Table of contents for 2024-12-11 in Post

Aurets is a healer, psychic medium, intuitive mentor, masseuse and regression therapist. She also teaches meditation and breath work. She is passionate about holistic care and offers a small range of holistic products. Aurets practises in the Upper Highway, KZN. Find her on https://www.facebook.com/healing 1920. Contact her at 079 356 4657 or theeternalbreath@gmail.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Accept transformation. It is part of growth. Be courageous as you release the past while facing the future with optimism and anticipation. Acknowledge the magic and brilliance within. Deepen your gratitude. Practice ensuring positive shifts. Magic number: 7. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Trust your inner knowing. Accept without doubt the inner guidance your soul is sharing. Draw on your inner strengths and wisdoms that are within. All the answers…

THE first part in this franchise from South India was a huge hit and this latest release has already set a box office record for the greatest number of bookings on the first day of any Indian film made, as it released in its original Telugu as well as Tamil and Hindi worldwide, including South Africa. But while the epic of almost three-and-a-half hours is largely entertaining with Allu Arjun playing the Robin Hood-type anti-hero, who uses his smuggling of rare sandalwood to assist those in need while paying off cops and politicians, it fizzles out in the last hour as director Sukumar apparently ran out of ideas. He could have easily left off that section and ended it conclusively half an hour before the movie ends, but he appears…

A PHOENIX car wash which employs models in bikinis to “wash cars” as part of its advertising strategy, has set temperatures soaring. Some community leaders have claimed the women were being exploited for monetary gains, while others described it as a “great marketing strategy”. But the manager of the Starwood Lifestyle Auto Spa car wash, Eddie Isaac, said there had been no exploitation in mind when their marketing team decided to employ the women to promote the car wash. They are now looking to employ men in speedos to attract more females to the carwash. “We were looking to bring something new to the Durban car wash business. This is not something that Durban has seen before. We also use a touchless car wash system. We spray imported chemicals on…

HOURS after the husband of a Parlock doctor escaped an attempted hijacking on Friday morning, he was repeatedly stabbed and beaten with a blood pressure machine, by a man posing to be a patient. Tashir Thaku, 42, who owns and manages the Parlock Healthcare Centre, where his wife Dr Kirona Hansraj practices as a general practitioner, said he thought he was going to die as he passed out from his injuries. He sustained fractures to his jaw, shoulder and ribs and eight stab wounds to his hands, head and back. “It was about 4pm when a patient came to see the doctor. My wife was in the consulting room and he said he was not comfortable discussing his problems with a female and he wanted to speak to a…

IN 2003 the United Nations General Assembly declared December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day to “raise awareness about the damaging effects of corruption and promote international efforts to combat it. The day also marks the anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the first global legally binding instrument against corruption.” International Anti-Corruption Day December 9, 2024, theme is Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity. The youth comprise 1.9bn or about 25% of the global population. According to the UN: “Young people have dreams and aspirations, but corruption erodes the fabric of society, stifles progress and deprives them of educational opportunities, job prospects, engagement in public life, success in sports and access to healthcare and other essential services. Additionally, it contributes to environmental degradation and climate destruction.”…

DECEMBER is indeed the holiday or silly season. With the exams over, it's time to unwind, relax and have some fun. My appeal to parents is to know where your children are during the holiday season. The rush to the coast for the annual holiday will begin. Sadly, the death toll will also rise because of negligent and drunk driving. Safe driving starts behind the wheel. Ensure your car is in good condition. One has to be careful not to speed, overtake on a blind rise or drive recklessly. Even if you do all of this, it is only half the battle. Remember, we need to consider other drivers and pedestrians. My appeal for reinforcement is critical. High visibility, roadblocks and spot checks on the roadworthiness of vehicles are a…

IN THE 12 years that I tolerated school there were three recurring words that I totally abhorred. I have to be careful to explain this delicately and circumspectly. This being a family newspaper, I do not want to set a bad example for your own precious school-going progeny and create a rebel in your household. Besides the subject of English, I felt school quite boring, more like a necessary evil. I went through the motions and relied on my memory to retain the basics to recall them later for the never-ending tests and exams. Despite my laissez-faire attitude to school, I was not half-bad at it and exited school life with a considerable nest of book prizes and other awards, which I keep treasured and safe to this day. Many…

