Table of contents for 2025-07-02 in Post

THE movie, Who's My Daddy?, by Sans Moonsamy and Kerusha Kisten is now streaming on LekkerFlix.co.za. The film was originally released in 2022. “We had an awesome cinema run back then and the plan was always to go to streaming. We had long negotiations with other streamers, but we could not reach an agreement and now LekkerFlix came along and we felt it was the best fit. They are focused on local South Africa films, so it makes sense for us, as well as the timing,” said Moonsamy. The movie, produced by Sandman Productions, is about Prikesh, a down-on-his-luck comedian, who bands together with his agent and an aspiring journalist to find the identity of Prikesh’s father. The cast includes Sans Moonsamy, Nadia Jaftha, Alfred Ntombela, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and…

180g butter 3 eggs 2½ cups flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1½ tsp baking powder 1¼ cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence ¼ tsp salt 165g milk 1 cup mashed banana 160g chopped pecan nuts Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a cake tin with butter. Beat the butter, eggs and sugar. Mix the milk, vanilla essence and bicarbonate of soda. Add it to the butter mixture. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder, and mix with the butter mixture. Add the chopped pecan nuts and mashed banana. Pour into the baking tin and bake until a skewer inserted comes out clean.…

MALAYALAM actress Nimisha Sajayan’s Tamil film, DNA, has received critical-acclaim. Sajayan said she would like to give credit for her performance to the film’s director Nelson Venkatesan. She also thanked the parents of the infants who entrusted their children to the actors while shooting. “Those children were just 30 days and 48 days old. The parents of those infants trusted us. Thanks to those parents.” The movie is about a new mom with borderline personality disorder, who believes her baby was switched after birth. While others doubt her, her husband races to find their real child before time runs out.…

ACTOR Tiger Shroff has another treat in store in the form of his highly-awaited single, Bepanaah. Shroff took to his Instagram account and dropped the captivating teaser from the song. He has also lent his voice to Bepanaah. The Baaghi actor is seen flaunting his swift yet sizzling dance moves. He also sets the screen ablaze with his toned physique and stylish attire. He will be seen romancing actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia for the first time in Bepanaah. Earlier, Shroff teased the single by posting a sizzling motion poster on social media. “So excited to share my new single with you. Bepannah releases on July 2. Blessed to have worked with such amazing people on this one,” he captioned the post. Backed by DRJ Records, the music for the song…

The POST (June 25 – 29) must be commended for publishing the article “Community fights proposed ward boundary change in Chatsworth”, and the Editor’s View, “Tell the people why boundaries are being moved”. I am writing to express my support for the community and the civic team’s effort to fight the proposed ward boundary change. The launch “Stop the spilt” is gaining momentum against ward boundary changes by most residents. This would move Mobeni Heights and part of neighbouring Havenside into Lamontville. As a concerned resident, I believe it’s essential for the civic associations and residents to make representations to ensure our community’s voice is heard. It is important to note that boundaries are meant to protect, not divide. If there is a boundary change, disruption to the community…

I AM SURE their excellencies, the Honourable Executive Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, read your paper. So here goes. The eThekwini Municipality, for all its pretensions of being the “most liveable city”, has become an eyesore and a haven for gross incompetence. Let me state at the outset that this missive is directed to you as heads of the provincial and municipal services of which I, being a ratepayer, hold accountable. The last time I read the preamble to our Constitution, it started off with the solemn words “we the people...” When did you last visit Newlands West? Never. Of course the local government elections are scheduled to take place between November 2, 2026, and 30 January 2027. Travel to Newlands…

FOR the past four years, the residents of ward 48 in Phoenix have suffered grossly under the weight of an escalating water crisis. Daily, communities across Clayfield, Stonebridge, Rockford, Greenbury and Campbells Town are left without reliable access to water due to persistent pipe bursts, infrastructure failures and an appalling lack of response from eThekwini Water Services. What was once regarded as the basic right of every citizen – access to clean, running water – has now become a luxury in this ward. This crisis is not just a minor administrative hiccup. It is an utter disgrace. It is a collapse of leadership, a betrayal of public trust and a humanitarian catastrophe in the making. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Phoenix has raised alarm bells on countless occasions,…

