Post -julkaisun 2025-02-12 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

WITH Durban experiencing the recent heatwaves, this weather can cause rapid dehydration, leading to heat exhaustion, heatstroke and electrolyte imbalances. Proper hydration ensures the body’s thermoregulation, digestion, circulation and mental clarity remain stable during extremely high temperatures. Dehydration can occur when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance that can affect bodily functions. Drinking litres of water is not always the answer. As we sweat, we tend to lose electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These nutrients need to be replenished to feel hydrated. Ayurveda, the ancient holistic system of medicine, offers natural and holistic ways to address dehydration and keep the body cool. What are the general symptoms of dehydration? Dry mouth and throat, hoarse voice, headache, dry skin, loss of…

SHREYA Ghoshal got married to her high school love, Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya, on February 5, 2015, in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai. As the couple celebrate 10 years of marital bliss, the singer took to her Instagram handle, and shared some unseen photographs from their wedding. “Happy 10th wedding anniversary to us. Still remember this day as if it was just yesterday. So blessed to have each other in our lives. While we grow up in this journey, we still continue to fall in love again and again with each other in different ways. And God decided to give us an even bigger blessing, our son Devyaan. Just grateful for everything we have. Thanking all our fans and friends for the overwhelmingly beautiful wishes and love that you have sent.” The…

THIS year has certainly started off with the proverbial “bang” for the Kollywood movie industry. Vidaamuyarchi brings together a perfect blend of Hollywood and Kollywood in a smartly-packaged visual feast for ardent fans of relentless action and stylised car chases. Kollywood’s current breed of directors has come to the fore to push the boundaries even further in innovative film-making. The choreographers have perfected their art that the lines blur between Hollywood and Kollywood’s fight sequences. Director Magizh Thirumeni, with just a few films under his belt, has changed into seventh gear in Vidaamuyarchi where he has presented Kollywood’s 2025 massive hit unabashedly. Vidaamuyarchi is loosely based on the 1997 Hollywood movie, Breakdown, starring Kurt Russell. Truth be told, whenever there is a Hollywood movie remade in Tamil, I am unashamedly…

The Association of Durban Laurel Ladies was launched on Saturday at the Colosseum at the Britannia Hotel. It aims to serve, promote equality and dignity, and support all women in KwaZulu-Natal, regardless of their background, by providing resources, fostering personal growth, and creating a supportive network that enables women to thrive. The association believes in the strength of sisterhood and the importance of advocating for women’s rights. At the event were:…

140g self-raising flour (sifted) 115g sugar ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 150ml oil ½ tsp vinegar ½ tsp salt ½ tsp good quality cocoa 115ml buttermilk ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 egg 1 tsp red food colouring Sift the flour, salt, sugar, cocoa and bicarbonate of soda. Add the buttermilk, oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, eggs and food colouring in that order. Mix until well incorporated. Line cupcake trays with liners, and spoon the mixture into each. Bake for 15 minutes. Cream cheese frosting 125g unsalted butter 115g cream cheese ½ tsp vanilla extract 250g icing sugar sifted Mix the butter and cream cheese together. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy. Spread over the cooled cupcakes.…

A SPINAL cord injury may have taken away Taariqa Archary's ability to walk seven years ago, but it did not deter her from completing her first Midmar Mile on Saturday. “Sometimes there is hope even in tragedy. We just have to fight for what we want,” said Archary, 37, a quadriplegic, soon after she completed her first aQuelle Midmar Mile, in the disabled category. “I will definitely swim again next year. I need to improve my time of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 32 seconds.” Archary said her focus would now be on driving again. Through her journey, she said she had learnt to try her hand at anything she wanted to do “And if you fail, it’s okay. Just try again,” she quipped. Archary, an electronic engineer from Sandton,…

SECURITY officer Chris Pillay’s quick actions saved a newborn baby girl from a stormwater drain death, and led to the arrest of her mother for child abandonment The 32-year-old woman appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday) on charges of child abandonment. She allegedly dumped her newborn baby girl in a stormwater drain in Wick Street in Verulam. On Sunday, Chris Pillay, an officer from Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), was stopped by a pedestrian, who heard noises from the stormwater drain and believed an animal was stuck. Pillay saw a black bin bag in the drain and removed it only to find a 2.2kg newborn. “Rusa paramedics arrived on the scene, and removed wet and soiled clothing from the baby. A dry uniform jacket was placed around the…

