. I feel qualified to do this because if Durban is the heart of eThekwini, then I live in the aorta. No Ma, not aiyo-ta! It’s all good. From where I reside, I have a bird’s-eye view of the goings-on in the city. And what I witnessed during the season was encouraging. The various organs of the municipality prepared for the tourist invasion. To me, the two most important departments are Metro Police and the Metro Solid Waste Management departments. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi started his police team limbering up months and…

There have been plenty of summer fish around with some edibles in the mix as well for our shore anglers. The drags are making plenty of noise along the coast. The North Coast has seen the bulk of the inedible catches. The usual spots like Tugela and Mtunzini have been the places to go if you are looking for something to test your drag. Remember that these spots should be fished in a group as there have been incidents in the past. Bloody baits like mackerel and bonito have been the most successful. There have been some good edibles around most of the North Coast. Look for some protected bays and gullies for the best results. The central coast has seen a patchy catch report. There have been some spots…

TAMANNAAH Bhatia kicked off the new year with a busy schedule, taking on work commitments across the world and exploring new projects. She took to Instagram to give a glimpse of her schedule, posting a photograph of herself sitting in a car with the location tagged as Dallas, Texas. The Baahubali actress also shared a video travelling to a location with her team. Bhatia was recently seen in the Netflix thriller-action Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, which revolves around a diamond heist and the involvement of three key suspects. She played Kamini Singh. Earlier this year, Bhatia made a memorable cameo in Stree 2, where she garnered attention with her performance in the song, Aaj Ki Raat. She will also star in Odela 2. In March, she shared a poster from the…

KICK-START your journey to flavour and wellness with these thoughtfully-crafted recipes. As a dietitian, I have designed each dish using nutrient-dense, whole foods scientifically recognised for their detoxifying benefits – no fads or fleeting trends. Whether you aim to cleanse, boost immunity or simply nourish your body, these recipes are created to enhance your health and well-being. With ingredients like turmeric, ginger, lentils and fresh greens, you will enjoy meals that are as delicious as they are beneficial. After the indulgence of the festive season, give your body a break from the strain of heavy, high-protein meat dishes, and embrace the benefits of meat-free meals. Lentils, beans and other plant-based options provide a wholesome way to reset, detox and feel rejuvenated. Let’s dive into this vibrant, science-backed culinary experience. Top…

½ cup split yellow moong dhal (lentils) ¼ cup brown lentils 1 cup basmati rice 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tsp grated ginger 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds 5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced a handful of curry leaves 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1 tsp paprika or chilli powder 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tbs apple cider vinegar ¼ cup chopped coriander (dhania) 2 tbs oil (vegetable or your choice) salt to taste Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they begin to crackle, add the onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the grated ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika and curry leaves. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.…

1 cup (250ml) sugar beans boiled until soft 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters olive oil 1 star anise 2 small pieces of cinnamon sticks ¼ tsp mustard seeds a pinch fennel seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds 1 sprig of curry leaves (torn in small pieces) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 1 tbs (15ml) fresh garlic and ginger 1-2 tbs (15ml-30ml) mixed masala (mild or medium) 1 tbs (15ml) mild Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp (5ml) cumin powder 1 tsp (5ml) coriander powder ½ tsp turmeric powder 1½ tsp garam masala divided 1-3 green chillies slit in the centre 3 cups water (add more or less) 1 tbs (15ml) tomato paste 1 loaf unsliced white or brown bread cut into quarters Clean, rinse and boil…

MUMBAI: Salman Khan is not taking any chances and leaving any loose ends to ensure his safety from the threats issued by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. On Tuesday, the Bollywood superstar's security apparatus was further beefed up. His residence, Galaxy Apartments, in the suburb of Bandstand in the city got new bullet-proof glass installed in the balcony from where the superstar often greets his fans. This comes after Khan celebrated his birthday last month. In addition, CCTV cameras and a modern security system were also installed. As per media reports, the actor lives in a flat on the ground floor of Galaxy Apartments, while his parents live on the first floor Last April, two men on a bike fired four shots at Khan's residence and fled. The actor believes gangster Bishnoi…

THE human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus causing symptoms similar to the common cold or influenza, which has caused an outbreak in the People’s Republic of China, is not new and neither is it mysterious. Professor Cheryl Cohen, head of the Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), said there was nothing peculiar about the outbreak in China. “This is not a mystery virus. It is a virus that we know about and we have known about for many years. It causes respiratory illness in South Africa and all over the world every year. This time of the year, it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere and China falls in the northern hemisphere, similar to the United States and Europe. Now it is…