THE NIC 130 Organising Committee concluded its work by adopting a final report that covers the work done to celebrate the 130th anniversary year of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) as well as, consultations on the future of the NIC. The committee, in consultation with former NIC activists, resolved to establish a steering committee to facilitate an NIC legacy project and work towards a civil society formation that will contribute to advancing our democracy. The report reaffirms the important legacy of the NIC in its contribution to the freedom Struggle and the creation of our democracy. Its principles of ethical leadership, non-racialism, equality and economic justice remain all enduring. The year-long programme included two-well attended public events, significant media coverage, two workshops, and nine local and sector consultations. The public…

IN AN ATTEMPT to understand the high food prices in Gauteng when compared to other provinces, the important point to factor in is the movement of goods from a point of production to the point of consumption. A number of products including chicken- and grain-based items are offloaded at the Durban Harbour and are then moved to a number of far- off areas, Gauteng included. So, logistics are an important part of the equation because there is the petrol price and other equipment that form part of the logistics industry. That said, it is equally important to note that while logistics and the production costs have always been cited as the primary, if not the only reason for rising food prices, there have been instances where that argument has failed…

In November, 27 foods increased in price, and 17 foods decreased in price. Foods in the basket which increased in price in November 2024 by 5% or more, include: stock cubes (6%), chicken feet (6%), chicken livers (5%), bananas (10%), and oranges (13%). Foods in the basket which increased in price in November 2024 by 2% or more, include: maize meal (3%), white sugar (2%), onions (3%), frozen chicken portions (2%), tea (2%), full cream milk (2%), beef liver (2%), polony (3%), and brown bread (3%). Foods in the basket which decreased in price in November 2024, by 5% or more, include: potatoes (-19%), rice (-5%), carrots (-5%), and butternut (-5%). Foods in the basket which decreased in price in November 2024, by 2% or more, include:…

The Proteas women are looking to make amends for a disappointing turnout in the T20 Internationals with a first-ever series victory against England in the final One Day International at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom today (2pm start). The series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams having inflicted heavy defeats on one another in the first two matches. India will host the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup next year, and as important as winning this series will be, a lot of work will also go towards shaping their teams ahead of the global showpiece. South Africa will have the tough task of bouncing back from their crushing six-wicket loss at Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban on Sunday, and they will need to produce…

There could have been many beneficial factors taken from Papwa Sewgolum had he graced us for a little more years to come. The mindset to become a world champion and to conquer all obstacles against him would have served a great inspiration for golfers far and wide. December 10th would have marked the 96th Birthday for this legend and I found this the perfect opportunity to draw a tip from his game as a tribute to my grandad. While there are many golf tips to take out from Papwa, I have chosen two that stand out for me as coach and something most golfers can learn. As we know the golf grip for a right handed golfer is left hand above and right hand below. Papwa made his unique grip…

THE 46th Central Memorial Tournament was hosted by the Central Durban Club on Saturday at the Royal Durban Golf Club. One of the prized awards, in memory of Papwa Sewgolumn and other champion golfers who have passed on, was the famed POST Papwa Putter. At the tournament were:…

DIRECT flights between South Africa and India are likely to start in 2026 as some airlines acquire new aircrafts. The South African High Commission in New Delhi and the South African Consulate General in Mumbai organised several events in celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa, 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as South Africa’s assumption of the G20 Presidency in 2025. The weeklong celebration coincided with a tourism outreach visit by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille and included trade and investment business conclaves, and engagements with Indian tour operators and associations. At the conclave it emerged that SpiceJet, an Indian domestic airline, would consider a charter flight arrangement with South Africa. Indigo Airlines, a low cost airline, said it was committed…

This year, Chatsworth, one of the most vibrant townships in the country, celebrates 60 years since it was founded in the 1960s. To mark this anniversary, the POST is publishing a series of articles from Kiru Naidoo’s book, Made in Chatsworth. WHAT do Christmas and Chatsworth buses have in common? Well for one, it's the annual migration to Cape Town. You can be sure that my aunties and one two uncles from the Bangladesh district will be styling in tank tops and shorts on the V&A Waterfront. Its fuller name is Victoria and Alfred. Named after a randy old queen. Now that's not a reference to Skinny, an early Chatsworth pioneer of what we now know was the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) movement. Skinny was a killer…

THIS newspaper does not want to be likened to the Grinch who stole Christmas by being a party pooper. However, given the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol, we side with Limpopo deputy police commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers who has proposed a liquor sales curfew over the festive season. He has expressed concern about the spike in alcohol-related crime around Christmas and has suggested a ban on drinks sales after midnight instead of 2am, so police could focus on crime. Scheepers said liquor itself was not the problem, but rather the behaviour of those who consumed it irresponsibly. Despite opposition to Scheeper’s proposal by those selling alcohol, he has drawn widespread support from several community-conscious quarters. Alcohol abuse is responsible for more than 65% of the deaths and injuries…