This journey was far more than a physical one – it was deeply emotional and transformative, filled with moments of joy, reflection and newfound purpose, says Dr Rajendran Govender NESTLED in the serene North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu lies Siruvallur, a quaint village that holds an extraordinary place in my heart. This is where my paternal grandparents, Tiruvengada Pillay (Indenture No 138223) and Valliamma Pillay (Indenture No 138224), began their journey before embarking on a voyage to South Africa aboard the Umfuli X in May 1908. They were destined to work as indentured labourers on the Cecil Platt Estate in Isipingo. Over a century later, my wife Nirmala and I returned to the land of my forefathers to reconnect with our roots, experience the life they once…

I WRITE about the Freedom Charter as an activist and social commentator. My insights are largely based on my personal experiences with inequality, poverty and marginalisation. I find after 40 years of my activism that the Freedom Charter is relevant today for South Africans, and indeed for the world as it was 70 years ago This Freedom Charter, adopted on June 26, 1955 during the height of the apartheid Struggle in South Africa, remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. Its vision of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and equitable society continues to resonate, not only in South Africa but also among marginalised communities worldwide. Seventy years after its declaration, the Charter’s principles offer a blueprint for addressing systemic inequality, fostering inclusivity, and empowering marginalised groups. This column…

RECIPIENTS who still have the gold Sassa cards are set to be sorely disappointed from March 1, as these cards will expire on February 28. If the recipients have not renewed before then and moved across to the new black card, they will not receive their March pay-out, unless they stand in a queue at Shoprite, where they will receive their money in cash only. We have received numerous queries regarding Sassa payments and remind recipients that the new black Sassa cards can only be obtained at the South African Post Bank. We urge recipients to apply to receive their Sassa grant through their own bank. This is best for any future issues they may experience such as forgetting a PIN or losing or locking their card. In order to…

IN APRIL 1951, after three months in the McCord Mission Hospital, the infant Pren left the hospital completely healed. His father MP worked for Natal Glassworks as a bookkeeper. In addition, MP was getting very involved in the Defiance Campaign that was planned for the following year. MP was able to convince his mother that Saro should participate in the Defiance Campaign in early 1952. With her approval, he approached Saro and she agreed to participate. At the beginning of autumn, Saro joined a group of 12 men and 2 women led by Ashwin Choudree that defied the apartheid law by going into a whites-only waiting room at the Durban Central Railway Station. The group sat down in this facility reserved for whites. White policemen arrived promptly and asked them…

SARO Naicker, wife – mother and political activist – left her beloved South Africa in 1967 to settle in England as a political refugee from the apartheid regime. Saro left school at an early age but retained her thirst for knowledge. Through the turbulent years of political life, Saro always took advantage of any opportunity to learn. She persevered in this quest that culminated in graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Guildhall University. MP (Sangaan) Naicker played a key role in the Struggle against apartheid. He continued as a leader within the ranks of the group of freedom fighters after his marriage to Saro in 1943. Saro supported her husband in all the struggles that were to follow. She faced one of her biggest challenges in 1977…

Arne Slot said his Liverpool players are “ready for another battle” as they prepare to take on Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday. The Premier League leaders have struggled to win at the home of their neighbours in recent years, with nine of the past 12 games there ending in draws. Everton, much improved under returning manager David Moyes, will be leaving their historic home at the end of this season to play in their new 52 888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront. Slot, preparing for his first and last derby at Goodison, believes the emotion of the occasion on Wednesday will add to Liverpool’s challenge. “It’s probably going to be a fantastic atmosphere and that’s never easy to play against because every single…

SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said on Tuesday that the organisers of the short format tournament are working to improve the fan experience, among other things Smith was speaking to the media on the virtual conference following the climax of a third season, which saw MI Cape Town emerge as Champions. Besides the fan experience, the former Proteas captain said they are thinking about upgrading stadiums ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup. “When running an event of this scale, there are always things you want to improve. You are constantly thinking about your fan experience,” said Smith. “Just off the top of my head in reflection, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes that we are talking to Cricket South Africa about and jointly trying to improve or…