AN AMERICAN student, Neha Srikanth, recently embarked on a mission to uncover the rich history of South Africa and its Indian women who played a role in the Struggle for freedom. Srikanth, 20, a third-year student in gender studies, social justice and law at the University of Redlands in California, said her research was based on liberation icon, Rajaluxmi “Rajes” Pillay. According to reports, Pillay, who died in 2020, was not well-known to the public because of the underground nature of her work and contribution. During the 1970s, Pillay came into contact with the ANC while working at a store in Durban. She was recruited in the ANC’s military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). Pillay had to leave South Africa or face arrest and interrogation after her underground activities were exposed…

ON DECEMBER 23, the sad news of the passing away of the former director of Child Welfare Chatsworth, Salochana Moodley, shocked and saddened members of the community. Moodley was a qualified social worker, who served the welfare fraternity with unwavering dedication and commitment for more than four decades. She retired but continued to assist others in need. While in the employ of Child Welfare Chatsworth, she worked her way from social worker to social work supervisor and then to director of Child Welfare Chatsworth - a position that for Moodley was so much more than a title. She was passionate about the welfare of children and the protection of their rights. She was a consummate professional, who guided and mentored volunteers and student social workers instilling in them the passion…

SARAH Bartman, a South African Khoikhoi, was exhibited as a freak show attraction in 19th century Europe. She was known for her large buttocks and was subjected to exploitation, racism and objectification. Carted off from her home in South Africa, she was displayed in cages where she was forced to perform for the crowds until her early and untimely death. Historically, the tradition of parading women like prized circus animals, still continues today – whether it's a go-go bar in Thailand, a parlour in Cambodia, or a beauty pageant in the Caribbean. I am convinced that a Phoenix car wash owner was so influenced by Nietzsche's statement that most men have a penchant for two things in life – dangerous toys (cars) and women, that in an ambush marketing tactic,…

THREE months after his 13-year-old son was found dead with his throat slit next to the body of his grandmother, in the bedroom floor of their Effingham home, a Phoenix father is calling for justice. Shardin Lance Chetty, 37, said seeing his son Mikai Joshua Chetty lying lifeless was a sight that would haunt him forever. Mikai and his grandmother, Nadhira Essack, aka Vanmala Chetty, 74, were killed in the attack. His mother was the only survivor. Chetty said when he got to his ex-partner’s home on October 2 last year, police told him that the two had been found dead in the bedroom with the door locked. “I was told that my ex-partner, who was found in the house after police broke down the door, was being treated in…

A SHALLCROSS wedding planner and disbarred attorney, who allegedly scammed 17 couples into paying for services for their big day and then left them “stranded at the altar” was arrested on Tuesday by Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa). Head of Rusa, Prem Balram, said in December he had been approached by a Durban couple who had claimed the woman had scammed them for R26 000. He said after the details of the wedding scam were circulated on social media, 17 couples from throughout the country approached them for assistance, citing the same suspect. He said a detective from the Boksburg SAPS also contacted them and said the woman was wanted for two cases of fraud, which had been opened in Gauteng last year. She allegedly defrauded a car dealership of…

DURBAN businessman and Telugu leader Dinesh Naidoo recently assured the 2 000 delegates at the World Telugu Federation 12th Biennial Conference in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, that Telugus in South Africa would join their global brethren to become leaders in various fields. Naidoo echoed the sentiments of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who urged Telugus to rise to top positions worldwide by 2047, the centenary of India’s Independence. The chief minister said Telugu, which had a rich literary heritage and ancient traditions, deserved to be cherished not just as a communication tool, but as a cornerstone of Telugu identity. Speaking as the chief guest at the conference, Naidu shared his vision of creating a poverty-free society and emphasised unity among Telugus, whether living within Andhra Pradesh and Telangana or…

WE FIRST met on April 27, 2008, and immediately struck a chord to turn around the fortunes of uMgungundlovu District Municipality from a R32 million deficit, disclaimer of opinion entity into a well-oiled machinery driven by the principles of good governance. Our first project was the conversion of the Jan Smuts Stadium into the Harry Gwala Stadium, with a tight budget and timeframes. Harry Gwala Stadium was subsequently used by Team Paraguay as a training ground for the preparation of their participation in the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Next in line was to put systems in place to turn the municipality into a “water-centric, results-driven and customer-focused” machinery. In this regard, we installed the new billing system and implanted a customer relationship management culture that brought sustainable revenue streams…

It will be France DNA against Springbok DNA on Saturday in Durban when the Sharks host Toulouse in a mouth- watering Champions Cup fixture. That is the opinion of Ox Nche, the loosehead prop who has had intimate experience of the France (and Toulouse) front row after showdowns in the World Cup quarter-final last year and in Marseille in 2022. In those games, Nche scrummed against Toulouse tighthead Cyril Baille (who scored two tries in France’s quarter-final loss) and Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka (also a try-scorer in that one-point loss). “This is probably going to be the most exciting game we will play this year,” said Nche. “We must bring some of our expertise from when we (the Boks) played against France. We have quite a few guys who have…