I WAS recently at the Phoenix Assessment Centre and was impressed at the service offered at the government run institution. The entry from the main security gate was fantastic until the drop-off point. The security kept a watch from his point to ensure my passengers were dropped off. Three wheelchairs were readily available. My aunty wheeled my uncle into the waiting hall. I parked the car and then went into the hall where we were number four in the queue. We waited for a lady to take our details and bring us the file. She then indicated we had to proceed to the prosthesis room. We went into the waiting area file in hand. We waited our turn and proceeded when called by the specialist. The nurse requested I go…

IT IS VERY sad that all parties from the Government of National Unity (GNU) supported a salary increase to be awarded to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The MK Party and the EFF opposed the increase. Those that supported the increase had an ulterior motive. After the announcement of the president’s increase, all 400 members in Parliament will get an increase. Ministers, deputy ministers, second deputy ministers (a bloated number), who belong to the GNU will get an increase of about R10 000 per month. How could they justify receiving an increase of R10 000 per month and the very same ministers and MPs gave the old age pensioners a R10 increase per month? I find it mind-boggling to understand the rationale used by the people sitting in parliament in giving the…

"SINISTER motives" are suspected to be behind the executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Neeshan Balton, being subpoenaed to appear in court on Friday over the deaths of two Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) cadres in 1989. Balton was subpoenaed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, to be "examined" about the circumstances of an explosion and subsequent deaths of Yusuf Akhalwaya and Prakash Napier. Today marks their 35th death anniversary. In a statement issued ahead of him appearing in the Randburg Magistrate's Court, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation gave its "full support" to Balton, adding that it was "proud of his commendable contribution to the liberation struggle in our country". The foundation said the way the case was unfolding, it gave the impression that the…

SEXUAL violation against pupils, especially perpetrated by teachers and other school staff has become a serious concern across the country. According to the recently released SAPS crime statistics for the second quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year (July to September 2024), during this period, six pupils were raped on school premises, with the perpetrators being teachers. However, these figures could be higher, said Adeshini Naicker, director of the non-profit organisation, Childline KZN. “This issue of children being bullied and sexually assaulted by school staff is very serious and concerning. While it is hard to get exact numbers due to underreporting, it is clear that more cases are being reported now because of better awareness and media coverage. “However, many cases still go unreported due to fear, stigma, or a lack…

A 40-YEAR-OLD Silverglen mother of two has alleged that doctors at a Chatsworth hospital are responsible for her baby’s death after she was misdiagnosed and treated for a hernia instead of a pregnancy. Kershnee Chetty had experienced stomach pains with nausea and vomiting since March this year. Her husband, Tharesh Maharaj, 49, a mechanic, said he took her to the Merebank Clinic for a pregnancy test. “The test was negative. The nurse told her that she had a hernia. When her condition worsened, I took her to the RK Khan Hospital. The hospital did not do a pregnancy test, and also diagnosed that she was suffering from a hernia. “From March, she was treated for a hernia. Her health was worrying as she got more and more sick with each…

IN THESE times of increasing struggle in South Africa, each passing day reveals stirring examples of the resourcefulness, enterprise and talent of women who, despite the worst excesses of apartheid, were able to come through adversity in a manner that richly demonstrates the indomitable spirit of women. The will to survive, the determination to meet the challenge, to overcome the odds and to strive for success; are qualities that were not to be denied. This was the experience of the black people of South Africa; and among the countless instances that can be recorded, is the remarkable story of what was The Indian Opinion and The Leader, publishing ventures whose survival is inextricably linked with the struggles of Sushila Gandhi and Saraswati Bramdaw. A buried legend in the annals of…

The Proteas Women named a strong squad as they gear up to face off against England in a one-off Test match in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Currently involved in a heated One Day International series that is on a knife-edge level at 1-1, the Proteas will soon shift their focus to the longer format of the game, and on Tuesday they named a 15-player squad to take on England in a four-day match at the Mangaung Oval. England’s 417/8 (declared) was not enough as the Proteas managed to hang on to a nail-biting draw at the County Cricket ground in Taunton in 2022. South Africa will play their first Test on home soil since they last lost by 10 wickets against India in Paarl during the 2001/02 season. Tumi Sekhukhune has…

