Table of contents for 2026-01-14 in Post

THERE is no shortage of social media posts and articles in the media on setting goals for the new year. Somehow these always focus on achievement and productivity. They are outcome driven. However, the reason that many of these resolutions fail is because they often fail to take into account our capacity, life stressors and unexpected obstacles. As a psychologist, I believe in intentions over resolutions. And these intentions do need to take our mental health into account – as opposed to chasing goals that lead to anxiety, burn-out and self-criticism. When we set intentions that are aligned with our well-being, they are more authentic and more sustainable. When we consider our mental health, we then allow space for unexpected life stressors and curveballs. For example, an intention such as…

Potatoes: 3 medium potatoes 1 tbs vegetable oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 green chillies, finely chopped ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp cumin seeds salt Cauliflower: 1 small cauliflower, head cut into florets 2 tbs vegetable oil ½ tsp turmeric 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ginger/garlic paste ½ tsp salt Chickpeas: 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 tbs vegetable oil 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp garlic powder salt Pickled onion: 1 medium red onion ½ cup white vinegar ½ cup water ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp sugar Burritos: 4 rotis or tortilla wraps 1 cup baby spinach (optional) mint chutney Potatoes: Peel and cube the…

1 x 170g can solid tuna in vegetable oil or brine, drained 1 small red onion ½ cup cucumber, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 avocado, chopped 1 tbs coriander, chopped 2 boiled eggs, chopped Drain the tuna and use a fork to flake them. Add the cucumber, tomato, onion, avocado, coriander and tuna to a large bowl and mix. Cut up the boiled eggs and add it if using. Drizzle the salad dressing over and serve Salad dressing: 2 tbs olive oil 2-3 tbs lemon juice salt pepper Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and whisk. You can add lemon juice according to your preference. Set aside.…

2 large eggs ½ cup granulated sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence 1½ cup (250g) cake wheat flour or all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder ¼ cup (62.5g) melted butter ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 1 ¼ cup chocolate chips Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Sift the flour and baking powder and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, oil and eggs. Mix in the vanilla essence and add the sugar. Mix for about 1 minute using a whisk. Mix in the buttermilk. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, when you can no longer see the flour. Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Do not over mix. Divide the…

THE deputy head boy and triple honours award recipient at Clifton College, Huven Moodley, needs to decide by Friday if he will study for a BCom in accounting, or medicine at UCT. With the deadline looming, Huven was still undecided but said it was a decision one could not take lightly. “My family is helping me decide. I am not one to commit to something without taking everything into consideration,” said Huven, of uMhlanga, who attained 9 distinctions and a 92.4% aggregate in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams. The 18-year-old said he went through an intense four-week preparation period prior to the final exams that comprised mainly extensive practice using past papers. “I took a stoic approach. I did not set numerical goals to say I wanted to achieve…

AFTER receiving a life-saving blood transfusion before major surgery, Lotus FM sports presenter Bhavna Govender is now on a mission to encourage others to donate blood. Her powerful story of gratitude shows how blood donors can make a profound difference in someone’s life. Govender needed a blood transfusion prior to undergoing a major surgery. “Receiving blood was a humbling and life-changing experience. I realised I was able to have the surgery because someone donated their blood. “I am grateful and would like to say to that person, whoever they may be, a big thank you,” said Govender, 40, of Shallcross. She said in November last year, she had a blood transfusion to boost her iron levels. “While I knew about donating blood from a young age, I was unable…

NOT passing a school or tertiary academic year is often experienced as far more than an academic setback. For children, adolescents, and young adults, it can feel like a rupture in identity, confidence, hope and belonging. For parents, it may evoke grief, fear, self-blame and deep concern about the future. Although the event is shared, the emotional weight is often experienced very differently by each. Understanding the psychological impact of academic failure – and responding with compassion rather than panic – can transform this moment from one of shame into one of growth. The emotional impact on the child or pupil For many pupils, academic failure is internalised as a personal flaw rather than a situational outcome. The narrative often shifts from “something didn’t work” to “I am the…