IN THE modern professional landscape, workplace stress has become a prevalent challenge, affecting employees across industries. While moderate stress can serve as a motivator, excessive and prolonged exposure can have detrimental effects on mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. Understanding the impact of workplace stress, and implementing effective management strategies are essential for fostering a healthier work environment. The psychological impact of workplace stress Chronic workplace stress is a significant contributor to anxiety and depression. The pressures of meeting tight deadlines, managing high workloads and facing job insecurity can create a sense of helplessness, ultimately leading to long-term mental health challenges. Emotional exhaustion and burn-out are also common consequences, manifesting as persistent fatigue, disengagement from work, and declining job performance. This often results in diminished job satisfaction and motivation. Furthermore,…

Mallaya-Pandya is a UK award-winning intuitive life coach and best-selling author. Visit her at www.mysticsisters-uk.com or mellissamallaya@hotmail.com or find her on social media @mysticsisters ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Your energy is magnetic and people are drawn to you. A new opportunity at work could set you on a powerful path. Don’t hesitate. Take it with confidence. Trust your instincts when making decisions, especially if you’re faced with a sudden change. In love, don’t allow impatience to cause unnecessary conflict. Your fiery nature makes you passionate, but a little patience will go a long way in strengthening your relationships. Stay grounded, and don’t let impulsive emotions cloud your judgement. Highs: networking. Lows: restlessness in love. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Financial doors are opening, but be mindful. Impulsive…

AS THE province continues to experience extreme weather conditions, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) together with its international partners, have launched a £2 million (about R46 million) project to develop an early warning system. The project – titled “Warning system for Extreme Weather Events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (Weather)” – is a collaboration involving UKZN, the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and the University of Portsmouth( (UoP). The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) awarded the institutions the grant to develop the system. Professor Saloshni Naidoo, co-principal investigator of the project and the head of public health medicine at UKZN, who was speaking at a press briefing last week,…

Sassa and Postbank have appealed to social grant beneficiaries to replace their Sassa gold cards with the new Postbank black cards by February 28, or you will not be able to access your payments. "After this deadline, gold cards will not function to withdraw cash from all ATMs and retailers and they will also not be allowed for transactions, such as balance enquiries, printing of statements or retail purchases, as they will be blocked," said Sassa and Postbank in a statement. Postbank started replacing Sassa gold cards with the new Postbank black cards in September 2024. "Hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries have already changed their cards and are accessing their grants using the Postbank black cards. Other beneficiaries are encouraged to collect their new Postbank black cards, as after this…

Activists welcome the decision to make the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) public, viewing it as a crucial tool in the fight against gender-based violence, while emphasising the need for broader societal interventions. WHILE activists have welcomed the move to make the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) public, they believe more needs to be done to address the scourge in communities. Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, who was speaking during a recent gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign, said the NRSO was expected to be made public before the end of February. This, she said, was in a bid to combat the high rate of GBV. The NRSO, which was established by an act of Parliament in 2007, is a record of names of those…

Just as the navel or belly button remains on the abdomen as permanent reminder of the attachment site of the life-giving umbilical cord, so too is the case with the Indian diaspora around the world. Indian culture, languages and religion jointly constitute the navel where the umbilical cord connects Indian communities around the globe with the Motherland India. The power of Indianness was driven home strongly for me since I embarked on a Journey of Devotion (Bhakti Payanam in Tamil) with 20 men and women on a religious and socio-cultural tour of Mauritius and Malaysia. I have spent a lot of time in India and I am familiar with most things Indian – regional foods, languages, music, dance, dress and mannerisms – in the land where the roots of Indianness…

THE 2025 State of the Nation (Sona) address communicated the government’s priorities, with the president using his opening of Parliament address to outline key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead. In his Sona, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the critical role of water for the economy and overall water security, stating that “it is impossible to live without water, and the economy cannot grow without it”. He highlighted the urgent need to resolve the water crisis, noting that many people are experiencing frequent water shortages due to failing infrastructure. The government is investing heavily in expanding water resources to address this issue. It has already secured R23 billion for large water infrastructure projects and is in the process of establishing the National Water Infrastructure Agency to unlock greater investment…