PENSIONERS are facing significant challenges after their South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants were suspended in June, leaving them struggling to make ends meet and navigating the bureaucratic hurdles to reinstate their financial support. They said they are now faced with another month of struggles to pay their growing bills and to put food on the table for their families. A 65-year-old pensioner from Phoenix said she had been battling for the past month to get her grant reinstated. “My husband, who is 69 years old, and I both receive a grant. However, he received his and I did not in June. When I enquired at the Sassa office, I was told that it was suspended because I had additional income coming into my account. “I tried to explain…

HAVING been at the helm in the fight for peace and social justice in South Africa, Ela Gandhi’s journey serves as an enduring reminder of the power of personal commitment to social change and the profound impact of dedicated activism. Childhood Gandhi, who celebrated her 85th birthday yesterday (Tuesday), said her journey to becoming a peace activist, social worker and later a parliamentarian, started from humble beginnings. She grew up in the Phoenix Settlement in Inanda, which was established by her grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. He initially came to South Africa to work on a legal case for a merchant in 1893. Ela Gandhi, the youngest of three children, was born on July 1, 1940. She said her father, Manilal, uncle Harilal, and grandmother, Kasturba Gandhi, joined her grandfather in South…

KAJOL shines in Maa, a riveting mythological horror that explores the depths of maternal love and fury. The movie tells the story of Ambika, who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter, Shweta, from a demonic curse that has been terrorising the village of Chandarpur. The film begins with a chilling ritual in Chandarpur, where a woman gives birth to twins, and the female child is brutally sacrificed to the monstrous deity, Amsaja. Forty years later, Ambika and her husband, Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), return to Chandarpur after his father's passing, unaware of the dark secrets that await them. As strange and terrifying events unfold, Ambika must tap into her inner strength and maternal instincts to save her daughter. Kajol delivers a standout performance as Ambika, bringing depth and…

250g butter 1 cup castor sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla essence ¼ cup oil 1 cup coconut 3 tbs cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 3 cups flour 2 or 3 slabs of melted Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate Cream the butter and sugar well. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence. Add the oil, coconut and cocoa powder, and beat again. Add the sifted flour and baking powder to form a soft but firm dough. Press into a greased oven tray and bake at 160°C for 30 to 35 minutes. Melt three Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates and spread them over the biscuits after removing them from the oven. Sprinkle with Flake. Cut into squares while still hot.…

ACTOR Kartik Aaryan seems to be on a roll. After wrapping up the Croatia schedule for Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, his latest Instagram post has raised speculation about his next project. Aaryan posted a picture in his famous Ruhi Baba avatar from the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. “I Labubu you,” he captioned the post. This could be a hint about the next instalment – Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4. However, no official announcement has been made. Aaryan replaced Akshay Kumar in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and has since been the face of the series. Both Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 were well received by the audience. He is busy with Karan Johar’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, where he will romance Ananya Panday. Aaryan recently…

ACTRESS Alia Bhatt, who attended the re-release event of Umrao Jaan, dedicated a post to veteran diva Rekha. She said: “There never was, is or will ever be another like you.” Bhatt took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures and clips from the event. In one image, she posed for pictures with Rekha, who leaned on her. Talking about the re-release of Umrao Jaan, film-maker Muzaffar Ali said the film had been restored in 4K resolution. The big-screen revival began on Friday. Bhatt also showcased a limited- edition coffee table book that offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the making of Umrao Jaan. It features never- before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry and personal anecdotes from the set. The book is a collector’s item and a reflective…

JOIN the excitement at the 129th Hollywoodbets Durban July this Saturday, featuring thrilling horse racing, top performances by South African artists, and a spectacular grandstand light show. An expected crowd of 45 000 fans will descend on Greyville Racecourse for the R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Gates open at 10am and a full day of action-packed quality horse racing and high-class entertainment will continue into the evening under the dazzling new lights which have been installed at the city track. To celebrate the introduction of the new floodlights, a dazzling grandstand light show, the first of its kind in South Africa, will follow the running of the last of 12 races which is due at 7.40pm. Several of South Africa’s headline artists, including Lira and Mafikizolo, will perform on the Pulse…