When a FlySafair employee's racist remarks went viral recently, it exposed the persistent gap between SA’s ambitious anti-discrimination laws and their real-world implementation. Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane examines why, despite constitutional protections and specialised legislation, racism continues to thrive in society - and what urgent steps are needed to address these systemic failures AT THE start of 2026, South Africa was confronted with a painful reminder of persistent racism when a former FlySafair airline employee made derogatory remarks against the Indian community and the Taj Mahal. The incident, widely circulated on social media, highlighted the enduring challenges of racial prejudice in society. Despite constitutional protections and anti-discrimination laws, racism continues to devastate communities more than 30 years into democracy. The episode underscores the gap between legal frameworks and their effective implementation,…

IF PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s surgical operation removing President Nicolás Maduro from power is “shocking”, as Roshan Jainath claims (the POST, January 7 – 12), then how was there some sort of merit in tolerating a criminal oppressing the people of Venezuela, and financing drug and human trafficking with stolen oil? There was no outcry when in 2021 the Biden regime offered $25 million for information leading to the removal of Venezuela’s despot whose presidency was denounced by 50 countries as “illegitimate”. Since 2021, Maduro has been a fugitive of American justice. He headed the feared de Los Soles narco-terror organisation which controlled Venezuela. What indefinite, unilateral right did he have to use Venezuela’s oil to finance terrorism and oppression while, with impunity, shipping narcotics to the US? Of course, the…

SOUTH Africans must pay attention to the tremors shaking the world order. From Gaza to Caracas, these struggles reveal a deeper truth: the American empire is faltering, while BRICS – with South Africa as a key member – is rising as a credible alternative. The kidnapping of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, the strikes on Iran, and the crises in Israel and Ukraine, are not isolated events. They are symptoms of a desperate empire clinging to power as new alliances reshape the global stage. Before October 7, 2024, Israel was on the verge of collapse from within. Mass protests over judicial reform had persisted for months, civil society and the judiciary were in open conflict with the government, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a political future many…

FIRST and foremost, we extend our sincere condolences to the Ramiah family for the loss of Julian. The loss of any life is a tragedy, and we recognise the profound grief his family is experiencing and the advocacy for justice. While we empathise with their loss, our silence until now has not been an admission of guilt, rather it has been a deliberate choice made in the best interests of the child at the centre of this tragedy, who will one day need to understand the truth about both his parents with dignity and compassion. We have also maintained our silence out of profound respect for the legal process. The evidence presented in court tells a very different story from what has been portrayed in public which documents a pattern…

Along the North Coast, smaller boats and skis have been right in the thick of the action, producing consistent dorado and couta and keeping rods bent from launch to return. Deeper reefs and wrecks continue to deliver strong bottom fishing, with quality trawl soldiers and a wide mix of species coming to hand. Squid and sardines remain the top bait choices in deeper water, while dorado have been particularly aggressive, with several larger fish testing both anglers and tackle to the limit. In the central Durban zone, dorado continue to steal the spotlight, showing impressive consistency week after week. While couta are still popping up, dorado dominate the catch reports with no signs of slowing down. Bait availability is steadily improving, with fresh supplies reaching tackle shops. Tuna are responding…

KAJAL Maharaj’s journey from a shy child with big dreams to an acclaimed actress and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. With her heart firmly set on acting, she faced a world that often underestimated her ambition. Yet, with unwavering support from her family and a fierce determination, she carved out a vibrant and influential presence in the South African entertainment industry. The actress recently starred in My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding, directed and written by Theshan Naicker. It was a love story of an interracial relationship between a Zulu man and an Indian woman (played by Maharaj) and was released on December 12. At one stage, the film was among the top 5 movies watched in cinemas. Maharaj said she knew the film would stir, open minds, spark…

EVERY January, gyms fill up, grocery carts get lighter, and motivation feels sky-high. Yet by February, many people have already fallen off. Not because they’re lazy but because they had no real plan. Whether you’re under 40, over 40, a complete beginner, or someone getting back on track after the holidays, this year can be different if you approach it the right way. New Year’s resolutions: why most fail and how to make yours stick The biggest mistake people make with New Year’s resolutions is going too extreme, too fast. Crash diets, seven-day training plans, or trying to “undo” December in two weeks usually backfire. Instead of chasing motivation, focus on consistency and systems. Motivation fades. Habits don’t. Ask yourself: Can I maintain this routine in March? Can…