WELL done to lift technician Reggie Pillay of Tongaat and his legal team. “Court rules in favour of Tongaat homeowner against eThekwini Municipality over excessive water bill”, the POST, January 29 – February 2, refers. Pillay resolutely squared off against the arrogant and incompetent eThekwini Municipality over a massive water bill of R329 900 and emerged victorious. The court also awarded costs against the municipality, which the hapless ratepayers would regrettably have to foot. When will the shameless metro learn its lesson on the failed and dismal RMS billing system that replaced the previous Coins system? The Bible records that puny David faced off against petulant and war-mongering giant Goliath and overcame him in the almighty name of the lord – Pillay came in battle in the name of justice…

“SOUTH Durban community demands action amid ongoing water cuts”, the POST, February 5 – 9 refers. Water has changed from a basic right to a luxury commodity, which is a sad state of affairs. The severe water shortage has reached a boiling point, leaving residents with no choice but to take drastic action. Chatsworth is facing a severe water crisis. With taps running dry, the community is being forced to rely on alternative sources, sparking concerns about health, safety and rule of law. It is so sad to see as the water crisis deepens, residents of most parts of Chatsworth are growing increasingly desperate and frustrated. In some areas, the residents claimed their taps had run dry since December. In spite of residents protesting against the ongoing water cuts, the…

Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on the greatest all-rounder debate, challenging Ricky Ponting’s assertion that Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer of all time. While Ponting recently hailed Kallis for his staggering numbers with both bat and ball, Gilchrist believes statistics alone don’t define greatness and instead placed the late Shane Warne at the top of cricket’s all-time elite. “I understand where Ricky is coming from — statistically, the runs, wickets, and catches — but there is more to it than just numbers,” Gilchrist said in an interview with news.com.au. “I personally think Shane Warne is the greatest to have played.” Ponting had earlier named Kallis as the cricketing GOAT, citing his 13 289 Test runs, 45 centuries, and 292 wickets as unparalleled achievements. However, Gilchrist insisted…

According to statistics released by the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Sharks have some of the best players in the competition but precious few of them will play against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday. The Sharks team will be something of a mixed bag as coach John Plumtree juggles resources that have been severely depleted by a jaw-dropping amount of injuries and Springbok resting protocols. How Plumtree would love the services of, for instance, Ox Nche in the forwards and Andre Esterhuizen in the backs. Nche, both injured and a key Springbok, has been revealed as the most valuable player in the URC and Esterhuizen, still nursing a knee injury courtesy of a reckless ruck challenge by Stormer Dan Du Plessis, is eighth in the URC Top 100 ranking…

As golfers, we're constantly seeking ways to improve our game, and one of the most coveted skills is the ability to hit a high-flying driver. A higher trajectory can lead to greater distance, more accuracy, and a more consistent game. In this article, we'll explore the key adjustments you can make to your setup, swing, and equipment to help you hit your driver higher and take your game to the next level. Tee height is a critical factor in hitting a higher driver. Experiment with different tee heights to find the optimal position for your swing. A higher tee will allow you to hit the ball with a more upward strike, resulting in a higher trajectory. Ball position is another crucial aspect of setup. Move the ball forward in your…

Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen said the Proteas will be at work before their game against Pakistan, trying to unpack some of their bowling strategies before the game on Wednesday. Klaasen arrived in Pakistan early Tuesday morning, ahead of their match against the host nation for a spot in the final of the Tri-Nations series. New Zealand ran through both (they've also played Pakistan) teams and booked an early seat to the final. Klaasen praised the young Proteas side that lost by six wickets to the Kiwis on Monday, saying they put up a brave fight against an in-form New Zealand side. In his debut ODI performance for the Proteas, Matthew Breetzke put up a staggering 150 runs and broke the world record for most runs scored on the format’s debut.…

New Delhi: When young adults begin their professional life, their amount of daily physical activity as well as sleep, falls steeply, according to a study on Tuesday. The study led by scientists at the University of Cambridge found that physical activity increased initially and later dropped significantly. Young adults who increased their physical activity were those doing semi-routine occupations such as bus driving or hairdressing, and routine occupations such as cleaning or waiting, or technical jobs. Conversely, people entering managerial or professional occupations did not engage in physical activity. The largest drop in levels of physical activity was seen among people who worked from home – though their sleep levels did not change when they started work. “If we want to stay healthy throughout our lives, we need to remember…