CULTURAL leaders have expressed concern and rallied support for Southside FM, a station facing financial challenges, as they discuss strategies for its future sustainability. Selvan Naidoo, director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, said the station had consistently failed to meet the needs of the people it was meant to serve. “It is sad that despite its incredible potential, SouthsideFM has failed to meet the needs of the majority Dravidian Indian African Diaspora living in South Africa. “Bereft of a strategic vision to grow the station beyond a fiefdom of egoistic leadership, Southside FM has consistently failed to meet the needs of the people it was meant to serve. It is welcoming to see its present board reaching out to the community to develop a vision and mission that will help…

THE Puntans Hill Cricket Club, which was situated near Morningside in Durban, had a deep-rooted history with sport. The club started in 1951, which, at the time, mostly comprised one large extended family with the surname Naidoo. Kevin Naidoo, 58, a retired account manager whose dad and uncle played for the club, said Indians predominantly lived in the area; and his Naidoo forebears were from Hyderabad in India. Kevin, who was born and raised on Silver Willow Road in Puntans Hill, recalled: “My dad, Johnny Naidoo, and uncles, Bobby and Jackie Naidoo, as well as our relatives were part of the Puntans Hill Cricket Club. I followed in my family’s footsteps much later and played league cricket for Crimson Cricket Club for five years until I retired from the…

MARRIAGE between Indian indentured migrants and indigenous women in colonial South Africa has never been the subject of a historical study. Equally understudied are the children born of these mixed unions that challenge racial categorisation and identity in South Africa. In the colonial archive exist understudied examples of intercaste, interracial and interreligious unions. An intriguing case of such a union, mined from the Natal Native Court Archives files, found Nomgcibelo Hlengwa guilty of murder. Nora Zwane, the daughter of Hlengwa, resided in the Sawoti Police District of Umkomaas. Nora was estranged from her husband, living apart for more than six months. In her testimony, Nora related that she gave birth to a female child in March 1953, revealing that this was an illegitimate child and that the father was an…

THE largely peace-loving community of Chatsworth has become a sitting duck for violent attacks on residents by criminal elements from neighbouring informal settlements. While high poverty and unemployment levels contribute to criminality, poor policing is also to blame for the increasing number of violent attacks on residents. The SAPS must allocate more resources in Chatsworth and neighbouring suburbs. On Monday Jeeva Pillay, 63, died after being shot by an armed robber at the gate of his house. Last week Jayce Naicker, 45, was shot dead while delivering food to a family. Pillay was returning home from the temple when he was confronted by an armed robber wanting to gain entry to the house. The robber fired several shots, fatally wounding Pillay and his pet dog. Naicker, a father of three,…

IT IS surprising that despite their historical knowledge and the extent to which the tenets of the Freedom Charter are being applied by the ANC, Professor Saleem Badat, Selvan Naidoo and Kiru Naidoo (the POST, June 25 – 29) have failed to recognise the charter for what it is – a blueprint for communist hegemony. Selvan and Kiru are correct in stating that the charter is “no mere political manifesto” and that it is “subversive.” But Professor Badat is very much deceived when he says it is “not a socialist programme”. Drafted by communists Joe Slovo, Ben Turok, Lionel Bernstein and Ruth First its content reflects communist ideology and aspirations in every respect. The populist appeal of the charter promising “a democratic state based on the will of the people”…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has once again shown South Africans that political survival – not principle – is at the core of its decisions. The recent sacking of Andrew Whitfield from the position of deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has exposed the glaring contradictions and moral gymnastics the DA is willing to perform to remain in power. Let’s be clear: Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers are appointed by the president. This is not up for debate; it is a constitutional fact. Yet, under this loose, hastily stitched-together arrangement called the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), we have seen members from different political parties, including the DA, acting as if they are accountable to their party first, and to the president second. The case…

As anticipation builds around the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, local racegoers are ready to showcase their interpretations of this year’s theme, “Marvels of Mzansi”. The annual racing event will take place at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. l Naliyani Uma Govender, an entrepreneur, model and reality TV personality, said her outfit was inspired by South Africa’s national treasures. “Without giving too much away before the big reveal, I can say it is a piece of wearable art that pays homage to both my heritage and the natural beauty of our country.” Govender, who is also an ambassador for the event, said she started planning her outfit about a month ago. “I sat down with my team and discussed the theme. I didn’t want to just dress to impress. I wanted…