AFTER weeks of festive meals, late nights, and sweet treats, many of us feel heavy, tired, bloated, or even a bit low on energy. This is completely normal – your body is simply trying to recover. One of the best ways to support your body and mind as you return to your regular routine is to shift to an anti-inflammatory diet. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, poor sleep, overeating, or too much sugar and processed foods. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to low energy, joint pain, weight gain, poor digestion, or even lifestyle diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. What is an anti-inflammatory diet? An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in whole, fresh foods – mainly vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, whole grains and good quality proteins.…

8 Portuguese rolls 8 chicken breasts tomato onion Prego sauce: 2 tbs harissa paste ¼ cup peri-peri sauce ½ cup tomato sauce/passata 3 tbs fresh lemon juice 3 tbs olive oil 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 3 large cloves garlic, minced Place all the ingredients for the prego sauce in a bowl and mix well. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap or a ziplock bag. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken lightly from the centre, working your way to the edges. Set aside some of the sauce for later use. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the remaining marinade over. Refrigerate for an hour. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large pan on high heat and fry…

¼ cup butter, melted 200ml milk 1 large egg, room temperature 1½ cup self-raising flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ¼ tsp salt 2 tbs granulated sugar ½ tsp cayenne pepper 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese 1 spring onion, chopped Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Grease a muffin pan and set aside. Melt the butter and add it to the milk together with the egg. Beat it well and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, sugar, cayenne pepper, cheese and spring onion. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and fold the ingredients in until well combined. Do not over mix. Pour the batter into the muffin pan. I add about a ¼ cup of batter per muffin. Bake for 15 minutes…

A PHOENIX mother shared her devastating experience after her son, an e-hailing driver and community police forum member, was kidnapped and murdered by an alleged syndicate targeting drivers in the area. Another driver revealed he narrowly escaped the same fate a week earlier. Four suspects – including two minors – have been arrested and charged for the murder of Muhammed Muzaffar Saib, 24, of Whetstone. Shaakira Saib said her son, Muzaffar, had disappeared soon after he had dropped off passengers in Shawham Place, Westham, last Monday just after 9pm. She said he had been stabbed and assaulted, and she thought he was making his way home when he collapsed and died in a stream at Rydalvale Grounds in Whetstone, last Wednesday. His body was found 200 metres away from his…

AFTER receiving five units of blood following a serious car accident 10 years ago, Gregory Naidoo, from Chatsworth, recommitted to his blood donation journey that began when he was just 16. Now at 57, he has donated 20 times and runs blood donation clinics at his local church, embodying his belief that “I am my brother’s keeper”. “I sustained multiple injuries, both internal and external, which resulted in a great loss of blood. I am grateful to have received a transfusion which was life-giving.” Naidoo, an electronic security sales consultant, said prior to needing a blood transfusion, he had been a donor since he was 16 years old. “In 1984, I gave my first donation during a blood drive at my high school. My friends and I were inspired to…

Religious leaders have welcomed the Sanathan Dharma Cremation Society’s proposal to include shrouding of bodies for cremation, replacing the need for a coffin or coffin shell for cremations. Pundit Lokesh Maharajh, the chairperson of the Priest’s Council of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said they were in support of the proposal. He said shrouding was an age-old practice observed across many cultures and religions, including Hinduism. “Within Hindu funeral rites, the body is traditionally wrapped in a simple cloth prior to cremation or burial, symbolising simplicity, equality in death, and detachment from material possessions. Historically, coffins were not part of Hindu funerary practice and became common largely due to colonial and municipal regulations. “Granting this proposal would allow families to forgo purchasing a coffin while still ensuring dignity, safety…

ONCE upon a time, long ago, the notion of joint families was the accepted norm. Live together, share the space, share the cost and live happily ever after. But over-exposure across decades, to especially Indian and Pakistani television drama where domineering in-laws invariably led to some heavy conflict, and made the lives of everybody involved a messy business. It created a new, modern word – independence." Every newly married couple, from that point, made it a prenuptial condition that they would live separately, for the good of everybody concerned. But, then, of late, the original mother-hen, realising that with the children gone it would become very difficult to meet the inflated rates, taxes, geyser-repairs, body corporate levy and R30/kg jam tomatoes, on her own, suddenly turned the tables. She…