TANUJ Virwani, known for his roles in web series and films, has shared his thoughts on nepotism and groupism in the entertainment industry. While the topic has often stirred controversy, Virwani, who hails from a well-known film family, believes that talent and hard work are the key drivers of success in Bollywood. “My mother has never called anyone to get me work. Nepotism exists in every industry. Any parent would want the best for their child. But at the end of the day, talent and hard work matter. The audience is smart. They know who has made it on their own and who hasn’t.”…

Tashmeer Chetty explores the rich cultural history of the theatre, a once-thriving hub of creativity and expression in South Africa, and discovers the legacy it left behind. IT HAS BEEN decades since the old Drama Department and Asoka Theatre at the University of Durban-Westville (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) had closed its doors for good. Years later, Asoka stands with a haunting look and is abandoned. A sad testament of a once blooming environment of rich culture and history, is now left in the dark. The University of Durban- Westville was built as a means of more accessible tertiary education for the Indian community during the infamous apartheid regime. Along with it came thriving departments that catered for various fields of study, of which the Drama Department was one of them.…

Fakir Hassen, a veteran Bollywood critic, released his 34th book, Sau Saal Pehle – A South African Tribute to the Legendary Mohammed Rafi on his Centenary, followed by a music tribute last Wednesday at the Suncoast Cinecentre. At the event were:…

3 cups castor sugar 3 cups flour 1 cup cocoa 1 tbs bicarbonate of soda 1½ tsp baking powder 1½ tsp salt 1½ cups warm water 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature) ¾ cup oil 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence Mix all the dry ingredients in the order of the recipe. In a separate bowl, mix all the wet ingredients and then add them to the dry ingredients. Line 4 round 20cm pans and pour the batter evenly into them. Bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC for 25 to 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean Ganache: 250ml fresh cream, bring to a boil. 500g Cadbury/Lindt plain chocolate slabs, grated/chopped in a glass casserole Pour the boiled cream over the grated chocolate. Stir until smooth and refrigerate…

Crust: 190g Graham crackers/Tennis Biscuits 35g sugar 75g melted butter Cheesecake: 450g Philadelphia cream cheese 165g castor sugar ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla essence 2 large eggs 60g heavy cream 120g sour cream ½ tbs corn flour 1 – 2 tbs lemon juice Bring all the ingredients to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grind the Graham crackers and sugar in a food processor until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Add the butter until well combined. Spray the bottom of a springform pan and line the bottom and sides with baking paper. Add the crust ingredients. Pack very tightly using a measuring cup. You can push a little up the edges. Bake for 8 minutes and then set the oven temperature to 160°C for the cheesecake batter. First whisk…

AFTER a lengthy legal battle, the South Gauteng High Court has ordered the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to pay R850 000 to Trusha Chesney Naidoo for severe injuries sustained in a 2009 car crash. According to the recent judgment, Naidoo was a passenger in one of the vehicles, when the collision occurred on Athol Road in Highlands North, Johannesburg, on July 16, 2009. At the time, Naidoo, who was represented by advocate Docrati in the capacity as curator ad litem, instituted action against the RAF for damages of more than R7.4 million. This included R110 000 for past hospital and medical expenses; R6 590 827 for future loss of income inclusive of further loss of employability and R700 000 for general damages. The RAF had conceded liability, and all damages…

FORMER top student Christopher Singh turned his life around in prison, achieving five distinctions in the 2024 matric exams at Usethubeni Youth School. Inspired by his ill grandmother and driven by a desire to honour his late mother's legacy, Singh's story is a powerful testament to redemption through education. Singh passed five out of eight subjects with distinctions, earning him the title of top matriculant at his school. He struggled with completing school before his incarceration, even though he was a top pupil at his school at the time. Unfortunately, the bad company he kept as a teenager led him to lose his top 10 spot in school and later being expelled. Soon after getting expelled, Singh was arrested and has since been behind bars. With his arrest he was…

URGENT reforms are needed as child neglect and abuse cases by mothers and their partners surge, with experts calling for stricter penalties to protect vulnerable children. Youandi Gilain, from the Isaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary, a safe home for abandoned and abused children, in south Durban, said they had dealt with “heartbreaking” cases of child neglect in recent months. “There is a marked increase in child abandonment from newborn to 3-year-olds. We see neonatal substance abuse, physical and emotional abuse, a lack of supervision, nutritional neglect, sexual abuse and domestic violence on a daily basis,” said Gilain. “One of our worst cases was that of a 2-year-old girl who was raped by her neighbour because she was not properly supervised by her parents. “We also had a 6-year-old boy who was…