IN AN age where the world moves at an unrelenting pace, where screens compete for attention, and tradition risks being drowned in noise, Swaranjali, a music concert, stands tall. “It is not merely a music concert, but a heartfelt movement to preserve and nurture the soul of Indian performing arts in South Africa,” said the show’s producer and director, Shri Manesh Maharaj of the Kala Darshan – Institute of Classical Music and Dance. “Rooted in the classical yet alive in the contemporary dance, Swaranjali is a cultural landmark. “It is a celebration of the rich, ancient traditions of Indian music, brought to life by passionate artists and ardent patrons. But more than performance, it has purpose, to carry forward our artistic legacy with dignity and devotion. “For many, music is…

Nizharkudai, which translates to “shade” is a movie for the mind and soul. We are blessed to have Devayani (playing Jothi) make her way back into the industry alongside Vijjith Shivashanmugam (Niranjan) and Kanmani Manoharan (Lancy). The movie is centered around a little girl named Nila whose parents are Niranjan and Lancy. They are career-driven and one day elope due to their families having different religious beliefs. Being working-class parents with a dream of relocating to America, they are in need of a nanny for Nila. They then meet Jothi, who lives in a retirement home. Her family died in the Sri Lankan war, and she now finds comfort in caring for the elderly. Jothi finds peace looking after Nila. Soon afterward, she discovers that Niranjan and Lancy, due…

store-bought puff pastry 1 box instant vanilla pudding 250ml fresh cream 1 tbs sifted icing sugar Follow the instructions on the instant pudding box. Use ½ of the fresh cream and mix in using a spatula. Set aside. Unwrap the pastry and cut it into three to four thick strips. Bake at 180°C until done. Cool completely, then spread the pudding on each layer, including the top. Whip the balance of fresh cream and spread it over. Sprinkle with chocolate or Flake.…

THE prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscar Awards each year, has extended an invitation to Kamal Haasan, one of Indian cinema’s iconic stars. The academy extended invitations to 534 artists and executives, who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said: “We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists and professionals to join the academy. “Through their commitment to film-making and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global film-making community.” Actor and producer Haasan’s name appeared on the list under the section for actors. The academy listed his films Vikram and Nayakan next to his name. Haasan is the second Indian…

RESIDENTS of Phoenix are voicing their frustrations over a prolonged water crisis, highlighting the impact on daily life and calling for urgent action from local authorities. Residents and community leaders have said that for the past four years, Ward 48 in Phoenix have suffered with a water crisis. Areas such as Clayfield, Stonebridge, Rockford, Greenbury and Campbells Town are without water daily and are often told that it is due to a burst pipe or the reservoir being empty. Sally Manoojahdass, a concerned resident and community activist said they were fed up with the lack of responsibility by the eThekwini Municipality for the water crisis. “We have been facing water issues for a few years now. I live in Westham and we do not have water on most days. The…

DUE to the “lack of action” to restore stolen and damaged lighting along Higginson Highway, the Chatsworth and District Civic Federation will bring court action to compel the eThekwini Municipality to provide adequate lighting. Rocky Naidoo, chairperson of the federation, said there was a drastic increase in accidents along the highway. “Higginson Highway has become a road to hell. The highway has been in darkness from the Mobeni Heights Cemetery to Mariannhill for the last 10 years, and despite our calls for the restoration of the lights, nothing has been done. “It is an absolute nightmare to drive along the highway with accidents every day, robberies and hijackings. Over the last 10 months, there were hundreds of lives lost and hundreds of people injured,” Naidoo added. He said last Saturday…

SCHOOL violence is not a phenomenon that is only prevalent in South Africa. It is, in fact, a problem that almost all schooling systems across the world have to deal with. The recent fatal stabbing of a Grade 11 pupil at Lesedi Secondary School, in Gauteng, by a fellow pupil, is yet another instance which suggests that there is a serious need to rethink the current anti-violence school policy. What is becoming increasingly clear is that conventional disciplinary and security approaches have limited effectiveness in sustaining long-term change and that there is indeed a need for alternative ways of preventing violence in South African schools. Research on violence in South Africa reveals that there is a strong correlation between levels of violence, and levels of poverty and unemployment. Contexts Where…