WHO told you leadership has a gender? Who decided authority sounds masculine and strength must wear a man’s face? Who keeps moving the finish line every time a woman reaches it? And why, in the 21st century, are we still pretending this debate isn’t already settled? Because, honestly, this argument itself is tired, dusty, and intellectually embarrassing. The idea that women are “born followers” is not an opinion. It is a confession. Yes! A confession of insecurity, nostalgia for unearned authority, and fear that their own mediocrity will be exposed. So, let me be clear, once and for all: women are leaders and not potential leaders or emerging leaders. Not leaders “despite” being women. Leaders. Period. And anyone still arguing otherwise is not protecting tradition – they are protecting their…

A TACTICAL firearm instructor for the SAPS and a Phoenix arms dealer claim they were unfairly treated and suffered reputational damage after being stopped at a roadblock. The pair were allegedly publicly portrayed as “corrupt gun runners” despite having documentation for their firearms, and are now pursuing legal action against authorities. Warrant Officer Mac Maharajh, 57, and his cousin, Jerome Chetty, 45, the owner of Mt Edgecombe Arms and Ammo, and Syndicate Protection Services, were stopped at a road block at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza last Monday. The roadblock was conducted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Durban metro police and the SAPS as part of the Department of Transport’s Nenzani La Ezweni Operation. Maharajh, a tactical firearm instructor for the Tshwane Police Training College in Pretoria, was on vacation…

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows enter the second round of the Betway Premiership carrying two contrasting identities. On one hand, Abafana Bes’thende remain one of the most entertaining teams in the division. On the other, they are tethered by inconsistency and a transfer ban that removes the comfort of quick fixes. Sitting 10th on the table ahead of the return of domestic football following the AFCON break, Arrows are neither drifting nor climbing. They are paused — and that pause places unusual weight on the shoulders of their coach, Manqoba Mngqithi. This is where his value will be measured most clearly. A transfer ban forces honesty. It strips away the illusion that solutions can be purchased in January and places the responsibility squarely on coaching, structure and belief. For Arrows, the second…

OUR ancients, unparalleled in their understanding of the body, had deciphered the secrets to arrest ageing. They understood that vitality and longevity arise naturally when the body functions according to its prakriti and is in a state of balance. Ayurveda states that ama, or undigested residue, is the root of imbalance as it permeates the cells, obstructing the free movement of prana. Cleansing of the body is important not only for health, but also for spiritual evolution. Rasayanas and techniques such as Agnisaar Kriya directly stimulate the manipoorak chakra, strengthening digestive fire and ensuring that waste does not stagnate in the colon – as according to Ayurveda “death begins in the colon”. Today there are a number of treatments introduced in the market, like hydrocolon therapy for detox. However, they…

1 tortilla wrap or roti 2 tsp butter 2 large eggs, beaten 2 tbs chopped onion 1 small tomato 1 tbs chopped coriander leaves 1 green chilli a pinch of chilli powder a pinch of ground cumin ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese salt pepper Beat the eggs with some salt, cumin, chilli powder and pepper and set aside. Heat 2 teaspoon of butter in a non-stick pan on medium heat, big enough to accommodate a 2-egg omelette. Pour in the beaten eggs and allow it to cook for a few seconds. Sprinkle the onion, tomatoes, chilli and coriander. Sprinkle the cheese over. Place the tortilla wrap on top of the omelette. Cook for about another minute. Use a spatula and flip it over, gently. Allow the wrap to toast…

500g chicken breasts or thighs 4 breasts 2 tbs vegetable oil 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp chilli powder 1½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp salt Sauce: 2 tbs tomato paste ¾ cup chicken broth 1 tbs lime juice ½ tsp sugar To serve: 8 taco shells onion tomato jalapeno coriander lettuce sour cream Mix one tablespoon of oil, paprika, oregano, cumin, chilli powder, salt, onion powder and garlic powder together. Cut the chicken breasts into halves vertically into 8 fillets. Mix the marinade into the chicken. Heat the other tablespoon of oil in a pan and brown the chicken on either side, about a minute on each side. It’s fine if it is not fully…

¼ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup butter room temperature 3 medium bananas ¾ cup granulated sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 large eggs room temperature ¼ cup buttermilk 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1½ cup cake wheat or all purpose flour ¼ cup cocoa ¼ cup chocolate chips Preheat the oven to 180 ºC. Line a small loaf pan (about 900g). Add the butter, oil and sugar to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer and mix until it is pale in colour. About 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla essence. Beat in the eggs until well combined. Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk and mix. Mix in the bicarbonate of soda and flour until it is combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix. Place…