DESPITE a superb performance by veteran Nana Patekar in a role that I doubt anyone else except perhaps Amitabh Bachchan might have done so well, director Anil Sharma allows too many side shows in the movie, dragging out its duration unnecessarily. Otherwise Vanvaas could have been a great family social drama. Bringing back memories of Bagbhan, in which adult children ignored their aged parents played by Bachchan and Hema Malini, Vanvaas takes a slight twist on that theme. Deepak Tyagi (Patekar), who suffers from dementia, is determined to never sell the family home that he lovingly built with his deceased wife, Vimla (Khushbu Sunder). He decides to put it into a trust for his three sons, their wives and his grandchildren to live in forever. But they have other plans,…

3 tbs chia seeds 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 3 tbs low-fat plain yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla essence ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbs chopped almonds (plus extra for garnish) optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, yogurt, vanilla essence, cinnamon and optional sweetener in a bowl. Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a pudding-like texture. Before serving, stir the pudding to break up any clumps. Top with chopped almonds and your choice of add-ons. Add-on suggestions: Fruit: sliced strawberries, bananas, kiwis, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. Crunchy toppings: muesli or toasted coconut flakes. Extras for a flavour boost:…

Ayurvedic medicine is rooted in two primary goals: prevention and cure. As practitioners, our focus is twofold – preserving the health of the healthy and restoring balance to those affected by illness. While adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing chronic conditions like cancer and diabetes, it holds even greater potential when embraced collectively by society to prevent illness altogether. Life itself is governed by natural cycles – from the sun’s setting to the moon’s rising – and these rhythms are mirrored within the body, helping regulate our biological clock. When aligning our routines with these cycles, we can naturally enhance our health and well-being. Tips for healthy living: Waking up 45 minutes before sunrise is known as Brahma Muhurta. This is the time devoted to becoming one with…

Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd, whose sole chief executive is Durban businessman Ferrel Govender, came under the spotlight in 2020 when it was reported that the Limpopo Department of Health had awarded the company a R185 million contract to supply Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) – despite it not appearing on the official database of suppliers. Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd scored the contract to supply hand sanitisers, according to official documents seen by the POST’s sister publication the Sunday Independent at the time. “Pro Secure is among 216 handpicked companies which shared Limpopo’s R932m worth of PPE contracts. The majority of the successful bidders appear to be politically-connected individuals, ANC activists and relatives of senior officials and prominent politicians,” the report said. Other major beneficiaries included Enro Laboratories (R64m), Mizana Trading…

AS WE step into 2025, it is disheartening to witness the persistent water crisis that has left many areas within the eThekwini Municipality grappling with basic human rights infringements. For a full week, residents from various parts of the municipality, including Ntuzuma, Verulam and Tongaat, have endured an unbearable situation: no access to water. This crisis is not just a temporary inconvenience but a glaring example of systemic failure and neglect. Despite the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, announcing a temporary upliftment of water curtailment intended to provide relief, the residents of eThekwini have seen no improvement. The question looms large: where has the water produced by uMngeni-uThukela gone? Observations suggest that it has been redirected to the Golden Mile, uMhlanga, Ballito and other affluent business tourism sectors.…

AS THE much-anticipated release of matric results approaches, pupils, parents and teachers alike feel a rising sense of pressure and anxiety. For pupils, this moment represents the culmination of 12 years of schooling filled with hard work, sacrifices and hopes for a bright future. But for many matriculants, it can also bring about stress, fear of failure and uncertainty about what lies ahead. This emotional rollercoaster affects not only pupils but also their parents, who often experience the weight of expectations and the desire to protect their children from disappointment. As a wellness counsellor, I have seen first-hand how the release of the matric results can trigger a range of emotional reactions. In this column, I explore how pupils and parents can manage the stress and pressure that often accompanies…

MALA Lutchmanan, who passed away on December 18 last year, spent a lifetime deepening an appreciation for Tamil language and culture. The retired educator, radio personality, author and Tamil scholar, singularly did more to promote the cause of the Tamil language and culture in South Africa in three decades than the collective efforts of national Tamil organisations. Despite failing health, she had returned two days earlier from Malaysia where she received a “World Tamil Achievers Award 2024” for her efforts in promoting and sustaining the Tamil language and culture. Her last post on her Facebook page two days before she suffered a heart attack reads: “Homeward bound. Wherever in the world I go to, returning home is so comforting. Good discussions that opened my world view and made some super…