IT was some six years ago, way back in November 2018, that I had suspicions Donald Trump suffered from verbal incontinence. No, don’t get me wrong, it was not some kind of medical diagnosis. You see, he was in his first term of office as US president then. And whenever he opened his mouth, he appeared incapable of exercising any voluntary control over what came out in an uncontrollable gush. These classic symptoms of verbal incontinence were so evident when he began spewing out vitriol about illegal immigrants invading his country; hurling insulting remarks about what he called the s***hole countries of sub-Saharan Africa; labelling Hillary Clinton “crooked”; and accusing Iranians of sponsoring terrorism throughout the world. Well, it’s six years later today, he is president again, and has…

SOUTH Africa’s long and complicated history with race continues to shape our present. Incidents like the recent altercation at Centenary Secondary School in Asherville, in Durban, where three pupils were hospitalised after being stabbed in an alleged racial fight, are painful reminders that intolerance still emerges within our communities. Even after nearly three decades of democracy, we see how pockets of prejudice threaten to undermine the progress many have worked hard to achieve. We must therefore strengthen our commitment to building trust, respect and understanding among all South Africans. Our country’s racial divisions were etched into law under apartheid – a formalised system of segregation introduced in 1948, though its roots stretch back even further. Entire areas, schools and resources were divided according to race, sowing distrust between communities and…

A 54-year-old man, who allegedly robbed a 66-year-old woman on their first date, made his first appearance 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 next week for an identity parade and possible bail application. The man was arrested after he allegedly fled with the woman’s handbag. He met her for the first time last Wednesday after matching on the online dating site, Badoo. Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South africa (Rusa), said officers were called to assist a stranded woman at a service station in Verulam last Wednesday. He said Isipingo woman had told the officers she had been chatting to the man…

THE recent violence at Centenary Secondary School, where black and Indian pupils clashed, has reignited concerns about racial tensions in South African schools. For a generation born after 1994, in a country that prides itself on democracy and unity, these incidents raise difficult questions. Why does racial violence persist in spaces meant for learning? And how do we begin to see ourselves as South African first, before we are black, Indian, coloured or white? l The roots of violence in schools South African schools have long struggled with violence, a reality deeply intertwined with broader social issues. Poverty, gangsterism, substance abuse, and fractured family structures all contribute to an environment where violence becomes a means of expression and survival. But when racial divisions fuel this violence, the wounds of our…

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has drawn a striking parallel between India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasising the irreplaceable nature of the fast bowler. Harmison believes that if Bumrah is forced to miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to injury, it would be akin to a FIFA World Cup without Ronaldo at his peak. Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India’s Test series against Australia, is struggling with a swelling on his back and is likely to miss the group stage of the Champions Trophy. However, Harmison insists that India should keep him in the squad until the last possible moment in hopes of his return for the knockout rounds. Speaking on TalkSport Cricket, Harmison made a compelling case for India's patience…

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie celebrated the SA men’s indoor hockey team’s historic bronze medal at the recent World Cup in Croatia as a ‘massive achievement for SA hockey on the global stage’. The South Africans stunned the hockey world with their thrilling run to the semi-final in Porec, where they narrowly lost out to eventual winners Germany. They then picked themselves up from that heartbreak to beat highly ranked Belgium in an equally dramatic bronze medal match on Sunday night. The skilful, electrifying play of the likes of the Cassiem brothers, Dayaan and Mustaphaa, made the BlitzStoks the toast of the hockey world, and of South Africa. Everyone was basking in the emotion and joy of SA’s first men’s World Cup medal. Yet the reality of their struggles in reaching…

Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC have been placed in a difficult position in their ambitions for the Nedbank Cup run with the ongoing Royal AM debacle front and centre. Giant slayers in the previous season after beating Kaizer Chiefs in the last 32 of the Ke Yona competition, the second-tier side remains in the dark about the scheduled meeting with Thwihli Thwahla this time around. The two teams were originally scheduled to meet on January 29 in Pietermaritzburg but that wasn’t possible after the PSL suspended Royal AM from participating in any competition with their ongoing financial troubles. The Pietermaritzburg-based outfit has not participated in a league match since a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on December 29. As it stands, Royal AM remain suspended from the PSL, leaving…