FAMILIES across Durban are navigating the financial challenges of back-to-school season, with some spending up to R15 000 on uniforms and stationery. Despite rising costs, pupils from various schools share their enthusiasm for the new academic year and their aspirations for the future. Schools across the province will open on Wednesday for the 2026 academic year. For Jayde Moodley, 12, of Tongaat, who will be in Grade 7 at Umhlali Preparatory, the new school year is filled with anticipation. “I am excited to go back to school, to see my friends and to learn new things. My favourite subjects are maths and natural science. I hope to be an engineer one day,” said Jayde. His father, Jeeva Moodley, said stationery was essential, but acknowledged the financial pressure many parents experienced.…

SUCCESS in the high stakes National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams is regarded as the gateway to a better quality of life in South Africa. However, structural inequalities, economic downturns, policy constraints, and social realities in South Africa often thwart opportunities and undermine the promise of education as a panacea to the problem of poverty. Post-matriculants can expect to encounter challenges as they transition into the post-school environment where unemployment among the 15- to 24-year-old population was reportedly 58% in the third quarter of 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. The current job market is skills-based, and individuals with a tertiary qualification, or those who have high levels of digital literacy, or individuals who come to the job market with work experience, are more likely to be employed. Statistics reveal that…

SOUTHERN Sun Hotels has secured a 50-year lease agreement with eThekwini Municipality, representing a R1 billion investment that will revitalise Durban’s iconic beachfront. Fedhasa hailed this as a strategic development that would boost tourism, create jobs, and reinforce confidence in Durban as a premier destination. Jaya Naidoo, the general manager Fedhasa East Coast, said they welcomed the recently-concluded lease agreement as a highly-positive and strategic development for Durban. “This agreement sends a strong signal of confidence, stability and long-term commitment to Durban as a premier tourism and investment destination. Long-term certainty enables meaningful capital investment into these iconic beachfront assets, ensuring continued upgrades, improved service standards, and enhanced visitor experiences – all of which strengthen Durban’s overall destination offering. “Beyond the properties themselves, the benefits extend more broadly to the…

KWAZULU-NATAL, despite overseeing one of the country’s largest matric cohorts, not only met the challenge but excelled, showcasing the strength of its teachers, the resilience of its communities, and the discipline of its pupils. KZN achieved the highest provincial pass rate for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams at 90.6%, helping nudge the national pass rate to a record 88%, up 0.7% from 2024. A decade ago, in 2015, KZN’s pass rate was 60.7%, making it one of the worst-performing provinces nationally. The POST congratulates Ethan Naicker of Port Shepstone Secondary School, who is the top 2025 KZN matric pupil. KZN also made its mark on a national level with several districts, Umkhanyakude, Pinetown, Umlazi, Ugu, Ilembe, and Amajuba, all ranking among the Top 10 performing districts in South…

DONALD Trump has the hallmarks of a Hitler. If it was not for the US Congress, the world would be staring at another Nazi-like dictator. For he has all the makings of an autocrat – arrogant, racist, egotistical, ignorant, dangerous, unpredictable and delusional. He must have been a big bully at school. No sooner had he come into power for the second time, he sent world markets into turmoil with his tariff war. Now he is rattling his sabre again and threatening military action and occupation against smaller nations which cannot defend themselves against the mighty world power. He tried to intervene in Brazil. He wanted his jailed right wing ally Bolosonaro back in power. When that failed he turned his lustful eyes to oil-rich Venezuela. Accusing…

PRESIDENT Donald Trump, you were elected to govern the USA, and not given a mandate to rule and intimidate the world. Your distorted knowledge of events in South Africa are truly out of alignment. It is indeed tragic that powerful nations laid the seeds of anarchy, chaos and massive bloodshed in war afflicted areas of the world. It is only diplomacy that can bring about tranquillity in this arc of crisis. Sadly, there are outside forces who are manipulating events for their own selfish purposes, while the area descends and fragments into utter chaos. The current bloodbath in the these conflict zones are escalating out of control. Scores of people of every religion are killed across the Middle East every day. In Gaza, 150 000 innocent civilians were killed, without…