BHOPAL: Toxic waste lying at Bhopal’s Union Carbide India Limited (Ucil) premises for the past 40 years was finally shifted last week to Pathampur dumping site in Dhar district, around 30km from Indore. The convoy of 12 container trucks carrying around 337 metric tons of chemical waste moved from Bhopal to Pithampur amid tight security arrangements by the administration and police. A green corridor was set up to cover around 250km between the Ucil and Pithampur. Highly-toxic methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal on the night of December 2-3, 1984, killing at least 5 479 people and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had on December 3 set a four-week deadline to shift the toxic waste.…

THE doors to higher learning and career opportunities will soon swing open for thousands of matric learners with the results set to be released to the public on January 14. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube will officially announce the outcome of the 2024 matric exams the day before. Candidates can obtain their results from their schools, and results will also be available on the website of the Department of Basic Education. The public announcement of matric results was in limbo until yesterday after an urgent application to the Pretoria High Court by the Information Regulator (IR) to stop the release of the 2024 matric results on media platforms. The IR argued that releasing the results in the media was a violation of matriculants’ rights to privacy. However, parents and…

BASED on the Pareto 80/20 principle, it is perceived that 20% of South Africans sustain 80% of the population. This formula as unjust as it sounds is the stark reality the country's economy evolves on and enables many of the underprivileged to survive in the form of government grants, etc. What is of grave concern is the influx of foreigners - both documented and undocumented - entering South Africa through our porous borders. Whether we like it or not, these foreigners consume some of the basic amenities such as water, electricity and healthcare that are meant for South Africans. The recent illegal miners and spaza shop events are just the tip of the iceberg. These foreigners contribute little to the economy of South Africa. This country is faced with…

MY FIRST visit to the 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban was a transformative one. The recent talks about the upheavals in Bangladesh and Pakistan piqued my interest and I felt that I would get a deeper sense of what was going on in the region by first acquainting myself with my own roots. As a South African Indian Muslim who has never visited India, I never really felt a connection to my Indian roots. Sure, I had heard, anecdotally of course, about the migration of my great-great grandfather from a little village called Gujarat to South Africa, but the details of indenture, the very nature and extent of the sacrifices made by all of our forebears, Muslim and non, was lost on me. Although I am a Muslim and understand…

A SHEFFIELD Beach pharmacist is lucky to be alive after he was attacked with a sickle and a steel pipe during a smash-and-grab attack on the single-lane, steel bridge, on the Old Main Road in Verulam, on New Year’s eve. Sanesh Bisram, 35, said he was travelling on the bridge towards his parents’ home, when he became the latest victim of an alleged syndicate targeting motorists. He said he was going to visit his parent’s for New Year’s eve. “I had bought my mum a Persian rug worth R70 000 and had about R56 000 in cash on me. I was going to invest the cash in a new pharmacy that I had planned on opening in Oaklands, in February. On that particular day I had opted to…

The Department of Cleansing and Solid Waste unit encourages residents of Chatsworth to follow the proper use of the Chatsworth Garden Refuse Site. Operational hours 7am – 5pm. Only garden refuse and recycled waste is accepted. Rubble and domestic waste is not accepted at the garden site. Rubble can be disposed of at a cost, at a nearest landfill site. Residents are permitted to dispose of one bakkie load (not exceeding 750kg) of garden refuse waste not more than once a week. Residents must self-load from their vehicles into skips as directed by DSW staff. Utilising of vagrants to assist with offloading or giving vagrants items intended to be thrown away is not allowed. Blue bags are another convenient option of easily disposing of garden refuse.…

YUSUF Bhamjee was a special cadre and leader who cut his political teeth in difficult times motivated by nothing else but the moral imperative of fighting a just cause with resilience and integrity. Much has already been written since his passing. Tributes have rightly flowed recognising his sterling role in the struggle for our freedom, his contribution to governance and building the democratic state, and his continued activism even after leaving political office. He became politically conscious and active from an early age inspired by the activism of other members of his family and later such luminaries as AS Chetty and Chota Motala. Together with others such as Yunus Carrim, their activism turned Pitermaritzburg into a centre of resistance and struggle. I have often remarked that Pietermaritzburg in the Eighties…

Nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb rolled his Dacia in the Saudi desert yesterday as the Dakar Rally continued to take a toll of the big names after the exit of 2024 winner Carlos Sainz. Sainz turned his Ford upside down on Sunday, dealing too much damage to the car’s roll cage to continue after just two stages. Loeb, who had started the day sixth, and co-driver Fabian Lurquin were unhurt in the incident 12km into the third 327km stage from Bisha to Al-Henakiyah and resumed after making repairs. They stopped again at the 63km mark, however, and finished the stage trailing South Africa’s overall leader Henk Lategan by an hour and 14 minutes and dropping out of the top 15 in a big blow to their hopes of a…