South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been a part of the Proteas men’s teams that have had recent achievements in World Cup cricket, and he wants to be a part of the squad that will be attempting to win their second Champions Trophy next year. A painful past The Proteas have a rich history in the game of cricket; they have achieved a lot in all forms of the game since their readmission in 1991, and they have continued to consistently maintain their status as one of the best teams in the world. They have, however, struggled to shake off the monkey that has been on their back throughout their existence, and they have had to cling on to hope as they continue the search for glory. They had…

HOUSE on 5th Avenue, a one-man satirical comedy that deals with issues of today through the lens of the Indian community, will be staged by Tashmeer Chetty on December 20 and 21. The production, which will feature 20 characters, will be held at the Avonford Secondary School art room. The comedy will be Tashmeer’s first independent production as a writer and director “Audiences can expect comedy, a bit of tears and more comedy. It touches on issues such as politics, utility bill tyranny, family betrayal, male dominance and hypocrisy among people of various religious backgrounds.” Tashmeer said he garnered these themes during the research phase of the project last December, when he interviewed people in public spaces around the Phoenix Plaza and shopping vicinity. “They told me of their troubles,…

A bell tower, older than a century, that was used to alert indentured labourers of their working hours, was relocated from the Maidstrone Barracks to the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple in Gandhi’s Hill in Tongaat. An event was held to commemorate the installation as well as the temple’s 108th anniversary. At the event were:…

NINE months after moving into her own flat to take up a permanent teaching post at a school for children with special needs, Simone Naidoo was “callously” killed by a man known to her before he turned the gun on himself. Naidoo, 31, of Margate, was shot five times by the man, who has not yet been identified, last Sunday morning. It has been alleged that he had pursued Naidoo romantically, but she rejected him. She became the latest statistic of crimes committed against women as the country commemorated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign from November 25 to December 10. During this time, there have been strong calls for urgent intervention to address the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)…

THE proposed liquor sales curfew proposed by the Limpopo deputy police commissioner, Jan Scheepers, has been welcomed by many sectors. He also suggested that alcohol sales outlets close at 12am instead of 2am, so police could focus on crime, and that noise control measures needed to be enforced. Scheepers recently met with various liquor affairs stakeholders in Limpopo where he made the proposal. During a live broadcast on Newzroom Afrika, Scheepers said liquor itself was not the problem, but rather the behaviour of those who could consume it responsibly. “If people can drink responsibly and take responsibility for themselves as well as their friends and family, I foresee us having a festive season that everyone will enjoy. “I am concerned because we have seen a trend in this province. Come…

THE ongoing water woes in Tongaat, on the north coast, has left residents frustrated and in the dark about why there has been an inconsistent water supply for the past three weeks. They say the eThekwini Municipality has not given them a “proper reason” for the erratic water supply. Don Perumal, of the Tongaat Ratepayers Association, said the water supply went off during the day and “if you are lucky” it would come back on at night. “The water supply in Tongaat has been highly inconsistent. We are having an issue that even the eThekwini Water and Sanitation department are battling to understand. Initially it was suspected that the outage was caused by burst pipes from the Tongaat water works to the reservoir. But that is not the case. Over…

Saturday 18th November Day 43 Thousands more have been forced to leave these homes this morning after renewed attacks targeted the peripheries of Jabalia camp overnight. From 9:30pm to 6:30am, the air raids never stopped coming, from the west, the north and the east. Hell was poured on Jabalia. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed. When the sun rose, those who survived simply had to run with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Most of them headed towards the centre of the camp. The schools are full, everyone knows, but they have nowhere else to go. The majority of this great flood of people came into the camp from areas adjacent to Beit Lahia and Beir Naja. I didn’t sleep all night. I had decided to spend the night at…

THE degree of honoris causa for his contribution to humanitarian arts could well see man of mirth Muthu Murugan being referred to as Dr Murugan for keeping audiences in stitches for more than four decades. Political chameleon Visvin Reddy could emerge as Dr Reddy with an honorary doctorate in public affairs, never mind that he has traded party allegiance as frequently as the seasons change. With the rate at which honorary doctorates and professorships are being accorded by universities, colleges and even Bible schools, about anybody can get the title of “Dr” if you have money to buy one, have a good proposal writer or have the right connections high up. Muthu and Visvin, provided they choose to do a little bit of lobbying and by pushing the right buttons,…

CYRIL Ramaphosa's latest move is a stark reminder of the pervasive corruption and lack of accountability in South Africa’s government. By transferring Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to Human Settlements, he is essentially shielding her from accountability for her questionable actions, including the “unlawful deposits” and “loan” from the VBS bank, which was being plundered at the time. As mayor of Polokwane, Simelane’s extravagant spending, totalling almost 600% more than her annual income, raises serious questions about the source of her wealth. Investigative journalism suggests that her companies may have received more funds than they generated, potentially bankrolling her lifestyle. Simelane’s refusal to resign, despite being an embarrassment to the nation, is unsurprising. As an “old cadre”, she knows she will be redeployed, and not held accountable. This culture of impunity…