WE ARE a small community. In fact, we are the smallest of the four race groups in South Africa. With a population of 1.3 million we make up just 2.6% of the country’s total population of over 63 million people. Worldwide, we rank eighth in the overseas Indian diaspora. Despite our small size, there are so many murders in our community. Here, I am not referring to killings committed by other race groups but by our own kind. It is Indian on Indian. Every week the POST reports on several murders committed in our community by Indians and involving family members. There have been reports of son against father, mother or granny, brother against brother, husband against wife, boyfriend against girlfriend and so on. One of the most gruesome…

THE brutal crime situation in KZN and the country at large is escalating out of control. The horrific nature of these senseless murders grimly confirm that we have no respect for human life. Lives do not matter. Sadly, we are enmeshed in a culture of death which now involves the killing of spouses, raping of women and children and the killing of cops. These savages have created a wound in our society and the infection continues to weaken us. With each breaking news report of brutal murders we are again jolted and dismayed. Certainly, all of us who have lost loved ones under brutal circumstances, deserve our heartfelt compassion. Human life is sacred. Whoever takes it wantonly thus strikes out against not just his victim, but against every moral foundation…

TO THE KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and eThekwini city manager Musa Mbele, is there any pride left in officialdom as incompetency and thuggery continue to thrive in KZN? The eThekwini Municipality, for all its pretensions of being the “most liveable city” has become an eyesore and a haven for gross incompetence. Let me state at the outset that this missive is directed to you gentlemen as head honchos of the provincial and municipal services of which the ratepayer is liable for as the payer. Firstly, the billing system for utilities of eThekwini borders on the diabolical, and dare I say, on the roguery of incompetence. Countless residents have had to contend with water bills that have gone beyond the pale. Notwithstanding the increase in tariffs, many have had to endure…

A FAMILY vacation turned tragic as Kevin and Emily Govender lost their lives in a car accident while travelling to Phoenix to arrange a funeral for a loved one. This week their grief-stricken family spoke on their loss and the support they have received during this difficult time. Kevin, 50, and his daughter, Emily, 23, were travelling to Durban from Johannesburg, after his (Kevin’s) father, Mannie Govender, 82, died while on holiday at Drakensberg. The accident took place near Van Reenen’s Pass, while they were travelling along the N3 from Johannesburg to Phoenix to arrange his dad's funeral. Kevin’s wife, Vani and younger daughter, Erin, are in a critical condition in hospital. A joint funeral was held on June 27 for all three family members at the Faith Revival Church…

BEING a volunteer in the child welfare movement for many years teaches one many things – the most important of which is the primacy of family values in a civilised society. The family is the traditional unit of socialisation. It is where we assume an identity, where we learn our values, where we grapple with the moral and ethical contradictions of what we are taught, where we seek comfort and support, and learn coping mechanisms and life skills that remain with us for life. This is complemented by schools, churches, peer groups, universities and other agencies. In what is often considered a conservative view in contemporary times, many of us still believe that children need to be reared by mummy and daddy in the same home, being physically and emotionally…

Thank You for Celebrating Our Birthday with Us! To all our amazing clients, supporters, and fans – thank you for making our birthday celebration this past weekend truly unforgettable! Your presence, well wishes, and continued support mean the world to us. Whether you joined in person, sent a message, or cheered us on from afar, we felt the love and are incredibly grateful to have such a fantastic community behind us. Here’s to many more years of growing, connecting, and celebrating together! South Coach fishing frenzy: Action heats up this weekend The South Coast is experiencing one of the most electrifying fishing weekends in recent memory – and anglers are flocking to the shoreline from Margate to Port Edward to get in on the action. Shad: Fierce and unstoppable –…

Young sprint star Bayanda Walaza will lead the South African charge at the 2025 CAA African Under-18 and Under-20 Championships from July 16-20 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The team includes 14 girls in the U18 division and 19 women in the U20 age group, as well as 17 U18 boys and 20 U20 men. The world-class squad is spearheaded by U20 world 100m and 200m champion Walaza, who will compete in the junior men’s 100m event. Walaza broke the South African U20 100m record in Zagreb, Croatia, on May 24. His time of 9.94 seconds was also just 0.03 seconds off the U20 world record held by Botswana’s Olympic gold medallist Letsile Tebogo. The 19-year-old SA sprint sensation was also a key part of the SA 4X100m relay team that stormed…