FUNERALS are sad occasions. But there is a tendency nowadays to celebrate rather than mourn the departed soul in the belief that the dead person is now free of the rigours of life on earth and, according to Greek mythology, is enjoying life in the Elysian Fields in the underworld or living a life of serenity and bliss up in heaven as Christians believe. But no matter how much we try to glorify death, it remains a traumatic and painful experience for the deceased’s family. So, it was with one of my wife’s relatives from Havenside who possibly died from a massive heart attack. He had just celebrated his 63rd when death cruelly struck him down in the early hours of Saturday morning. What makes this rather poignant is that…

INVESTIGATING officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Naidoo, stationed at the unit Crimes Against the State: TRC investigations, has made an affidavit in support of the subpoena for Neeshan Balton. He said Yusuf Akhalwaya, Prakash Napier and Jameel Chand operated covertly from a safe house in Lenasia in Johannesburg that had been identified by Balton. Naidoo said Balton was the ANC Johannesburg contact, who recruited the three, and during October 1, 1987, to December 11, 1989, the Ahmed Timol Unit had conducted 33 acts of sabotage. These acts, said Naidoo, were never conducted without authorisation. "All their targets were approved by Balton, with the exception of the Lenasia Military base, advising it was too risky," Naidoo had said. "Their strategy as in operations was to create anarchy and mayhem for the enemy (apartheid…

CHILDREN subjected to bullying or sexual assault often experience a breakdown in their sense of safety and self-worth. In the short term, they may exhibit signs such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. Fear and shame can create barriers to seeking help, leaving them feeling isolated. Over the long term, unresolved trauma can manifest as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty forming trusting relationships, and low self-esteem. These children may carry the scars of their experiences into adulthood, affecting their emotional resilience, academic potential, and professional lives. It is crucial to intervene early, as timely support can significantly mitigate these effects and empower children to heal. Warning signs for parents Children often struggle to articulate their distress, making it essential for parents to observe…

GONE are the days when Priya Govender and Jennie Delpaul’s Christmas menu included a roast leg of lamb and seafood. The rising cost of living has meant they have had to forego these traditional dishes. According to data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, November and December are particularly difficult times for families as the average cost of the household food basket increases. “A roast leg of lamb and prawns were must-haves for Christmas, but inflation has put these items out of my reach,” said Govender, 50, from Chatsworth. She is unemployed and lives with her father, Perry, 86 and brother, Naveen, 58. Naveen was a merchandiser at a dairy company. In 2021 he was retrenched and still supports his family with money from his voluntary severance…

NEW DELHI: India has seen remarkable growth in medical education in the last 10 years. Medical colleges have doubled from just 387 in 2013-14, to 780 in 2024-25 – a 102% growth, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States, the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of India. During the same period, the seats for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS) also rose from 51 348 to 118 137 – a 130% surge. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest growth. From just 30 in 2014, the state now has 86 medical colleges. The state is also leading in medical seats. From 3 749 in 2014, it now has 12 425 seats. Maharashtra saw an increase from 44 to 80 medical colleges.…

Manchester City’s malaise leaves the English champions in the unusual position of fretting over qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League ahead of a tricky trip to Italian giants Juventus. City have won just once in their past nine games in all competitions, with an injury crisis and a loss of form for some of their biggest stars leading to the worst run of Pep Guardiola's managerial career. Despite a 4-1 humbling by Sporting Lisbon and an embarrassing collapse from 3-0 up to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord, they are still in a position to qualify from the new league-phase format. They sit 17th in the 36-team table, with a top-24 finish enough to secure a place in the playoff round at the least. However, their chances of direct…

The festive season has arrived, bringing with it the humidity in KZN. Along with the warm weather, the fishing along the coastline has been exceptional. Anglers across all types of rock and surf fishing have been reaping the rewards, catching everything from Dorado to sharks, and plenty in between. The Kingfisher trading times for the festive season is as follows: Monday to Friday 8 to 5pm. Saturdays and Sundays 8 to 1pm. All public holidays 8 to 1pm. 16th December 24 all branches will be open from 8 to 1pm 25th December 24 all of the branches will be closed. 26th December 24 all branches will be open from 8 to 1pm except Tackle Centre NB: Wednesday the first of January 2025, all branches will be closed, except for…